Myths about proteins or a protein-rich diet

Protein, composed of amino acids plays an irreplaceable role in the human diet.

Being one of the crucial macronutrients, Protein is also considered the building block of your body. Protein builds and maintains muscle mass. From muscle and bone to hair and skin, you will find different types of protein in your body. Thus, the consumption of sufficient protein is important for the overall maintenance of a healthy body. However, you will listen to various misconceptions about proteins or a protein-rich diet. All those myths will be debunked in this article.

Myth: Vegans or vegetarians are always deficient in proteins.

Fact: This is probably the most famous myth about a vegetarian diet. As a high amount of protein is obtained from the animal-based diet, many people think that vegans don't get sufficient proteins from a plant-based diet. This notion is completely false. A vegetarian diet is definitely full of proteins. Obviously, you won't get all the required amino acids and proteins from one food item, you need to observe the protein content and accordingly choose your balanced diet for your health. Protein-rich vegan diet comprises tofu, tempeh, Seitan, Lentils, Beans, soy products, oats, along with various types of fruits.

Myth: The more you eat protein, the better your health becomes.

Fact: The daily requirement of protein is around 50 grams. If you are consuming a well-balanced diet, you will get that much protein for your health. Both excess and the insufficient amount is bad for human health. Excessive protein can lead to a vast range of diseases. The most common disease is gout due to the accumulation of uric acid inside the body. Apart from that, excess proteins hamper liver functioning and calcium homeostasis, and even leads to cancer. So, do not consume excess proteins daily.

Myth: Shift into a protein-rich diet to lose weight.

Fact: If you consume a protein-rich diet, you will surely get a feeling of fullness for a longer period due to the slow digestion process. But, only a protein-rich diet cannot help in losing weight. Weight loss depends on calorie consumption and getting rid of excess calories. Therefore, if you consume a protein-rich diet without losing it, eventually you will gain weight rather than lose some. If you truly want to lose some weight, talk to a nutritionist and start exercising.

Myth: Protein only participates in the main role in muscle development.

Fact: Broadly, protein plays two roles in the human body: structural and transportation. Structurally, protein participates in the formation and maintenance of muscle, bone, ligaments, tendons, antibodies, hormones, enzymes, good and bad cholesterol as well as hair. Also, protein helps in the transportation of different body secretions by acting as a biochemical messenger. Even the pH inside the human body is maintained by protein activities.

Myth: Consume Protein powder more to get sufficient proteins.

Fact: undeniably, protein shakes are easy to absorb, but, it is not for all. Generally, nutritionists suggest protein shakes to any patient or injured person who needs immediate absorption of protein. If you are getting sufficient proteins from your diet, do not consume those protein shakes.

Do not believe in those myths to get a healthy lifestyle.