About a month ago I cautioned that too much protein can cause
hypercalciurea, or excess elimination of calcium from the body
(primarily from the bones), caused by consuming large amounts of
protein-rich foods. This condition may lead to osteoporosis.
I did not distinguish between animal-based protein and plant-based
protein, which may have led some people to be concerned about
their intake of high protein foods.
Bob Beeley was kind enough to send me published research reports
that clearly indicate that animal-based protein - particularly
those from soy - are not likely to result in this problem.
I have just returned from the PMRI (Dr. Dean Ornish) Residential
Lifestyle Retreat where this was specifically described. Soy-based
proteins (and other plant-based proteins) are by far the safest and
most beneficial source.
The Standard American Diet ranges from 30% to 60% of calories from
protein, four to six times one's needs. Athletes and weight lifters
do not need megadoses of protein, which can actually reduce
performance, rather than enhancing it.
It is important to keep fat down to 10% of calories, but we should
also look at a safe and resonable balance of carbohydrates (75% of
calories) and protein (15% of calories) to maintain optimum health.
Proteins from animal sources, including non-fat dairy products,
correlate highly with calcium deficits and loss of bone density.
Neal Pinckney <> Healing Heart Foundation <> Makaha, Hawaii <> AH6HM
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