The importance of protein in diet has been clearly established by nutritional scientists, and widely accepted by athletes. Among other vital functions, protein is indispensable for creating muscle. Just as important is protein's essential ability to repair damaged muscles after training[i].
While the value of protein in diet has been accepted and promoted within the athletic community, it has been less well disseminated within the very large sedentary population. Currently making up about 25% of Americans[ii] ? or 1 in every 4 people ? sedentary people are defined as those who undertake less than half an hour of moderate physical activity per day[iii].
A key problem to solve, therefore, is that the bulk of these sedentary Americans do not know that they are, or more likely are not, getting enough protein in their diet. This large group of sedentary people reflects the myth that protein-rich nutrition is important only for athletes and those who are physically active. The Reference Daily Intake[1] amount for protein is 50 grams, and most sedentary people are not coming close to meeting this standard.
Next to water, protein is the body's most prevalent substance. Protein is the essential building block for muscle and tissue, and vital for the functioning of critical systems, such as digestion. Protein even helps regulate and control hormones and chemicals that influence mood and coping ability something that has an impact for all people, regardless of physical exercise regimen. In fact, in the context of protein deficiency-related mood disorders, one may argue that a sedentary person on the dangerous road to obesity might be psychologically better equipped to implement a disciplined (e.g. healthy) eating plan if, among other key factors, a complete protein diet exited from the start.
Yet there is another related problem that is arguably more damaging. The little information that most Sedentary Americans are receiving about protein ? snippets of facts here and there, mostly from marketers and advertisers ? are often outright misleading. This is most clearly seen in the world of fast food.
Many sedentary Americans who have some basic awareness of protein's importance in diet believe, due largely to marketing campaigns, that fast food burgers are a "good source of protein". Lost in this belief is the fact that virtually all fast food burgers are almost thoroughly unhealthy choices that are high in saturated fat, calories, sodium, cholesterol, and the list goes on.
In fact, a popular burger contains 52% of the recommended daily value (DV) of fat, and over 500 calories, of which 60% are from fat[2]. These clearly unhealthy factors diminish the nutritional value from the burger's 24 grams of protein.
It is largely due to this lack of information ? and concurrent existence of misinformation -- that prevents many sedentary Americans from learning about the importance of protein. At the same time, it is also clear to medical experts that the concept of a sedentary lifestyle is a serious global health problem that must be addressed sooner rather than later[iv].
Addressing this problem is, like many chronic health conditions, complicated and multi-layered. Yet accepting this complexity is, in itself, a starting point for a solution one that must equally be multi-layered and holistic in approach. Awareness of protein must extend beyond the boundaries of the "fit and athletic" communities, and concurrently, ways for sedentary people to access protein must be developed ways that are entirely healthier than fast food burgers.
Despite the difficult and admittedly uphill battle that many sedentary Americans face today, there is reason to be rationally optimistic. There are products on the market that are providing balanced sources of complete protein, yet in responsible, low-calorie and fat-free portions. Since these products are fortified with vitamins and nutrients, they can be utilized as either a supplement or a complete meal replacement. This is of notable value for dieters and "time starved" individuals who are seeking quick, convenient ways to eat healthy.
Ultimately, resolving this problem of sedentary Americans will not be easy, nor will it be rapid. It has taken generations to create the statistic that 1 in 4 Americans lead sedentary lifestyles and it may take generations to unravel this knot. The hallmarks of unraveling it, however, are clear: quality awareness, quality understanding, and above all, quality nutritional products that consumers both demand, and indeed, thoroughly deserve from their food manufacturers.
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 www.protica.com. You can also learn about Profect at http://www.profect.com.
[1] Formerly referred by its better-known name "Recommended Daily Allowance".
[2] The USDA's recommendation is 30% calories from fat
References
[i] Source: "The Power of Protein". The Physician and Sportsmedicine. http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/1996/04_96/protein.htm
[ii] Source: "What We Think is Making Us Fat". About.com. http://walking.about.com/cs/howtoloseweight/a/obesitycause404.htm
[iii] Source: "Cost and Consequences for Sedentary Living: New Battleground for an Old Enemy". Presidents Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. http://www.fitness.gov/researchdigestmarch2002.pdf
[iv] Source: "Sedentary Lifestyle: a Global Public Health Problem". The World Health Organization. http://www.who.int/hpr/physactiv/sedentary.lifestyle1.shtml
Copyright 2004 - Protica Research - http://www.protica.com
limousine airport Annawan ...Increasing the fiber in your diet has been shown to:... Read More
Bye Bye HolidaysHoping everyone had a fun, fantastic, exciting and... Read More
You really are what you eat. You are also very... Read More
Having spent most of my life living off of junk... Read More
Many people experience unpleasant reactions to foods they have eaten... Read More
Spring in New York City is a really magical time.... Read More
1880s - Characterization of monosaccharides by Emil Fischer.1952 - Fresh,... Read More
The research in support of dietary omega-3 fatty acids (such... Read More
We sometimes hear about ways that we can take care... Read More
It seems as if the health of America is failing.... Read More
Eating orange mean absorbing vitamin C to our body, is... Read More
I am sure you have heard you have to build... Read More
The body is a marvelous creation, a carbon, oxygen combustion... Read More
When it comes to planning a healthy diet, fat is... Read More
Did you know the average American gains 5-7 pounds every... Read More
According to the renowned research scientist and inventor of the... Read More
In order to eat fewer calories than you need, you... Read More
The above foods contain high antioxidant capacity. These foods were... Read More
I confess: I'm completely addicted to Pringles. My determination weakens... Read More
If you want to build muscle, lose body fat or... Read More
The question most people think they need an answer to... Read More
Here's a conundrum: While experts agree that high cholesterol and... Read More
Unfortunately, the words "diet" and "cheating" go hand in hand.... Read More
When it comes to food, we can't ignore the facts... Read More
Much controversy and argument surrounds the idea that food may... Read More
Broadview travel from O'Hare ...Many people use sugar as medicine. Sugar tends to change... Read More
Fats (triacylglycerols) ...Some basic terminology ...fat or fatty acid ...In... Read More
Mango is my favorite fruit next to pineapples. They're sweet,... Read More
This is such a busy time of year, isn't it?... Read More
Weight loss plans are almost always trying to get you... Read More
Post nasal drip is a sensation of mucous build up... Read More
What is nutrition? We hear so many reports today on... Read More
Having a large amount of such "visceral fat" is associated... Read More
Besides providing taste, color, and aroma, certain seasonings can also... Read More
I first learned of Milk Soy Protein Intolerance (MSPI) in... Read More
Food nutrition factsFinding food nutrition facts and dietary nutrition used... Read More
If you want to build muscle, lose body fat or... Read More
The subject of health care itself often seems plagued with... Read More
It is shocking how many people are not taking advantage... Read More
The secret of success is knowing how to deal with... Read More
Have you ever thought about where your drinking water comes... Read More
Come on, guys and gals. Those Trix are for kids.And... Read More
Fats have been unfairly lumped together as being all bad... Read More
Cholesterol is an essential building block of every cell in... Read More
It would be fair to assume that almost everyone on... Read More
In a world where heart disorders and diseases are becoming... Read More
The most incredible thing you can do for yourself is... Read More
The word herb is used to refer to any part... Read More
Instead of Butter: Use top quality, cold pressed, extra virgin... Read More
Soy, and most soy-based products, are nutritional powerhouses. Soybeans are... Read More
Nutrition Nutrition |