A high protein diet helps you lose weight and also enables the brain to function properly.
But do you know that it can lead to heart diseases?
Photograph: United States Department of Health & Human Services/Creative Commons
The word protein has its origin in the Greek word 'protos', meaning first. Proteins are the building blocks of cells and are essential for the production of certain essential chemicals and the repair and maintenance of skeletal muscles in the body.
Every part of the body is made of proteins, the inner structure of bones, hair, muscles and even blood and it is for this reason that it is an absolute necessity to include proteins in our diet.
Nutritional experts have proven that on an average, a person needs at least 0.80 grams of protein for every kilogram of body weight. In case, where this requirement is not fulfilled it can lead to severe consequences, especially in children such as mental retardation and stunted growth.
It is also observed that in the long run, it can lead to a weakened immune system. Although, the proteins are an essential part of one's diet, there are both advantages and disadvantages to a high protein diet.
A few have been listed below.
Advantages
- For healthy people, following a high protein is highly beneficial as it is useful in maintaining a stable weight. Proteins have the ability to make a person lose weight, especially because it is wholesome, when consumed.
- It is particularly useful for persons engaged in bodybuilding to help them gain more muscle mass, in a shorter period of time.
- When the amount of carbohydrates and sugar content is reduced and the amount of protein is increased, it has been observed that the brain functions more efficiently.
- It is highly beneficial for patients suffering from Diabetes, Osteoporosis and Metabolic Syndrome.
Disadvantages
- Certain high protein diets restrict the consumption of other essential nutrients resulting in nutritional deficiencies, which in turn results in problems such as bad breath, headaches and even constipation.
- Many high protein diets include the consumption of red meats (which in most cases is loaded with saturated fats and bad cholesterol) and full fat dairy products and this is seen to increase the incidence of heart disease.
- In cases of persons having a weak kidney function, having a high protein diet can be very risky, because it creates problems in the excretion process of the body.
- A high protein diet usually means that the quantity of fruits and vegetables consumed is also reduced and this leads to an exclusion of essential dietary fibres from one's diet.
- Research shows that using a high protein diet to reduce weight is not good for overall health, especially in the long run perspective.
- The result of less production of sugar in the body is the accumulation of ketones in the body, which ultimately results in the body giving off a bad odour.
Tips
- Always consult with your doctor or a professional dietitian, before starting such a drastic diet change.
- If you do decide to follow a high protein diet, choose the proteins you consume wisely. A few wise choices would be soy protein, beans, nuts, fish, skinless poultry, lean beef, pork, pork and low fat dairy products.
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