In recent years squirrels They have become the star nutrient. They have evolved from just another element of a healthy diet to a key factor that according to advertising and fitness influencers, it is very important to reinforce. For this reason, powdered supplements are first added to those that can already be consumed in the diet, and then all types of fortified foods, from milk to cereal bars. They have also gone from being specialty foods to being available in any supermarket. Mercadona, for example, is one of those with the widest offer. But there’s a problem: abuse rich foods in proteins can be dangerous.
According to a study recently published scientists from the University of Pittsburghif the protein contribution includes more than 22% of dietary caloriesincreases the risk of suffering atherosclerosis. It is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease, so it is a serious problem.
On the other hand, these scientists noticed that one of the amino acids that most influences this negative effect of excess protein is leucine. It is found mostly in animal proteins, such as meat, dairy products and eggs. Thus we are faced with another reason to increase proteins of plant origin. It is now clear that protein-rich foods are not necessary. Generally, what we can get from our diet is enough, especially if it comes from plant sources such as legumes.
Sometimes it may be necessary to increase your intake, especially for athletes or people who have lost muscle mass due to illness. But in these cases, taking supplements is enough. resort to pancakes, flans or protein-rich yogurts This is not necessary, it can give us an excess of certain amino acids, and to make matters worse, they usually come with added sugar and other ingredients that we don’t need.
How does atherosclerosis occur?
We have already seen that foods rich in protein can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. But what exactly does this involve?
This is a condition associated with increased levels low density lipoproteins (LDL). This is what is colloquially referred to as bad cholesterol, although this is an oversimplification of reducing its effects.
At low levels, it is not dangerous, but it is true that an excess of this type of cholesterol contributes to the formation of atheroma plaques. This is something that happens in several stages. First, when LDL begins to accumulate, you lose balance between vasodilation and vasoconstriction layer covering blood vessels. Thus, its contraction is stimulated, which makes it difficult for the blood to flow properly. This is usually accompanied by oxidative processes, which are completely normal in cells, but in excess can be associated with many diseases. In this case, LDL is oxidized, which leads to oxLDL. When this process occurs, various immune system cells come to this area to try to prevent the harmful buildup of cholesterol inside the blood vessels.
This can be a lifesaver, but it is also part of the problem. The action of the immune system leaves as collateral damage inflammationwhich in excess is harmful. In addition, among the cells that enter this area there are macrophages, whose function is to phagocytose possible agents harmful to the body. said very much rough, they eat them. When macrophages phagocytose oxLDL, they become filled with cholesterol, resulting in the formation of foam cells, which also accumulate inside blood vessels. All this results in the formation of something known as atheroma plaques.
They interfere with the proper passage of blood. But they can also break off, travel through the bloodstream and cause a blood clot in vital blood vessels. Therefore, it is very important to prevent its formation.
What happens to protein-rich foods?
The authors of the study, published in Natural Metabolismhave proven that a diet too rich in protein is beneficial excessive recruitment of immune system cells in blood vessels, especially macrophages.
But first of all, there seems to be a problem with leucine. Proteins consist of unique individual blocks, of which there are 20 different types. One of them is leucine. This is absolutely necessary because without it some of the proteins the body needs could not be produced. However, it is clear how dangerous its excess can be.
This information is very useful for making protein rich foods. Proteins with lower levels of this amino acid can be concentrated. However, this is not necessary. According to the authors of the study, in USAwhere did they do their research? almost a quarter of the population exceed that 22% protein in your diet. It is clear that fashion and the obsession with this type of product have gone too far. All nutrients are needed in fair balance. We don’t need new products to enhance any of them. The food we have is more than enough.
Source: Hiper Textual
