Bad Protein?

we all know that there are "bad carbs" (ie: refined sources such as white sugar, white flour, white rice, high-fructose corn syrup, glucose.. etc) they contain no nutritional value, and are all high GI; spiking your blood sugar and dropping it soon after (rollercoaster effect) causing you to want to eat more sugary carbs... this release of insulin in the blood can emphasize fat strorage and thus weight gain

--good carbs cause a slow-steady release of energy and do not spike blood glucose as quickly.. these are found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. The more fiber the better.

we know about the "bad fats" (ie: saturated and trans fats) saturated are to be limited (they are found in meat, nuts, and dairy so it's best to get lean cuts or low fat versions) and trans fats should be avoided all together.. they are a man made by-product 'lipid' typically found in packaged/processed foods to prolong shelf life (these foods should be avoided as well)

--good fats are the mono- and poly- unsaturated kind, as well as the omegas. These fats are important for proper body function, and are beneficial to overall health, skin and hair... studies show that these fats prolong satiety (feeling of fullness) because they slow digestion, and can help fat/weight loss "eat fat to burn fat"

But what about protein??

I have yet to here someone talk about proteins that should be avoided or limited... do they exist?

some proteins are complete (like animal source proteins) they contain all 9 essesntial amino acids, while others are incomplete (plant proteins) which don't contain all essential amino acids...

but neither one is "bad"

--it's just that if you are a vegetarian you need to get your proteins from multiple sources to ensure that you have a balance of all 9 essential amino acids

...

or am I missing something? are there such proteins that should be avoided/limited?

Protein CAN be bad in large quantities - that was one of the major problems with the Atkins diet (along with the high fat content). Too much protein in your diet can ruin your kidneys, so be sure to consult your doctor or a nutritionist before using things like protein powder or protein supplements in your diet. How much protein is safe for you depends on your age, weight, and activity level (for example, weight lifters need a LOT more protein than a normal person to rebuild their muscles).

Original Post by carmenxox:

see but thats the thing, it's the fat in the food not the protein that is bad

if fat-free bacon was possible, it wouldn't be so terrible

 

Not for us, maybe...the pig still wouldn't find it a pleasant experience ;-)

There are no bad proteins just like there are no bad fats or bad carbs.  But you can eat too much or too little of any of them.

Original Post by jessieloca:

Protein CAN be bad in large quantities - that was one of the major problems with the Atkins diet (along with the high fat content). Too much protein in your diet can ruin your kidneys

 There is no evidence that high protein diets can 'ruin' or cause any sort of negative effect on previously healthy kidneys.

Original Post by trhawley:

There are no bad proteins just like there are no bad fats or bad carbs.  But you can eat too much or too little of any of them.

 You can't eat tool little trans fats.

You can eat/drink too much of anything, but how much is too much can vary greatly.

If you read "The China Study" by T. Colin Campbell, you might change your mind about all proteins being equal.  He shows data from alot of studies that says animal-based protein is linked to all kinds of diseases, whereas vegetable-based protein isn't.  I try to limit the animal-based protein I eat based on what I learned from that book.

Original Post by chiefsfan4life:

Soy protein in excess can be bad - it has been shown to raise estrogen levels

that may be desirable to some people.

Original Post by chiefsfan4life:

Soy protein in excess can be bad - it has been shown to raise estrogen levels

Thanks for the info on this, I eat and drink lots of soy and soy products, but didn't know it could cause problems...What's 'to excess'?  How do I know I've overdone it?

Oh come on now! your telling me that soy raises estrogen levels, you honestly dont believe that do you.? What about  how they link red meat to several typs of cancers. All this talk about a protien deficiency is redicules. People need to stop watching all of these tv ads that are trying to sell products to make money and see what some of these real scientific studies have shown about a plant based diet. 

