| Heart disease kills sixteen million people worldwide | | | | next to water, protein is the most plentiful substance |
| every year and accounts for about thirty percent of | | | | in the human body. Protein is used in the body: |
| all deaths in that same time period. In the United | | | | - To build connective tissue |
| States, cardiovascular disease accounts for forty | | | | - To build, repair and maintain contractive tissue |
| percent of all adult deaths every year. The risk | | | | - To build cell membranes |
| factors for heart disease are the same for a number | | | | - As part of the bone matrix |
| of other chronic, potentially fatal diseases and include: | | | | - To maintain fluid balance |
| obesity, smoking, genetic or family history of the | | | | - To regulate the ph balance of the blood |
| disease, diabetes, kidney disease, high cholesterol and | | | | - For the formation of hormones and enzymes of |
| high blood pressure. Controlling weight can also | | | | the body |
| improve the other risk factors making it one of the | | | | - As part of the immune function |
| most important. | | | | - To make neurotransmitters (these are used to |
| All three of the macronutrients - fats, carbohydrates | | | | send nerve messages from each area of the body) |
| and proteins are important; however protein may | | | | - To create RNA and DNA |
| play a surprising role in not only weight management | | | | Each type of protein may affect heart health |
| but heart health as well. Whether protein is coming | | | | differently though, with whey and soy protein being |
| from food or supplemental sources, it is important to | | | | suggested as especially beneficial for a number of |
| choose the right kind and to get the right amount of | | | | reasons. |
| it. The American Heart Association recommendation | | | | Whey Protein and Heart Health |
| for protein intake is no more than 35% of the daily | | | | Whey protein is a byproduct of cheese making, a |
| calories which is more than enough for most people | | | | derivative of milk. It contains a mixture of very |
| even those who are very active. It is necessary to | | | | beneficial nutrients including an antimicrobial property |
| choose quality protein, no matter how much you | | | | called lactoferrin that is useful for healing wounds. |
| really need. (Protein needs are based on weight, | | | | While there are a number of benefits to whey |
| health and activity level). | | | | protein, there are some risks as well. Too much |
| Protein, whether it is from food or from | | | | whey protein can cause liver damage. Whey protein |
| supplements, comes from two sources: plants and | | | | is not for those who are lactose intolerant (whey |
| animals. Plant proteins, with the exception of soy | | | | protein isolate has less lactose and may be okay.) |
| protein are incomplete because they lack one or | | | | Whey protein may help to improve blood vessel |
| more of the eight essential amino acids that the | | | | function including improving blood flow and blood |
| body cannot make on its own. (There are twenty | | | | pressure. A whey derived peptide (NOP-47) also |
| amino acids in all; the body can make eleven of them | | | | improves vascular function. |
| on its own. Each amino acid is used for a different | | | | This is the most common protein supplement and |
| function in the body including making hormones and | | | | comes in two different forms, the isolate and the |
| enzymes that are then used for digestion, sleep and | | | | concentrate. Whey protein concentrates are the |
| ovulation). Soy proteins and soy products are | | | | least expensive and typically have between 30-85% |
| complete because they contain all of these amino | | | | proteins. Whey protein isolates have 90% protein and |
| acids. | | | | again, have far less lactose than the concentrate. |
| All animal products are complete proteins, however | | | | Whey protein is not appropriate for vegans but |
| there are some that are far better choices than | | | | ovo-lacto vegetarians can use it in their diet. |
| others because of the fat and calorie content. For | | | | Soy Protein and Heart Health |
| those who are eating for better heart health, | | | | Soy protein in all of its forms is beneficial to heart |
| choosing animal proteins that are lower in saturated | | | | health. Two daily servings of protein may lower the |
| fats is very important to reduce the cholesterol in | | | | blood cholesterol by nine points and may also lower |
| the diet. Meats are good sources of proteins of | | | | the blood pressure. Soy can be found in tofu, miso |
| course, but other animal protein foods include low fat | | | | and tempeh as well as in edamame and soy milk. In |
| dairy products and eggs. The egg is considered to be | | | | addition to these, soy is also available in meat |
| the perfect protein because it is all bio-available. (All | | | | substitutes like veggie burgers and similar products. |
| the protein in the egg is used by the body). All other | | | | Protein supplements made from soy are derived |
| protein sources are judged in relation to the egg. | | | | from soy flour and can be used to improve the |
| Supplements of every type are made from either | | | | nutritional value of other foods. Soy protein is suitable |
| plants or animals and in some cases, both. Protein | | | | to vegans and is a complete protein. |
| supplements can be a very beneficial part of a heart | | | | Other Protein Supplements and Heart Health |
| healthy diet as long as they are: | | | | Using a protein supplement as a meal replacement or |
| - High quality protein | | | | a snack can be a good way to lose weight, beneficial |
| - Low in calories | | | | to your overall health as well as to the heart health. |
| - High in additional nutrients | | | | Protein helps decrease hunger allowing you to eat |
| - Low in simple or added sugars. | | | | fewer calories without feeling deprived. |
| Protein supplements should also be free from artificial | | | | Because heart health depends on the right amount of |
| ingredients. All ingredients should be clearly listed on | | | | each nutrient, it is important to make sure that you |
| the label- if you do not know what is in it, don't use | | | | are discussing your individual needs with your doctor. |
| it! | | | | Getting the right number of calories every day is |
| What Protein Does in the Body for Heart Health? | | | | important to overall health, including cardiovascular |
| Protein has a number of roles in the body from | | | | health. Anyone with suspected or confirmed heart |
| building and maintaining lean muscle mass to a role in | | | | disease should be following doctor's recommendation |
| the central nervous system. Protein is found in the | | | | for nutritional needs and guidelines. |
| hair, skin, eyes, nails, and all of the organs. In fact, | | | | |