Proteins are one of the basic building blocks of every cell. They are indispensable in nutrition, because they restore cells, build them and help with many processes in the body. Proteins are also an essential component of nutrition. They are a macronutrient that we need. As such, they should not be excluded from the diet along with carbohydrates and fats. We need protein to keep the body alive and in good he alth, according to livescience.com.
Good sources of protein include meat, poultry, seafood, fish, eggs, legumes, nuts, seeds. Proteins help us feel full for a long time. They also provide energy and valuable amino acids. Our body can synthesize most amino acids on its own, but some protein sources contain all 9 essential amino acids. They are not produced in the body, but must be obtained from food.
The best sources of essential amino acids are meat, dairy products, quinoa, soy. The USDA, as cited by he althdigest.com, recommends that daily protein intake should be between 10 and 35% of total caloric intake.
But can you overdo it with protein? What happens in the body if you eat too much protein?
One of the biggest benefits of high protein diets is that it increases muscle mass and speeds up metabolism. This leads to weight loss, mostly through the reduction of adipose tissue. It sounds tempting to follow a diet that is higher in protein because it promises good results in both fat loss and muscle gain.
Regular exercisers and sportspeople also emphasize protein to build and repair muscle after exercise.
But when you focus on one of the macronutrients, you run the risk of overdoing it. According to the Mayo Clinic, when you focus primarily on protein, you risk not getting enough of the other essential nutrients-carbohydrates, fats, fiber. Nutritional deficiencies can lead to he alth problems, but too much of some protein sources can also be a he alth problem.
If you consume meat, eggs, dairy products more than necessary, this can increase cardiovascular risk, create conditions for kidney diseases. Proteins are filtered through the kidneys, which means that excess amounts of protein can overload them, making it difficult for them to remove waste elements from the body.
Excessive consumption of meat, full-fat dairy products and eggs can increase cholesterol, blood pressure, general inflammation in the body, which can worsen the condition of the cardiovascular system.
According to livescience.com, in order for your diet and eating habits to be safe and he althy, you should consult a nutritionist or doctor. Specialists can help you navigate the principles of proper and balanced nutrition.
