Are Proteins Healthy Or Hurtful?

Why are Americans becoming so obese? Are starch and sugar the only villains? Are bacon and eggs the health food?

Not completely. While various researchers mention different sources, it isn't always that proteins are considered healthy. At times, the recommended daily intake (RDI) of protein remains at about 46 grams for women, and 56 grams for men, according to care2.

But on the other hand, many sources point out that consuming more proteins tends to increase weight, according to nytimes. The guidelines to eat less meat and fat have not held water. Americans consumed 67 percent more added fat, 39 percent more sugar, and 41 percent more meat in 2000 than they had in 1950 and 24.5 percent more calories than they had in 1970, according to the Agriculture Department. No wonder we are fatter and unhealthier, according to nytimes.

Animal protein may actually expose people to premature mortality from many sources, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and Type 2 diabetes. Saturated fat and trans fats may actually increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Last March, it was found that there is a "75 percent increase in premature deaths from all causes, and a 400 percent increase in deaths from cancer and Type 2 diabetes, among heavy consumers of animal protein under the age of 65 - those who got 20 percent or more of their calories from animal protein," according to nytimes.

Heart problems can be aggravated by low-carb, high-animal-protein diets. Even egg yolks and red meat can increase the risk of coronary heart disease and cancer due to increased production of trimethylamine N-oxide, or TMAO, "a metabolite of meat and egg yolks linked to the clogging of arteries."

What, finally, is a balanced diet? The best one that can prevent illnesses is a whole-foods, plant-based diet that does not have too much animal protein, harmful fats and refined carbohydrates. Hence, it is important to use little or no red meat, and mainly vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes and soy products in their natural forms. Some simple and refined carbohydrates such as sugar and white flour, as well as enough "good fats" such as fish oil or flax oil, seeds and nuts can contribute to a good diet.

Being low in "bad fats," or trans fats, saturated fats and hydrogenated fats supports good health.