Why protein is so important in the diet!

I think we as a society don't realize how important protein actually is and how much of it we need on a daily basis. I also know that many people get their protein from different foods and everyone has their opinions on what is best for their body. The key distinction is "their body" and everyone is different in what balances them. I hate when someone shames others when they say what protein they feel works best for their body.

Now the different types of protein are animal and plant sources:

Animal protein, which has the highest and best portions of essential amino acids, are found in eggs, fish, shellfish, meat, and dairy. The obvious choice for these are organic, grass fed, and free range. Plant protein do not contain all the essential amino acids in one food, but you can always incorporate what you don't get with other products. They just naturally contain less levels of protein so are just incomplete protein.

Now protein is essential for our bodies because it is the structure of our body and provides collagen and keratin in the skin, connective tissues, and muscles. It also regulates body function and helps with our hormones as well, and if you get good quality protein it can keep you satisfied much longer. The protein absorption that is happening in our bodies is sometimes not being metabolized the way it can benefit us when eating only certain proteins. In order for the body to make a particular protein, all of the amino acids need to be present and if some are missing then the protein can't be made. They are then converted to fats or carbohydrates, or used for energy.

The meat and poultry that are grass-fed have more omega-3 fats than the grain fed ones. What should always be avoided are the very processed meats like deli meats and pre-packaged meats which have a lot of additives and preservatives. Fish that are wild caught also have omega-3's and should be eaten over the farm-raised fish because they're not eating the aquatic plants in the ocean and instead are eating soy pellets or corn. They also are injected with antibiotics and fed synthetic dyes. Dairy products can be medicine or poison depending on the person. Dairy is known to be inflammatory to some and because of that I usually suggest my clients to hold off until we can get their food sensitivity test back. Everyone should do their best to avoid processed and pasteurized milk and cheese. If someone is reactive to gluten, because the milk proteins commonly cross react to gluten, then they are most likely reactive to dairy as well. If in the process of healing your gut, it may be best to stop dairy. Eggs are a great source of protein as well as lutein, zeaxanthin, choline, selenium, phosphorous, vitamin A, D, and B. Eggs can sometimes be inflammatory for some especially the whites. If you're dealing with an autoimmune disease or leaky gut it may be in your best interest to just avoid them all together or until you take a food sensitivity test. Sadly, I am one of those who I cannot have egg whites because that was my favorite breakfast. But for the most part it's a great source of protein and has many benefits to them. Now soybeans do contain protein, but they also have high levels of phytoestrogens which disrupt your endocrine system. If your going to eat them they are best eaten fermented like miso, natto, tempeh, but this doesn't strip the phytoestrogens.

So as we now know there all many sources of proteins and you have to push through all the noise to establish what proteins you should incorporate into your diet. Be your own health advocate and find what works for you everyone is different and I know first hand what works for me doesn't work for my husband.

If you’re ready to become you’re own health advocate and would like to have more support on getting control of your diet or what is going to work for your specific body. Make a consultation to start your journey now. https://calendly.com/inflammationalleviation/free-discovery-call