Unit Paper 1

Americans and Protein—How Much is Enough?

The concern of protein intake can be a thought for many of us exercise fanatics. Our textbook describes how the body manufactures certain amino acids but it requires others through the diet.  Through my own personal research, I have learned some interesting points about protein—although they may be contrary to what some believe, but are supported by scientific research.  I will share some of these points below. 

A question often asked, pertains to the magic number of how many grams of protein are required by a human adult?  One can argue to the reasoning of why the larger recommended daily allowances, in places even such as Germany? But new research suggests that our requirements may be significantly lower.   In, Cousens (1986), A Harvard researcher, Dr. Hegsted, found that we might only need 25-30 grams per day. In, Gabriel Cousens, “Spiritual Nutrition,” he quotes, “Dr. K. Eimer found that when athletes reduced their protein intake from 100 grams of animal protein to 50 grams of vegetable protein, their performance improved.” (p. 269) Cousens explains further, that apes who are considerably stronger than humans consume only .2 to 2.2 percent diet of protein, as they are herbivores—now that is interesting.

Another unique idea us Americans have claimed, is that too much protein can actually be bad for us—What do you think about this? According to Cousens (1986), in the Wendt doctrine, they visually observed how excess protein, clogs the basement membrane between the capillaries and the cells, which discourages the enhancement of oxygen and nutrients in the body. Or maybe, to take this concept a stretch further—did you know that it’s the Americans idea that we don’t need to consume a complete protein at a meal in order for our bodies to absorb it?  To this day, a popular belief that vegetarians have and are still struggling with, is being able to ‘form a complete protein,’ for example, from grains and vegetables. Again, the Wendt Doctrine expresses, serum albumen remained steady during fasting when no protein was consumed. (p. 270-271) Evidently this theory is due to the body’s ability to maintain an amino acid pool and send it to our body where it’s needed.   So in a sense, the body synthesizing proteins as needed, and next collects the ingredients from different sources in the body—makes complete sense.

As mentioned on mensfitness.com, a six-ounce serving size of Greek yogurt has approximately 18 grams of protein! Understanding that apes only consume about 2.2 percent protein in their diet and are stronger than we are, could it be possible that one container of Greek yogurt could have a whole day’s worth of protein, without having to supplement with nutritional powders, etc.?

With this vast array of ever consuming knowledge and information about protein that is out there today, we need to disseminate what information is relevant to each of us. Then monitor our own health and stay open to new possibilities when it comes to nutritional research.

Sources

Cousens, G., M.D. (1986). Spiritual Nutrition, 18, 269-274.

Johnson, M.D. (2012). Human Biology: Concepts and Current Issues, Sixth Edition. Glenville, IL: Pearson Education Inc., 2, 40-42 .

Liberman, B. (2013). Top Protein Foods. Retrieved from http://www.mensfitness.com/training/pro-tips/top-protein-foods.

PART II

1. I am most proud of this paper on protein. I’ve had a fascination with protein for as long as I can remember and always had lots of questions concerning how much I need to consume into my own diet and what type of protein is the most beneficial.
2. So far the information I understand the best are the cell’s organelles. I believe because I have studied them before in another class, so it has made them easier to remember.
3. A couple actions I have taken, one, I purchased the study guide to the textbook, which has given me a little more depth of the text and it’s end of the chapter review. Another enhancement that has helped me, is utilizing the e-online textbook quizzes and web interactive videos for each chapter.
4. I have felt the most connected when I have plenty of time to thoroughly look over and review the homework and reading material required at the time, at length. I’ve felt the most distance when I get stuck on one assignment due for class, and know that I have several piling up that I don’t have enough time to get to and feel rushed to complete them.
5. One idea that would help me to enjoy the class more, is not to be so inundated with so many things due at once—for instance, this paper, the lab, the quiz, and studying for an exam all in the same week, on top of taking another class and working, I found this to be very stressful. I’m certainly not afraid of hard work, but I have found at times for it to be a bit much.