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Protein - The Denominator Customary to All Diets
Copyright © 2005 Protica Research Protica Research
http://www.protica.com/
The Human Body is in a constant flux with the environment. Matter and molecules
flow in and out, casting themselves into its complexities. Although the body
lends them structure, it is the intake—the diet—that decides its physique. To
control what goes in a diet is to choose what stays inside. Dietary decisions
reflect an awareness of metabolism and the nutrients needed to modify it. There
may be a host of diets purported for each activity and illness. However, the
one macronutrient that is invariably required, in substantial amounts
irrespective of the physiological state, is protein.
Proteins hold this special place in every diet for a variety of reasons.
They connect the DNA to the rest of the cell and modulate all cellular
functions and responses. They are the scaffolds of the human body that struts a
billion cells. Proteins are also the workers that shuffle around the body
relaying messages, carrying out repairs and digestion. Oxygen from the lungs
and many nutrients from the gut are protein packed and delivered to their
destination. The motors in the muscles and the antibodies in the immune system
are all proteins. If genes code life in a helix of DNA, then proteins are life
in its decoded form. Their pervasiveness makes them indispensable and, protein
synthesis a priority in metabolism.
Add to this myriad of functions the astronomical turnover rate of proteins, and
continuous protein synthesis becomes vital. Every protein has a short life span
and is soon broken down into its constituent amino acids. New proteins are
required to take their place. The skin itself is renewed every seven days. Then
there are proteins that get used up, damaged or excreted, and need to be
produced again. Protein synthesis goes on at a frantic pace even in normal
people. Then there are periods of rapid growth, like athletes in training,
teenagers, convalescent patients, babies, pregnant or lactating mothers, where
protein synthesis reaches an all time high. Proteins are broken down for other
reasons as well. In times of stress, illness or starvation, the body just
cannot find enough sources of energy. In such circumstances, proteins are taken
apart into their constituent amino acids and are used as fuel. Therefore, in
all physiological states, cells are constantly at work, churning out new
proteins.
To maintain this obligatory and intense rate of protein synthesis, the
body needs a dedicated supply of amino acids. Unfortunately, unlike
carbohydrates and fats that are stockpiled, the human body has no arrangement
to store extra amino acids. The persistent demand for proteins and amino acids
has to be met anew every day and from three possible sources: cellular
production, the diet or breakdown of other body proteins. Of these, cellular
production would be most convenient. If the cell could produce all the required
amino acids, there would be no compulsion to provide them in the diet. However,
there are amino acids that just cannot be produced in the body. These
‘essential amino acids’ have to come from the diet.
Proteins, from the diet or supplements, are the best alternative. The
supply of all amino acids can be ensured and in sufficient amounts. Cellular
metabolism is relieved of the obligation to produce amino acids except for
making minor adjustment in the supply chain. Protein synthesis can go on
uninterrupted. Unless the diet meets the perpetual demand for amino acids,
other, relatively expendable, body proteins are broken down to fulfill the
requirement. In effect, a dietary deficiency of proteins forces the body to
feed on itself. The need for proteins in every diet is undeniable.
The average American diet provides 1.2 g/kg of protein against the
recommended daily allowance of 0.8 g/kg. The question, then, is whether to add
protein supplements to an existing diet? While proteins from food may seem
adequate, there is no telling whether all essential amino acids are supplied,
and there is little way of knowing how easily those proteins are digested and
assimilated into the body. A carefully researched protein supplement like
Profect, when taken regularly, would remove such uncertainties. Apart from
supplying amino acids for protein synthesis, a high protein diet based on
Profect has other advantages. Studies on high-protein diets have demonstrated
their ability to induce weight loss. A high-protein diet produces early satiety
and decreases the total energy intake. Protein synthesis, an energy consuming
process, is promoted. The energy to assimilate such a diet, calculated as the
‘Thermogenic effect of feeding’, is high. More calories are burnt, more
proteins are synthesized and the lean body mass increases while the body weight
goes down. Brawn is exchanged for flab.
Proteins from Profect form bioactive peptides in the gut that can enhance gut
defenses. The harmful gut bacteria are killed and normal flora is allowed to
colonize the intestinal lining. Profect also protects the system from free
radicals, free electron molecules produced during intense activity and stress.
Free radicals are known to damage cell membranes. Their role in aging, cancer
and blood clotting is being intensely investigated. Profect increases the
levels of Glutathione, a free radical scavenger that mops up free radicals
shielding the cell from their effects. The added water-soluble vitamins and
mineral in Profect prevent the loss of calcium and other micronutrients seen on
high-protein diets.
-- About Protica Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm
with offices in Lafayette Hill and Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Protica
manufactures capsulized foods, including Profect, a compact, hypoallergenic,
ready-to-drink protein beverage containing zero carbohydrates and zero fat.
Information on Protica is available at http://www.protica.com You can also
learn about Profect at http://www.profect.com
Copyright - Protica Research - http://www.protica.com
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