4 Protein Myths Debunked
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.
Myth: Protein Can Only Be Found in Meats
Fact: Protein can be found in a wide variety of foods like:
- Beans
- Nuts
- Eggs
- Yogurt
- Cottage cheese
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.
Myth: You Need a Lot of Protein
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.
Myth: A High-Protein Diet Helps You Lose Weight
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.
Myth: There Is Only One Kind of Protein
Fact: There are different types of protein depending on their source:
- Complete proteins are found in animal products and provide amino acids your body can’t make.
- Incomplete proteins are found in plants and lack all of the amino acids your body needs. People who are on plant-based diets need to combine a variety of different protein sources like rice and beans to get complete proteins.
So make sure that you are getting a variety of proteins for a healthy diet, especially if you don’t eat animal products.
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