Protein is a very important component in the human body -  it is essential to building muscle, connective tissue, healthy skin and hair. In fact, protein can be found in every living cell in our body. However, it is possible to consume way too much protein. With the current trend in low carbohydrate diets there has been an overwhelming overload on animal based protein that are found in dairy products, eggs and red meat. Although these complete proteins contain all nine of the important amino acid chain they are also very high in cholesterol and fat.

Different types of protein rich foods that come from poultry, fish, nuts, legumes and whole grains are also excellent choices of providing protein to your body without all the saturated fat that are found in animal protein. It is believed that these proteins are more easily digested by the body while providing maximum output of energy and muscle building power. The body does not  store amino acids, as it does fats or carbohydrates -  it needs a daily supply of amino acids to make new protein. Although our bodies are good at “recycling” protein, we use up protein constantly, so it is important to continually replace it.

SO HOW MUCH PROTEIN DO WE NEED?

Optimal protein needs depend on gender, age, body weight, size and most importantly our individual activity level. People who participate in heavy resistance training (bodybuilding) and excessive endurance exercise such as long distance running or bicycling can surely benefit from an extra amount of complex carbs and protein in their daily diets. The standard method used by nutritionists to estimate our minimum daily protein requirement is to multiply the body weight in kilograms by .8, or weight in pounds by .37. This is the number of grams of protein that should be the daily minimum. According to this method, a person weighing 150 lbs. should eat 55 grams of protein per day, a 200-pound person should get 74 grams, and a 250-pound person, 92 grams.

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF TOO LITTLE PROTEIN?

Since our bodies do not have the capacity to store protein it is crucial to replace amino acids in the form of protein on a daily basis. Too little protein will cause the body to break down within 48 hours and start to breakdown muscle mass for it’s needs.

WHAT IS THE DANGER IN EXCEEDING THE RECOMMENDED AMOUNT OF PROTEIN?

High-protein, low Carbohydrate diets usually overload diets with high protein animal foods that are usually also high in saturated fat. Eating large amounts of high-fat foods for a sustained period raises the risk of coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke and several types of cancer. People who can’t use excess protein effectively may be at higher risk of kidney and liver disorders, and osteoporosis. There is also a risk of weight gain. Unused protein will turn to fat due to high caloric intake.

Most high-protein diets do not provide the full spectrum of  essential vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutritional elements that are found in high fiber plant foods. A high-carbohydrate diet that includes fruits, vegetables, nonfat dairy products and whole grains also has been shown to reduce blood pressure. When you omit these important foods from your diet you may put yourself at great risk for high blood pressure and elevated risk of heart disease.

Unless you are competing in professional weight lifting competitions, there is no need to overload your diet with too much protein. If you are trying to lose weight or gain muscle it is far better to stick to a well rounded healthy diet that includes all food groups in proper proportion.

A good source to ensure the proper daily protein consumption, would be to include at least 1 scoop of Gold Standard, 100% Whey Protein Powder to your daily diet. Gold Standard Whey Protein is the highest quality, purest form of whey protein that contains a full spectrum of Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA’s). It is low carb, low fat and contains a full 24 grams of protein per level scoop.