Images of “protein powder” containers with accomplished bodybuilders on their labels help inform consumers that protein is a crucial macronutrient in strength training success. But sometimes the fact that protein is an important part for everyone, no matter the lifestyle, is lost in this protein-bodybuilding link. Even those that live sedentary lives should make sure that their protein intake is complete and balanced.

The significance of protein in diet is undeniable. Responsible for creating digestive enzymes, transporting other vitamins and nutrients, building and repairing body tissue, protein also helps keep harmful bacteria at bay [i]. These are bodily system functions that all people need – not just bodybuilders and other athletes.

Eating the appropriate composition of protein in meals is, however, proving to be an unusually tough challenge for many Americans. Many sources are not considered complete to begin with because they lack a few of the required amino acids needed to build newer proteins. You can get these incomplete proteins from fruit, grain, vegetable, and nut sources [ii]. However, meats and dairy products that are alternatives to those incomplete proteins, also have their own dietary limitations and challenges.

With respect to those meat-based sources of complete protein, the primary challenge would be that they are not an option for vegetarians. There are roughly 6 million adult vegetarians in th US, even though the precise quantity is quite tough to pinpoint accurately, and that number is growing yearly. So that means, 6 million adult Americans do not have access to complete protein via meat sources.

The second problem is that many meat and dairy-based meals in the US are excessively high in saturated fat, calories, sodium, and other unhealthy elements. While those that frequent fast food restaurants for their source of complete protein might not suffer from protein deficiency, a disconcerting number of. This includes: obesity, clogged arteries, high blood pressure, and other adverse consequences what medical specialists call the “social irresponsibility” of the fast food industry [iv].

Identifying a protein source that’s both healthy and complete is the clear challenge that is laid down for nutritional experts. When you do not find a appropriate protein source, the results may vary from: underperforming digestive systems, chemical imbalances, to the harmful effects of a medical condition referred to as “Kwashiorkor”. More frequent in developing nations but with reported incidinces in the US, Kwashiorkor occurs in extreme protein-deficiency conditions when the body cannibalizes itself in a desperate attempt to find a source of protein.

Several attempts have been made to find the ideal complete protein source: one that is wholesome, accessible to all eaters, and convenient. Indeed, of particular significance is the final criterion of convenience because it has become obvious that 21st century Americans have very limited time to eat as compared to before.

Some of the efforts to find the ideal complete source of protein date back to at least a few generations. Accepted by some people as a complete protein source, the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich, has also been rejected by many. And though peanut butter does acquit itself as a good protein source, the sodium content of many grocery store peanut butter brands and the high levels of carbohydrates and fats of the typical “PB&J on white” prevents it from being an ideal alternative[v].

Other suggested solutions are pretty recent inventions. This includes a wide selection of nutritional powders and “energy” bars which may be found in most health food outlets, as well as in an rising number of grocery stores. With respect to protein powders, while some of them do provide a decent source of protein, it is simply not a convenient source for many people. And while energy bars may be convenient, they’ve also been criticized because of their excessive levels of calorie and carbohydrates.

Another answer – and one that’s garnering some serious acclaim from within the health community – is fluid nutritional supplements which can be simple to transport, and offer a complete protein source appropriate for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike [1]. Additionally, these products are designed specifically to be low in calories, which make them diet friendly, and they also offer added nutrients and vitamins that the body needs aside from complete protein.

These pioneering and comprehensive protein products are a positive development in a nutritional sector that has been muddled with misinformation. Regrettably, many so-called energy bars and protein powders are laden with calories and carbohydrates. Some of them – energy bars in particular – don’t even have enough protein, which is a really glaring omission considering the category that they are in, and most consumers don’t even understand this as they ingest these products.

The good thing is that, as stated earlier, there are scientifically engineered products available on the market that provide complete protein and nutrition that consumers deserve after they purchase something labeled as “nutritional supplement.”

[1] These products use “Actinase” protein, which is derived from isolated animal sources that do not contain the lactose and fat normally associated with animal-based proteins.

References

[i] Source: “The Importance of Protein”. OhioHealth. http://www.ohiohealth.com/facilities/mcconnell/weightmanage/ details/protein.htm

[ii] Source: “Protein: Moving Closer to Center Stage”. Harvard School of Public Health. http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/protein.html

[iii] Source: “How Many Vegetarians are There? A 2003 National Harris Interactive Survey Question Sponsored by The Vegetarian Resource Group”. Vegetarian Journal. http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FDE/is_3_22/ai_106422316

[iv] Source: “Supersized Nation: Bigger Burgers Still Rule”. WebMD. http://my.webmd.com/content/article/98/104952.htm?action=related_link

[v] Source: “How Nutritious is a PB&J?”. About. http://nutrition.about.com/od/nutritionforchildren/a/pbj.html

Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey protein supplements for immunodeficiency patients. You can learn more at Protica Research – Copyright

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