To Your Health: Protein hype, do you really need it?

Luppens says people may not need as much protein as they think. The widely accepted guideline is about 0.8 grams of protein for every kilogram of body weight.

“So a 150-pound person needs about 55 grams of protein a day,” she said. “You can easily get that by eating a variety of everyday foods.”

Most people already have these foods at home. Luppens lists lentils, beans, chickpeas, tofu, nut butters, eggs, fish, meat, and dairy products as good sources of protein. Many other foods also contain smaller amounts of protein.

Luppens says our bodies can handle different amounts of protein. What concerns her more is that focusing too much on protein might mean other important foods get left out.

“My concern with a heavy focus on protein is that we might be forgetting about the importance of a balanced diet,” she said. “We encourage people to get enough protein, but also to include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.”

Those foods provide many of the nutrients our bodies need. Luppens points out that protein-enhanced foods and supplements may not have the calcium, iron, and fibre found in whole foods. Protein can come from several sources. Foods with extra protein include yogurts, breads and beverages. Protein can come from animal sources such as eggs, dairy, or collagen. It can also come from plant sources such as soy or pea protein.

For shoppers considering their options, Luppens says these products are a choice, not a necessity.

“Protein-enhanced foods are certainly an option, but they might not be necessary,” she said. “They also tend to cost more. So the choice is yours.”

Luppens says some people like the convenience and do not mind paying more. She advises people to think about their own needs and to be aware of marketing on food labels.

by Dave Branco

To Your Health: Protein hype, do you really need it?

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