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Protein
By David Heber, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.N.
Chairman of the Herbalife Nutrition and Scientific Advisory Boards
A necessity for everybody
Protein is an important component of every cell in the body.
It is an organic compound, composed of 22 amino acids, otherwise
known as the building blocks of life. Protein is stored in muscles and
organs and the body utilizes it to build and repair tissues, as well as
for the production of enzymes and hormones. Proteins also make it
possible for blood to carry oxygen throughout the body. Along with
fat and carbohydrates, protein is a “macronutrient,” meaning the body
needs relatively large amounts of it. The Institute of Medicine of the
National Academy of Sciences has concluded that our daily protein
requirements should be 10% to 35% of our total caloric intake, with
men needing slightly more than women. A lack of protein can cause
loss of muscle mass, decreased immunity, as well as weakening of
the heart and respiratory system.
How protein affects your weight
The widespread popularity of high-protein diets is due in large part to
their ability to help manage hunger. When protein is absorbed, it sends
a signal to the brain to decrease your hunger. Another benefit of protein
is that it raises your resting metabolism by maintaining muscle mass.
As we age, muscle mass decreases without exercise, so staying fit is a key
to burning fat by keeping your metabolism high. Protein also leads to a
much less rapid rise and fall of blood sugar and insulin, so you avoid the
“sugar highs and lows” after eating sweets without adequate protein.
Certain foods, however, provide a healthier resource for protein than others.
Consider the source
You can obtain healthy sources of protein without high levels of saturated fat.
For example, soybeans, nuts and whole grains provide protein without much
saturated fat and offer plenty of healthful fiber and micronutrients as well.
If you’re looking for yet another great way to obtain healthy protein, vegetable
sources of protein found in Herbalife’s Formula 1,
are high-quality and have lower calorie levels with virtually no added fat. Herbalife products personalize
your daily protein intake to match your body’s needs. With a variety of shakes
and snacks, the ShapeWorks program helps you build or
maintain lean muscle while providing healthy weight management support.
Now that you’ve increased your knowledge of protein, you can effectively
enhance your diet and allow good health to take shape.
| * These statements
have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product
is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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Soy protein
is the highest-quality plant
protein available. It’s an excellent
source for the amino acids your
body needs, as well as
antioxidants to help you maintain
healthy cells. Soy protein is longacting
and slowly metabolized.
Whey protein
provides amino acids and mixes
well with nonfat (skim) milk or
soy milk to create creamy,
delicious shakes. Whey protein is
fast-acting and quickly
metabolized.
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