All you hear about today is how good protein is for you. It is 
advertised as the best way to build muscle and more than that it 
helps one lose weight.  Hey, if a little protein is good for you 
then a lot is even better, right?  WRONG! That statement couldn’t 
be further from the truth.  

Diet gurus pushing high protein low carb diets are promising 
quick weight loss.  This type of diet has become the most popular 
diet of today.  Anyone promising quick weight loss along with 
greater muscle gains is sure to attract a lot of people but are 
they exposing the whole picture?  Most of the high protein diets 
have people restrict their calories at the beginning of the diet 
and that is why there is weight loss.  It doesn't come from 
eating more protein.  So what is the problem if you reduce your 
weight by cutting calories and eat a lot of protein?

Well, there are many health concerns when eating too much 
protein.  The American Medical Association calls high protein 
diets, "Potentially hazardous, and full of theories that are at 
best half truths."  There are reported adverse side effects such 
as calcium loss, undesirable lipoprotein levels and decreased 
immune function.  Due to carbohydrate restrictions, this causes 
elevated levels of acetoacetate, which is linked to increased 
risk factors for cardiovascular disease. When there is a 
restriction of calories in the amount that most of these high 
protein diets recommend this can cause a low immune system 
response.  When you restrict your calories this causes inadequate 
levels of vitamins and minerals.  

The typical American diet today provides more then enough 
protein.  The minimum amount of protein needed to fulfill protein 
needs is equal to 0.8 grams of protein per kg body weight per 
day.  If you weigh 150 lbs., you divide your weight by 2.2 then 
times it by .8 and the amount of protein needed is 54.5 grams a 
day.  If you do a lot of aerobic exercising you should up it to 
1-1.2 grams per kg of body weight.  To build muscle you only need 
very small amounts of protein so the recommended RDA is enough to 
help build muscle.  

You can get protein from animals, plants or vegetables.  You will 
benefit more from getting your protein from meat that includes 
poultry and fish and to avoid red meats and dairy products. 
Individual plant proteins and grains don't contain all the 
essential amino acids, as does animal protein.  However if you 
eat a variety of plant foods, cereals, nuts, seeds, grains and 
legumes in combination, then you will get the essential amino 
acids needed by the body in a much healthier way then getting 
your protein from animal sources.  Animal sources may contain the 
essential amino acids but also are very high in fat.  

In closing, protein is needed by the body but in small amounts 
and Americans are getting more then enough in their diets so you 
shouldn't eat a diet high in protein or take protein supplements. 

This article is based on the book, “The Right Brain Diet”
by Joel Kaye, MA. Joel holds a Masters Degree in
Physical Health Education and is currently teaching
classes at New York University’s Coles Sports Center
On Weight Management, Nutrition And Exercise And
Cancer Wellness. Learn more by visiting his website:
http://www.rightbraindiet.com