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
limo prices to midway Crystal Lake west of Randal .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareOur bodies need cholesterol. We use cholesterol to produce vitamin... Read More
The latest tallies show that over three million people in... Read More
How did we cure ourselves of many aches pains and... Read More
For all I prefer to buy my fresh produce at... Read More
Like the Sun, Moon, and Earth, there are three kinds... Read More
"It is a bone-deep change you are going into, my... Read More
You can trust me that I make sure to take... Read More
Some of the things you think you know that just... Read More
The Health and Nutrition Industry has come about as peoples... Read More
PROTEIN DEFICIENT? CHANCES ARE YOU ARE!Did you know that 9... Read More
If you're looking for a power-packed entr?e or soup to... Read More
Many of us sprinkle oregano on our pizza and stews... Read More
Strict "no carb" phases of low carb diets have developed... Read More
What is the Atkins diet and how can it help... Read More
Random thoughts taken from valuable sources, what many nutrition experts... Read More
People want to get the very best they can when... Read More
What I am also going to point out is the... Read More
I am going to share with you possibly the most... Read More
In parts 1-4 of this series of articles titled "Take... Read More
During a recent discussion with my father about low carb... Read More
Acid reflux disease, or GERD, is a common compliant of... Read More
Please feel free to comment, so that the article may... Read More
Many low carb dieters fall victim to "carb creep," which... Read More
A beautiful smile and healthy mouth actually can come from... Read More
Healthy eating is important for everyone, from babies to the... Read More
taxi o'hare Auburn ..After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in... Read More
I am sure you have heard you have to build... Read More
How well do you know about vitamin K? This vitamin... Read More
What is nutrition? We hear so many reports today on... Read More
It is always amazing to me when I find a... Read More
An American culture that is marked by a chronic lack... Read More
Did you know that much of our dry skin comes... Read More
Mirror, Mirror on the wall, who's the healthiest of them... Read More
Your fiber intake is a critical factor in weight loss... Read More
Are you concerned about taking care of your body before... Read More
Proper hydration is extremely important during exercise. Adequate fluid intake... Read More
Nuts of all kinds (I am talking peanuts, cashews etc)... Read More
The wonders of modern science continue to amaze us with... Read More
Cherries?A Supercharged FruitThe little red fruit that has been enjoyed... Read More
The word cholesterol has become synonymous with poor health. Indeed,... Read More
Beverages - and not just alcohol - are a significant... Read More
Fire ElementAccording to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) there are five... Read More
The most incredible thing you can do for yourself is... Read More
Copyright ? 2004 priya shah Glutathione, the body's... Read More
The Human Body is in a constant flux with the... Read More
If you want to build muscle, lose body fat or... Read More
You can spot a juicer a mile off at the... Read More
Headlines:Nearly a quarter of American adults just got diagnosed with... Read More
In large part, you're in control of your health, not... Read More
Unfortunately, it has been proved beyond doubt that a large... Read More
Nutrition |