Protein for Health

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                         (Fish is a good source for protein)

WHAT did you have for breakfast today - a hearty dose of Nasi Lemak with fried chicken, completed with Teh Tarik? Or perhaps a much-needed steaming cup of coffee to go with the morning paper?

For some people, it is a norm to skip breakfast in the morning for an extra 10 minutes of snooze time or to beat the traffic jam. For those who do have breakfast, you’ll have to admit that we are spoilt for choice when it comes to the selection of food we can have to start our day. 

The question is, are you eating right for the right start to your day?

While bread or cereal may seem to be a convenient option, they are high in carbohydrate and may lead to elevated blood sugar levels which drop quickly and leave you feeling hungry and drained. Research have showed that a breakfast high in protein helps with stabilising blood sugar and prevents hunger for a number of hours.

According to the Malaysian Food Guide, Food Pyramid and Food Composition, breakfast should account for 30% of our protein intake – which translates to approximately 21 grams. While there are many types of food we can consume to meet the 21 grams of protein intake for breakfast, we have to also be mindful not to take in too much calories and fats, which may lead to obesity.

Each person’s protein needs depend on several factors such as age, size, physical condition, and the level of physical activity. Nutritionists use a standard method to estimate a person’s minimum protein requirement daily, which is to multiply a person’s body weight (kg) with 0.8, as the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) in the US for protein is 0.8 grams per kilograms of body weight of adults.

Take a typical Malaysian breakfast for instance. According to Nutriweb Malaysia 2000-2012 Database of Nutrient Composition of Malaysia Food, three pieces of Roti Canai can provide you with 21 grams of protein for your first meal of the day, but that also comes with 31 grams of fat, and 136.5 grams of carbohydrate. Likewise, in order to have 21 grams of protein, you will need to have 2.2 packets of Nasi Lemak, but provides you with 28.8 grams of fat and 128 grams of carbohydrate.

Protein is found in every single cell in the body. An important building block for bones, muscles, cartilage, skin and blood, high quality protein provides all of the essential amino acids needed by healthy adults and growing children. People who don’t get enough of this important macronutrient will lack energy, and they will see their muscles and immune systems weaken.

As one of the macronutrient foundations of a balanced diet, protein needs to be consumed each day to maintain health.  For people who have difficulty consuming the recommended amount of protein in their diet, adding a high quality protein powder, helps people give their bodies the fuel to power their cells, and provide energy to their bodies.

Plant Protein Powder is a sensible way to fill the protein gaps in your diet. Most people associate protein with meat, poultry, eggs and dairy. In today’s world, that isn’t always what people want to hear. Many people want to incorporate as many plant-based options as they can into their diets.

Protein keeps us feeling healthy by acting as a cell repair nutrient, it provides energy by producing hemoglobin – the red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout our bodies, it builds lean muscle, and it supports the immune system by manufacturing antibodies, the substances that fight off illness.

Protein needs to be replenished daily. This necessity means that many individuals run short of their bodies’ needs. And without enough protein, the body will just not function as well as it could. Supplementing with a healthy diet rich in essential nutrients should be the first choice to give your body the nutrition it needs. 

But research shows that the majority of people do not consume the recommended daily amount of fruits and vegetables, depriving their bodies of important building blocks for health. The human body does not produce 9 of the essential amino acids found in protein so it needs to be replenished daily. So if your body needs more protein than you’re getting from your diet alone, then supplementation plays an important role to help fill dietary gaps in loading up your day’s essentials.

Plant Protein Powder help you boost your protein intake and get a right start for the day. It can be mixed with any of your favourite beverages or food, it is an easy and convenient breakfast option that can help you achieve the needed protein.

This nutritious alternative to meat and dairy products is suitable for those seeking a lean source of protein in their diets. It is a boost to your diet to load up your day’s essentials, giving you an energized start in the morning.

*Source: Nutriweb Malaysia 2000-2012 Database of Nutrient Composition of Malaysia Food

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