The whole drama of life is a protein drama!
The single most valuable lesson about good nutrition that can be learned and applied is the “Protein Principle”. It is buttressed by science and has been repeatedly reaffirmed by ongoing research.
If only this one slice of the nutritional “pie” was ingested regularly and consistently, it would make an immense contribution to improving and sustaining health.
Simply stated, everyone should get the appropriate quantity of the best quality protein daily, and distribute it in fairly even serving sizes throughout each day.
Protein is the first ranked, most important, of all foodstuffs. It is the basis of protoplasm that is the foundation of life. Every type of human tissue protein can come only from protein.
The cellular enzymes, the life force of the body (the scientists estimate there are at least 20,000 different kinds), are generated from protein. They perform about 20 million transactions per second throughout the body. These chemical catalysts, along with their electrical counterparts (minerals), have the responsibility for everything from producing vigor and youthfulness to maintaining the immune systems.
The hormones that chemically regulate, control and integrate all functions are constructed from protein.
And – the digestive enzymes that translate all ingested foods (including protein) into smaller molecules that can be utilized by the tiny cells for energy and rebuilding are manufactured from protein.
The top biological value, most efficient and digestible protein foods for human nutrition, rated in order from the highest to the lowest, are eggs, milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, natural cheese, fish, poultry and meat.
Soybeans are not recommended because of their low rating (half that of meat) and because they contain several potential toxins and metabolic inhibitors.
A haphazard intake of protein is responsible for more bodily malfunctions than most people are aware.
Every individual can determine his or her own personal daily protein requirement. There’s no compelling reason to risk a shortfall.
Conversely, the wanton intake of protein as inferred or advocated in some popular diet (billed as “low-carbohydrate”) programs should be avoided. Most of those allow, and sometimes promote, an unlimited intake of protein; and it’s usually the least efficient and less digestible protein foods that often have a high fat content that are being consumed. This abrupt and drastic change for many people may increase the risk for other health problems.