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Article:
Rediscovering Protein - Corrective Action in the American Diet by: Protica Nutritional Research Protein must be a part of a healthy diet for a simple reason: it is essential for life. Every single cell in the human body -- including bones, blood, skin, chemicals, and enzymes -- depend on protein for effective operation.[i] Yet while Americans are more health-conscious than ever before, the national health dialogue continues to be dominated by a cynical theme: malnutrition. Many Americans are suffering the ill-health effects of a diet that is too high in saturated fat[ii], carbohydrates[iii], and calories[iv], while severely lacking in protein. This wave of malnutrition is not merely disconcerting to medical professionals. It is alarming. The situation has become so desperate that obesity will soon become the nation's leading cause of preventable death.[v] America's nutritional dilemma is not, however, limited to obesity concerns. Malnutrition in non-overweight individuals is nearing epidemic levels. Millions of 'fit looking'¯ individuals subsist on a diet that is far too rich in carbohydrates a problem that has been enhanced for generations by the US FDA's encouragement of refined carbohydrates as part of a balanced diet. We now know, however, that many of these refined carbohydrates are metabolically similar to candies and sweets. Added to this problem is that saturated fats continue to dominate many meals, particular those served in fast food restaurants. Essentially then, the problem in America can be summed up as this: eat right or prepare to suffer shape up, or die a preventable death. The first step in balancing America's eating practices is to reintroduce the importance of protein. This neglect is all the more stunning given that, of the three major macronutrients '“ carbohydrates, fats, and proteins '“ proteins are the only essential component that human beings cannot live without. Reintroducing protein as part of a healthy diet is made more difficult because many consumers do not know where to find a healthy source of protein. Unfortunately, most nutritional supplement sources bring with them a range unwanted carbohydrates, facts, and calories. Powerbar the 'granddaddy'¯ of nutritional supplements launched in '1987
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