Guest guest Posted April 29, 2002 Report Share Posted April 29, 2002 April 4, 2002 NUTRITION NEWS FOCUS " Nutrition news is important. We help you understand it! " Today's Topic: Protein in Your Diet Many of the fad diets popular in the U.S. promote high protein intakes, often three or more times the current level. There is serious concern that such high protein levels are stressful on the kidneys and liver. In addition, most high-protein foods are high in fat, particularly saturated fat. Finally, high-protein diets are associated with high blood levels of a hormone abbreviated IGF-I, which is a risk factor for several types of cancer. An analysis of protein intake in 157 countries shows that protein varies from 7 to 16% of dietary calories. Fat can vary from 7 to 44% and carbohydrate ranges from 46 to 82%. Poorer countries usually have lower fat and protein intake along with higher carbohydrate consumption. These countries have fewer problems with obesity than affluent countries with higher fat consumption. The study can be found in the July/August 2000 issue of Nutrition Today. HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Some physically active people may need higher protein than is usually consumed, but most of us do not. Fat and protein take longer to clear the stomach than carbohydrate so they may give a sense of fullness longer. But the fad diets' common theme is actually a diet of 1500-1700 calories, which will cause weight loss no matter what is eaten if teamed with increased physical activity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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