Yes, protein can be dangerous in high quantities.  It affects the kidneys.  I don't know what the high quantities are, but I remember when the no carb diets (Air Force Diet it was called then) one had to check the urine for something that came from too much protein in the system.

alittle bit on the protein question..i had a bout with my gallbladder which in turn affected the use of my pancreas.i had to go thriugh a number of days without eatting because they found my protein level was to high.and was also low in potasium.i had put myself on a low fat,high protein diet for 2 years and messed up.good protein has a higher cholesteral level than we notice.fish and chicken are very good for us.low in fat,but...you need to mix good carbs with your protein to break down the cholesteral.thats where i went wrong..my triglyceroids were at 640..not good at all!!!! i was on my way to a magor health(heart) problem.now a year later im doing better.ive got them down to 300 but thats still high.and im on meds..what im getting at is read more about the proteins that your taking in.watch the cholesteral intake,and take care...

Comparing protein/carbs/fats on a nutrient basis alone protein has the least downsides.  Unfortunately it's the most expensive.

Not that it matters much, but in principle tofu is more nutritious than a banana.  Tofu is also more nutritious than bacon.  Beyond that I'm losing interest in this topic fast....

Both the South Beach and Zone diets recommend eating bacon, just not everyday. And the meal should be balanced for fat/prot/carb at each setting.

Healthy eating is not eliminating foods but eating the proper quantity, proper nutritional and moderately within your caloric limit.

"Soy protein in excess can be bad - it has been shown to raise estrogen levels"

What is considered excess? I get 9-10% of my protein from soy products.

Bottom line: There are no bad foods, only bad food habits. A piece of bacon now and then or a cookie or two on occasion won't hurt you. Nutrition, like life, is about balance and moderation in all things. ANYTHING in excess is harmful.

Too much protein can DEFINITELY mess up your kidneys.  Many members of my family have had kidney problems due to protein intake (protein powders, supllements, etc. for body building) so there isn't any dispte that in excess protein isn't so good for you...just like too much of any food isn't good for you. 

I haven't really heard of "bad" proteins, maybe too much gluten or soy, but I don't really have a solid answer.  Great feed, though!

Soy protein is not bad.  Genitically modified soy protein is bad.  That is what is messing every one up.  The Japenese have been eating large amounts of soy for generations with no ill effects.  If you eat soy make sure it is not genetically modified, buy organic!  Though I agree getting most of you protein from one source is not good, especially if you are vegetarian/vegan try to eat as many different sources of protein as you can.  That way you are most likely to get the nutrition that you need. 

Original Post by ily51:

My two cents: any overly processed protein might be harmful in excess, such as fake soy meats and such things. Maybe also protein powder? Not because of what is stripped, like in the case of simple carbs, but because of what is added. (just to note, I consume both of these, so please refrain for bonking me in the head over what I said)

Also, not sure where the cholesterol resides - is it in the fat or protein part of meat/eggs/dairy? Because if found in protein, that might make it "bad" by certain standards too.

 I agree.  I am vegan and make very occasional use of fake meats but I certainly don't base my diet on them.  By the time they turn a whole food like  a soy bean into something that looks and tastes like chicken or hamburger how much nutrition is left?  The closer what we eat is to how it came out of the ground the better.

Hi, I just wanted to mention Hemp Seeds, I found some at a health food store, and have been eating them quite often. According to the going information, 4 heaping tablespoons is all the protein that one needs for the day, and they give you an energy boost as well. Taken with lots of water, they seem to being working for me, although I sometimes take a few spoonfuls and also eat meat.

wow I didnt know that about hemp seeds. I know some vegans that highly recomend them in your diet. I like the whole energy thing.

Original Post by hswee6473:

Probably high fat proteins, like bacon should be limited, also certain cuts of beef and pork should be limited due to fat content.  Liver and other organs (sweetbreads) can have high levels of various things that are not healthy.

Liver contains high levels of iron, you could also claim it was very healthy. High fat content in meat is not a problem so long as you are consuming it in moderation. Fat gives flavour and tenderness.