Protein is the second most common substance in our bodies after water. Adequate protein intake is necessary to promote general health and a balanced hormonal system. Proteins are the building blocks for all of the structural tissues of our bodies. They are required to form the muscles, bones, nerves, arteries, veins, and skin.
Hormones are synthesized from protein. Enzymes, the catalysts for physiological reactions, also are made from protein. Enzymes are found in raw food products, such as fruits, vegetables, and animal products, and they are deactivated at temperatures above 118 degrees Fahrenheit, that is, from cooking.
Enzymes in food aid our body’s digestive processes. Therefore, it is important to eat adequate amounts of raw food in order to achieve the benefits of natural enzymes.
Protein is found in animal products and vegetables. Generally, protein and fat are found together in many food products. Free-range eggs are a wonderful source of healthy protein (and healthy fat) and should be eaten on a daily basis.
Animal protein is the only source of complete protein available (that is, it contains all of the essential and nonessential amino acids). Vegetable protein, found in legumes and cereals, does not contain all of the essential amino acids. The best sources of vegetable protein are legumes, like peas and beans, and grains.
The typical American diet limits animal products (consequently limiting protein) and increases grains and vegetables. Protein-deficient individuals cannot meet the body’s daily needs for maintaining structure and repairing injuries.
In addition, protein-deficient individuals may also have hormonal deficiencies, with the thyroid being the most affected gland. Protein deficiency also promotes vitamin and mineral deficiencies, in particular vitamin B12 deficiency.
Vegetarians thus must take special care to be certain that their diet is appropriately balanced with all of the essential and non-essential amino acids. Through eons of time, humankind has eaten animal products augmented with vegetables, fruits, and nuts.
It is my belief that eating animal products that are antibiotic- and hormone-free is a safe way to provide the body with the necessary protein and fat to promote health and to have a properly functioning hormonal system.
As with all macronutrients, it is important to eat good sources of protein. For protein-deficient individuals, I suggest eating at least two organic eggs per day.
For nearly 35 years, the U.S. government, medical societies, and the media have been touting a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet as the healthiest way to eat. Even in the new food pyramid, the highest priority is on carbohydrates in the form of grains. During the past 35 years, as a society, we clearly have followed the advice of the powers that be and we dramatically increased our consumption of carbohydrates.
What has been the result of this increase? Obesity and diabetes now occur at epidemic rates.
This health disaster has occurred because we eat far too many refined carbohydrates. Refined carbohydrates are found in many products containing refined sugar, refined flour, or devitalized, processed salt.
Nearly all of the breads, pastas, and cereals found in every supermarket across the country are full of these items. Refined carbohydrates are quickly digested and broken down into simple sugars.
This causes the blood sugar to rise too quickly and the body responds to this by raising insulin levels too high. Eventually, the continual ingestion of these items results in a damaged insulin-blood sugar system, which leads to weight gain, obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
Unrefined carbohydrates do not raise blood sugar to excessive levels. Examples of unrefined carbohydrates rated low on the glycemic index include whole grain breads. Other healthy, low glycemic carbohydrates include organic fruits and vegetables as well as nuts.
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