Trendy organic protein powder and shake are the focus of a multi-million-dollar industry. Any manufacturer who can pump out some kind of protein product or meal replacement of reasonable quality that is also relatively affordable is sure of some part of the market share given the current healthy food climate.
People now know they can’t do without this important nutrient, but many are brainwashed into thinking they need supplements in order to get enough and to eat the right sorts.
Importance of Protein
Proteins contain omega fatty acids and amino acids which your body uses to create and support muscle and brain tissue. Without them, your nervous system is at risk. Many families discover that a child with autism or ADHD benefits from a diet rich in omega fatty acids which improve the brain’s function and structure. All muscles, including the heart, need them for growth and restoration. Sickness is frequently caused by protein deprivation either because a diet is not well-rounded or foods are difficult to absorb.
Great Foods
Protein is naturally present in numerous foods, even small amounts in vegetables. There are dense sources in meat, poultry, and fish. Vegans find sources in avocado, quinoa, barley, nuts, and seeds. Animal fats might be richer in amino acids than plant sources but avocado and quinoa are easier to digest than red meat.
The search for dense sources takes omnivorous individuals on an adventure and that’s a lot more fun than simply searching for the most nutritious foods or selecting meals based on their fat, fiber, and mineral vitamin content. That’s a big part of what’s missing from the supplement market: the joy of eating. People are far too focused on the science of food these days whether in terms of weight loss or bodybuilding. They forget how pleasurable cooking, preparing, and eating food can be.
Also, they are convinced there is no other way to consume the nutrients that they need. Supplements are potentially useful, but not as the ultimate means of feeding a body. Give your whole kitchen a chance to shine, not just the blender, and try some of the high-protein, health-giving recipes developed by chefs around the world. They aren’t just nutritious but really tasty.
Usefulness of Supplements
Although eating real, whole food is better than resorting to a packaged diet, there are times when supplements, powders, pills, bars, and pre-mixed drinks are helpful. An individual recovering from illness needs help restoring strength and restoring muscle tone. Anemic individuals lack iron which is needed to create red blood cells.
These, in turn, transport oxygen to every organ, improving their function and restoring energy. People with eating disorders can sometimes be convinced to drink their food. Elderly individuals with low appetites frequently digest smoothies or shakes better than plates of whole food. If your appetite is low, smoothies are cold replacements for sandwiches and casseroles.
But protein shakes and powders aren’t good for the environment or your budget. They create a lot of packaging you can avoid by eating well, and real food costs less than healthy food. Take care, also, to select supplements rich in all nutrients, not sugar and fillers.