Everyone seems to be utterly obsessed with protein. We may be focusing on the wrong problem.
It's easy to get caught up in the latest health trends and buzzwords, such as protein, keto, and superfoods. While it's important to stay informed about nutrition, it's also important to remember the basics - like fiber. Unfortunately, despite its many health benefits, fiber is often overlooked in favor of other nutrients. That's not to say that protein isn't essential, but in this article, we'll discuss this macronutrtient through the lens of heart disease reversal.
What is protein and why do we need it? Is becoming deficient as easy as people make it sound
Protein has many important functions in our body, including building and repairing muscles, bones, and skin, as well as making enzymes, hormones, and other necessary molecules.
Protein is an essential macronutrient that is necessary for the growth, repair, and maintenance of our body's tissues. It is made up of smaller units called amino acids, which are linked together like beads on a string. There are 20 different amino acids that can be combined in different ways to form different proteins. Protein has many important functions in our body, including building and repairing muscles, bones, and skin, as well as making enzymes, hormones, and other necessary molecules. It is also important for our immune system, helping to fight off infections and diseases. Overall, protein is an important nutrient that plays many vital roles in our body, and incorporating a variety of protein-rich foods into our diet can help to support our overall health and well-being.
However, it is worth noting that there has been a recent trend of people consuming excessive amounts of protein. While protein is an essential part of any healthy diet, overconsumption can lead to negative health consequences. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of your protein sources, particularly to ensure that the protein is not accompanied by heart disease-linked saturated fat. It is also important to remember that this trend is primarily seen in countries with access to an abundance of food, which also happen to be the countries where coronary artery disease is most prevalent. Protein deficiency is typically only a problem if an individual is malnourished, or has a health condition that influences their ability to absorb macronutrients via diet. The good news is, we can choose protein sources that not only nourish us, but also support our heart health.
This is where an under-looked carb, fiber, comes in. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that our bodies cannot digest. Instead, it passes through our digestive system mostly intact, providing numerous health benefits along the way. One of the most well-known benefits of fiber is its ability to promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation. But that's not all - fiber can also help lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of heart disease, and even promote weight loss. There are countless foods that contain both fiber and protein, and studies have pointed to the benefits of consuming a combination of these health-promoting foods.
In conclusion, protein is an important macronutrient, but it is imperative that we focus on quality over quantity of protein in healthy individuals. Typically, mildly active individuals who consume an adequate amount of calories in a day do receive enough protein from their diets. If you are more active, or have a health condition that influences your ability to process certain foods, this is something your team of physicians and health coaches at Treeo can help you with. As a member, we take a look at your independent dietary patterns, health history, and other social determinants of health to ensure that you are consuming the best foods possible. Sign up by completing our health quiz here or email us to learn more!
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