High Protein Diets
High Protein Diets
High protein diets have been suggested as a way to build muscles and lower fat levels. A high protein diet is different than a low-carb diet like South Beach or Atkins - which do not control calories and generally contain too much fat.
There are disagreements about the use of high protein diets in weight training and bodybuilding. Many doctors and nutritionists believe that eating too much protein will not provide any benefits and will simply be burned off or eliminated.
There may be increased risks for renal failure, although some studies indicate those who have problems already had pre-existing kidney disease. Also there are concerns that too much protein may cause risks for the liver, but there are no scientific studies to back up that concern.
Every body needs proteins to build muscles, new tissue growth, and to transport nutrients and oxygen to individual cells. Protein also helps with building the immune system and dieting.
High-protein diets may include proteins from many sources including animal and plant based proteins. Some animal sources are: meat, fish, cheese, eggs, and milk. Plant sources include: soy, spirulina, and organic whey proteins.
Too much animal protein may have other negative health effects including obesity and high cholesterol levels. Heart disease, stroke, and osteoporosis have been linked to a diet high in animal proteins and fats.
If you choose to follow a high-protein diet, you may consider replacing some of the animal proteins with proteins from plant sources, which may help reduce the health problems associated with eating too much animal protein. Plant proteins also have other benefits such as raising good cholesterol levels, reducing bad cholesterol, preventing plaque from building up in the arteries, reducing risk of heart attack or stroke, and reduces the risks of heart disease. Kidney stones are not as great a risk when you eat plant proteins because less calcium is excreted.
There are benefits of eating a high-protein diet. Just be aware of associated risks and make sure to choose good and balanced proteins.
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