Top 3 Reasons Protein is NOT Overrated by Joan Kent, PhD

 

On several occasions, I’ve heard people from different health occupations declare that protein is “overrated.” I’m guessing those folks were thinking of “body” protein – for muscle building and so on – rather than brain protein. This brief article covers the top 3 reasons to take a favorable view of protein.

 

1. Protein provides amino acids.

 

Amino acids are the precursors of several key brain chemicals – dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Those chemicals affect the brain in a number of ways.

 

Dopamine and norepinephrine boost alertness and brain reward. Norepinephrine and serotonin improve mood and help fight depression and other “off” moods. All of them are brain feel-goods.

 

2. The female brain turns over serotonin at a faster rate than the male brain.

As a result, women need protein throughout the day. That provides the amino acid tryptophan in high enough quantities to help the brain make adequate serotonin and prevent certain mood issues.

 

In addition, protein foods provide B vitamins. B vitamins help to make serotonin synthesis possible.

 

3. Protein is the nutrient that offers the highest satiety.

Satiety is the feeling that we’ve had enough food and don’t need to go back for more. A key reason for this is protein triggers production of CCK (cholecystokinin). It’s the most powerful satiety hormone the human body produces.

 

Yes, there are quite a few other reasons to eat protein, but let’s stick with these 3 for this post.

The above reasons are compelling ones to keep eating true protein foods — fish, chicken, grass-fed beef, free-range organic eggs, shellfish, and more — throughout the day. If you’re against eating animal products, definitely substitute high-quality protein powders.

 

Vegetable proteins are having their moment right now. For some people, the amount of protein in kale, for example, won’t provide enough protein to make big changes in the brain. But vegetable protein powders offer more.

 

Whatever form of protein you decide to use is obviously up to you. Just don’t skimp on protein if you’re seriously interested in alertness, better moods, and greater satiety.

 

Questions about food? I’d love to help. Just visit www.LastResortNutrition.com and request your free Empowered Eating Consult. Find out how easy it is to reach your health goals and feel fantastic!

Brought to you by Dr. Joan Kent, best-selling author of Stronger Than Sugar:  7 Simple Steps to Defeat Sugar Addiction, Lift Your Mood, and Transform Your Health.