Protein Power Protection
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Cancer, Osteoporosis, Heart Disease, Energy and Fat Burning
 The importance of protein for optimal health cannot be overstated. Our body requires 20 amino acids to facilitate the production of protein for the repair of our cells and tissues of the body. Billions of cells need the building blocks of protein to rebuild and regenerate the body’s tissues. Protein is also required for the manufacture of CP-450, a protective enzyme that acts as a free radical scavenger and decreases the risk of breast cancer. Of the 20 amino acids, 12 are synthesized by the liver and the remaining eight must be obtained from our food and these are called essential. The richest sources of amino acids include legumes, fresh fish, and free-range poultry, eggs, nuts, seeds, fermented soy, whey protein and fermented dairy products. Many diseases are related to inadequate protein consumption in the diet especially:
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Some people have greater protein requirements than others. If you are very active, exercise strenuously, or do heavy labor, or you are pregnant you will need more protein than if you are a couch potato. The average person should make protein 15–20 percent of their diet. When choosing your protein sources, opt for free-range poultry and eggs and wild fish over farm-grown to avoid contamination from antibiotics and growth hormones. Purchase nuts in the shell and buy organic legumes. If you need to keep your glucose levels stable, split up your protein requirements into three or four small portions and eat them spaced throughout the day. Women rarely get enough protein in their diet due to their food choices and calorie restrictive diets. To fulfill the need for a quick, easy and delicious protein source I formulated a protein drink especially for women called Sisu Women's Whey containing whey and fermented soy powder.
Protein Protects Our Heart
We have all heard that often the first sign of a heart attack is death. Heart disease is the number one killer of North Americans and protein may be a powerful treatment in the battle against heart disease. Protein is essential to a healthy heart as it keeps our insulin levels stable. The American Diabetes Association has always recommended that we eat more protein (30% of the diet should be protein) and fewer carbohydrates to keep our insulin normalized. What does insulin have to do with heart disease? High insulin causes certain enzymes to convert lipids in our bloodstream into heart and artery damaging substances. This is why diabetics are prone to cardiovascular disease. Small protein meals throughout the day have been recommended for diabetics and those with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) as an effective measure in the treatment and prevention of heart disease and to maintain healthy insulin levels.
Lower Cholesterol and Triglycerides
Results from more than 50 studies have provided scientific evidence of the cholesterol-lowering benefits of soy protein in the diet. Twenty-five to 50 grams of isolated soy protein is effective in lowering total cholesterol and LDL the ‘bad’ cholesterol while maintaining HDL the ‘good’ cholesterol. So effective is soy protein at lowering cholesterol and triglycerides and preventing narrowing of the arteries that the U.S. Food and Drug Association has allowed a health claim that states, "soy may protect against the development of coronary heart disease." Coronary heart disease, which causes over 500,000 deaths per year from heart attack, is characterized by obstruction in the arteries and vessels.
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