How much protein do we actually need? Here's another food we should be maxxing instead - National Post
Consuming more protein has become associated with a healthy lifestyle, even if that’s not what the science says. Photo by Getty ImagesArticle contentEverything from cereal to bread, milk to beer, and even treats like candy, chocolate bars and chips now have protein-infused versions.
The protein obsession has been trending for a while and shows no signs of abating as the food industry seemingly finds a never-ending list of foods it can inject with extra protein. But how much protein do we actually need? And is there another food we should be reaching for instead?
Fibre has emerged as an early favourite for the next big food trend. But unlike protein, experts say there is truth to the average person needing more of it.
Samantha King, a professor in the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies at Queen’s University and co-author of the book “Protein: The Making of a Nutritional Superstar,” first noticed the emphasis on consuming more protein at her local gym a decade ago.
“I just thought that was really strange, given that we are all fairly privileged, well-fed, clean-eating fitness practitioners, and people were talking about picking up these huge plastic tubs of powdered whey and adding them to the food,” she said.
It inspired King and her research partner, Gavin Weedon, to look into its rise.
“We kept thinking over the last 10 years that the fad would soon diminish, and it hasn’t,” King said. “It’s just kept growing.”
Protein is a macronutrient needed for building muscle, repairing cells and supporting immune and metabolic functions. Toronto-based registered dietitian Melissa Koch said if you think of our bodies as houses, then protein acts like the bricks.
“Eating the protein adds bricks to our house to maintain and repair it if there’s any damage,” said Koch, who owns Bloom Nutrition Services. “We need to get enough bricks daily to keep our house strong and keep it in a good state without having to repair it.”
