Power of Protein

Proteins Are A Vital Part Of Our Diet

A balanced diet, usually, consists of proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins. Meat is the most popular protein, but this does not mean that it is the only one that should be given a priority. There are different classes of proteins all obtained from different sources. Choosing a wide range of foods rich in proteins while paying attention to cholesterol and fat intake are crucial elements of healthy living. Proteins are present in the skin, muscles, bones and other organ tissues. They are also present in the hemoglobin of red blood cells that transports oxygen. Enzymes and hormones are either protein or have a protein component and are essential for chemical reactions in the body.

Role of Proteins in the Body

Proteins being nutritious to the body perform several important functions. A balanced diet with sufficient protein content is necessary in building, maintaining and repairing cells and tissues of the body. Structural components of the body such as the skin, muscles, bones, and organs are largely made up of proteins. Several enzymes and hormones responsible in catalyzing and regulation chemical reactions and body processes are protein in nature. Proteins are also responsible in making antibodies of the immune system that help in fighting diseases. Sometimes when there are not enough carbohydrates and lipids in the body due to starving, proteins are broken down to supply energy for the body.

Healthy Sources of Proteins

Power Of Protein In Gluten Free Beef Jerky

Power Of Protein In Jerky

Low-fat foods are recommended as the best sources of proteins. There are a number of healthy protein sources such as nuts, beans, beef jerky, meat, fish, and dairy products with low-fat content. These sources are beneficial as they also supply you with calcium. Eggs are considered to be the ultimate source of proteins. However, egg yolk contains a high content of cholesterol and fat. Egg white is enough to provide enough proteins that you need in the body. This is why it is advised not to take more than two eggs per week. Other good sources of proteins include lentils, kidney, dried peas, cheese, yoghurt, whole grains and peanut butter. For instance, one cup of milk contains 8 grams of protein while one cup of beans provides 16 grams of protein.

Recommended Protein Content in the Diet

A healthy adult needs to consume a minimum of 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. This translates to 8 grams of protein consumption for every 20 pounds of body weight. This rate will prevent your body from breaking down other tissues without replacement. Excessive consumption of proteins leads to excessive gain in body weight that leads to other complications such as obesity and kidney diseases. Choose My Plate is a good source to go to for information on healthy eating and protein. Low protein content in the body results in a weakened immune system, fatigue and physical weakness due to loss of muscle mass.

The power of proteins in the body can, therefore, not be understated. Foods rich in proteins should form the integral part of a healthy diet. They should however be taken in moderation with other classes of food, carbohydrates and lipids, to ensure a balanced diet is consumed at every meal.

Prevent Colon Cancer

Diets To Help Prevent Colon Cancer

 

Fruits and Vegetables

Prevent Colon Cancer – Fruits and Vegetables

Even if no single type of cancer is entirely preventable, the risk of colon cancer can be lowered by regularly exercising and eating a healthy diet. Screening can begin at the age of fifty for people with an average risk of developing colon cancer. Those, with a high risk, whose family has a history of colon cancer, may start colon cancer screening earlier. American, Indians and African-Americans should consider screening for colon cancer as early as the age of 45. Diet has been known to have an influence on the general well-being of an individual as far as health is concerned. Diet should be considered to ensure the risk of colon cancer is minimized as much as possible.

Fruits and Vegetables HelpĀ Prevent Colon Cancer

Fruits and vegetables contain a wide range of substances known to be beneficial to the health and wellness of an individual. These nutrients include vitamin C, vitamin E, dietary fiber and carotenoids. Complex plant components are also present like phytochemicals such as flavonoids. A number of phytochemicals and vitamins are known to be antioxidants. They destroy harmful free-radicals present in the body that cause diseases. Fruits and vegetables are beneficial to the body not only due to their different components, but also the interactions resulting from these components. This is the reason dietary supplements that contain isolated minerals or vitamins are not as beneficial as the fruits and vegetables themselves. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables ensures that you get essential vitamins and minerals for good health.

Fiber Content
You should opt for foods that have high fiber content. A diet rich in fiber is known to reduce the risk of constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and aids in combating colon cancer. Fiber feeds bacteria present in the intestines and nourishes cells of the large intestine. This is believed to promote healing and reduces development of colon cancer. Foods with insoluble fiber such as wheat bran and some vegetables do not feed bacteria well. Nonetheless, they are helpful in deactivating toxins in the large intestines. A high intake of such high fiber content foods reduces the risk of developing colon cancer. It is recommended for women to eat 25g of fiber per day and men 30g.

Reduce Alcohol Consumption and Smoking
If you choose to drink, reduce the amount you consume per day. For women, it is recommended not to have more than one drink each day; men should take less than two. Smoking also increases chances of developing other types of cancer such as lung cancer. If possible, you should quit drinking and smoking to live a healthy life.

Seek Advise From A Doctor And Dietitian

Consumption of red meat should be avoided as much as possible. You can opt for fleshy foods such as fish that are very nutritious. Avoid eating too much of processed and less cured meats such as ham, bacon and sausages. Foods rich in calcium should be incorporated into the diet such as milk and yogurt. Above all, you need to visit your dietitian for advice on foods that are beneficial in preventing colon cancer. There are many healthy foods a person can eat but your doctor or dietitian are the people you should seek out for advise. This article is for informational purposes only and not replace advise of your doctor. He may be able to help you prevent colon cancer.