Women and Protein

By Marilyn Zink

Many women are not eating enough protein and it's affecting their health.

That was the premise for a lecture by Lorna Vanderhaeghe, who spoke at the Victoria Health Show in January.

Inadequate protein can lead to various health risks in women, said Vanderhaeghe. It can cause a higher risk of osteoporosis, fragile nail and thin hair, lead to edema and slow the metabolism. "If you're getting fat, you're not getting enough protein," stressed Vanderhaeghe.

Depression is definitely linked to a lack of protein, along with hormonal problems and sagging skin and flabby underarms. Protein deficiency in the elderly is also linked to incontinence.

There are six reasons we need protein in our bodies, said Vanderhaeghe.

1. Our cells need amino acids for growth, maintenance and repair.
2. Our metabolic rate increases 25% with protein compared to only 5% with carbohydrates.
3. Protein is essential for the manufacture of hormone and neurotransmitters.
4. Protein regulates the balance of water between cells.
5. Protein strengthens the immune system.
6. Protein protects the heart and keeps insulin levels stable, curbing appetites and sugar cravings.

In the typical North American diet, 20 per cent of the day's total calories should come from protein. Vanderhaeghe said whey protein has a peptide in it that stops cravings. Whey protein controls the stress hormone cortisol and it contains glutathione - the most potent detoxifier. It also contains lactoferrin, a powerful antioxident for E coli, candida and salmonella bacteria.

Vanderhaeghe also talked about the benefits of fermented soy, which Asians use in their diets. Fermented soy enhances protein absorption, it fights cancer, regulates immune function, lowers cholesterol and builds bones. Vanderhaeghe said unfermented soy blocks protein absorption, is anti-thyroid, inhibits minerial absorption amd decreases the ability of red blood cells to absorb oxygen. She said research based on this is reported in the Journal of the American Dietetic Foundation.

Vanderhaeghe's lecture was sponsored by Sisu's featuring their new product Women's Whey.