There’s no mistake: protein is good for us and we need it to function properly. However, there are some myths surrounding this necessary nutrient.
Fact: Protein can be found in a wide variety of foods like:
Not only are these options another source of protein, they also give your body other necessary nutrients it needs to function properly, like calcium and fiber.
Fact: While you do need to eat enough protein in combination with other vitamins and minerals to stay healthy, eating too much protein can have adverse health effects. For example, while getting enough protein helps with calcium absorption, eating too much can cause your body to lose calcium in your urine. If you have liver or kidney problems, eating too much protein may worsen the condition, so check with your doctor to determine the right amount of protein for you.
Fact: It’s true that if you want to lose weight, it’s important that you get enough protein, but focusing only on getting protein and not a balanced diet isn’t a healthy way to lose weight. High-protein diets can help you lose weight fast, but can lead to dietary deficiencies.
Before you start any weight loss plan, talk to your doctor. They will help you determine if it is right for you and give you tips to diet safely and stay healthy.
Fact: There are different types of protein depending on their source:
So make sure that you are getting a variety of proteins for a healthy diet, especially if you don’t eat animal products.