Benefits of Protein and
The Enormous
Protein Functions!
The benefits of protein are vast as it is literally the second most important element in your body and there are protein functions that must go on in every cell of your body.
It is your Rock - if you will!
And it has been estimated that the human body may have the ability to generate about 2 million different types of proteins - which is astounding!
The benefits of protein provide the amino acids that help to maintain your tissues and to make new proteins.
Amino acids are very important for the creation of every new cell in your body and to prevent protein deficiency symptoms - which are not very common in America unless you are following a very deficient type of diet.
Actually, the controversy in America today is - Are we getting too much protein in our diets? This has been fueled by Vegan Mania! However, based on some truth.
What are Some Protein Functions?
Protein functions as a "Macro-nutrient" which means that your body will need a good amount of this nutrient because protein is an important component of every cell in your body.
The benefits of protein include being important building blocks of your bones, muscles, hair, skin, nails and blood. And your body also uses protein to make its enzymes, hormones, antibodies, and neurotransmitters.
This Macro-nutrient repairs and maintains every cell in your body.
The benefits of protein also control many of the important processes related to your metabolism, body development, healing of wounds, and replenishment of lost blood.
The most important thing to remember about the benefits of protein - is that it supplies the building blocks called amino acids.
Amino acids are needed
by your body to make the numerous types of proteins which are necessary for the growth of your body, mind, and spirit.
Healthy Protein Foods contain all of the essential amino acids and will be considered a complete protein source.
There are 9 essential amino acids needed by adults and one more for infants, growing children, and special circumstances.
And these must be supplied by your diet every day!
Protein Deficiency Symptoms
In developed countries such as the USA, a protein deficiency is not that common unless you are following a vegan or strict vegetarian diet. Although, many a vegan will swear that they are not protein deficient.
In less developed countries, a protein deficiency called Kwashiorkor Disease is prevalent particularly in children.
And children with this disease show an array of symptoms that are very similar to the usual protein deficiency symptoms.
Common Protein Deficiency Symptoms
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Are We Getting Too Much Protein?
The benefits of protein are numerous, but consuming too much protein beyond the "academic" requirements of your body can create problems.
Or so, we are being led to believe.
Your personal need for protein will actually depend on your individual circumstances and needs.
And the following has lead to much confusion - that a diet in which too much protein makes up your caloric intake will cause a build up of Ketones in your bloodstream and put you into Ketosis.
This is very misleading!
Diabetic Ketosis
You see Ketosis is what happens when your body starts to burn fatty acids for fuel instead of glucose. And when you have Diabetes - you go into what is called KetoAcidosis.
When there's too much glucose in your bloodstream because of a Diabetic episode (or lack of insulin) and your cells are not getting any glucose for energy - your liver will release enzymes that attack amino acids and try to convert them into glucose.
Ketones will also be manufactured by your liver. And your kidneys will try to rid your body of this type of acidic glucose and ketone.
You will also lose a significant amount of water, electrolytes, and become dehydrated. This dehydration can make you feel weak, dizzy, and gives you bad breath.
This is a disorder that was brought on by consuming too many carbohydrates that lead to Diabetes which lead to the absence of insulin. And your body will not be able to handle too much protein without going into Ketoacidosis!
Nutritional Ketosis
On the flip side, too much protein will take you out of Ketosis on a Keto Diet or Ketogenic Diet.
Nutritional Ketosis is a beneficial type of Ketosis and is making quite a name for itself these days with the popularity of the Keto Diet.
Nutritional Ketosis is a state where your body has switched to burning fat for fuel instead of burning carbohydrates.
The process of creating Ketones is called Ketogenesis. This is where Ketones have replaced glucose as the primary fuel for your body.
Ketones are a more Ancient or dormant type of "program" that you can switch to for fuel. Kind of like switching from gasoline to diesel to fuel your car.
What is the Keto Diet?
The Keto diet is actually higher in fat, moderate in protein, and lower in carbohydrate. And it may be a more energy efficient type of diet compared to the lower in fat and higher in carb's diet.
It is known to help Pre Diabetics, Inflammation, Cancer, Diabetes, Weight Loss, Epilepsy, and Heart Disease.
Being Keto-adapted means that you have transitioned from a glucose metabolism to a fatty acid metabolism. This produces Ketones from fatty acids which are small molecules used as a source of energy.
The Keto diet is primarily focused on the consumption of healthy fats.
However, because of the benefits of protein, you will consume a decent amount of protein on this diet - but not too much protein which will take you out of Nutritional Ketosis!
And you won't consume more than 50 grams of carbohydrate in order to stay in Ketosis as well.
I recommend that you get some professional advice before embarking on the Keto diet because it will take some knowledge and will power to be successful as there will be a withdrawal period that lasts for a couple of weeks or so.
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