Amino Acids
[ PLANKTON NUTRIENTS ]
CELLS
The body of an adult has an average of 12 kilos of Amino Acids (protein). This is not surprising if we consider that each cell contains protein. Think of the cells of our organs and muscles, but also of our bones, our blood and our nervous system. Children who are still growing, the body has to make a lot of new tissue. Pregnant and lactating women the tissue production is also on a high leven.
All cells can not do without protein, as they regenerate continuously. The body of an adult person breaks down, two to three hundred grams of protein per day to replace it by new proteins.
AGILE
People who eat relatively more protein than carbohydrates at breakfast, seems to be more agile, according research. Certain proteins (and especially alpha-lactalbumin) stimulate the body to 'wake up'. Alpha-lactalbumin is linked to the amino acid tryptophan which is converted by the body into serotonin, a so-called neurotransmitter.
However, this currently does not mean that you'd better replace sandwiches at breakfast with eggs or cottage cheese. The research (still) not convincing enough to justify this. (36).
WEIGHT
Foods with a relatively high protein level have the same effect on the body weight as foods with a low level of Amino Acids, when they have the same amount of calories. However, a diet rich in protein, assists is not to consume too many calories. If you have a diet that is relatively high in protein, you are tend to eat less. Diets that encourage people to get more than one-fourth of their calories from protein, can be successful.
If you want to lose weight, eating enough protein ensures that you retain a relatively large muscle tissue, which is positive because muscle uses more energy than fat tissue. Moreover, researchers have shown that we excrete higher calcium after eating a protein-rich dish.
At first glance, this could increase the risk of fractures or decalcification. This is not the case. Research shows that nutrition with high Amino Acids (protein) reduces the risk of osteoporosis. This is probably related to the fact that protein diet usually contains a lot of extra calcium.
BLOOD PRESSURE
It seems that a protein rich diet can reduce in blood pressure. Within this diet a lot more fruits and vegetables are consumed and a low intake of saturated fat.
The so-called DASH-study (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) indicates such an effect. (3).