On a few separate
occasions, I've heard people from various health occupations declare that
protein is "overrated." It seemed to me those folks were thinking of
"body" protein - for muscle building and the like - rather than brain
protein. This brief article covers the top 3 reasons to take a different view
of protein.
1. Protein provides
amino acids.
Amino acids are the precursors of several key brain chemicals - dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Those neurochemicals affect the brain in a number of ways.
Amino acids are the precursors of several key brain chemicals - dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Those neurochemicals affect the brain in a number of ways.
Dopamine and
norepinephrine boost alertness and brain reward. Norepinephrine and serotonin
improve mood and help fight depression and other "off" moods. All of
them are brain feel-goods.
2. The female brain
turns over serotonin at a faster rate than the male brain.
As a result, women need protein throughout the day. That provides the amino acid tryptophan in sufficient quantities to help the brain make enough serotonin and prevent various mood issues.
As a result, women need protein throughout the day. That provides the amino acid tryptophan in sufficient quantities to help the brain make enough serotonin and prevent various mood issues.
In addition, protein
foods provide B vitamins. Vitamin B-6 helps to make serotonin synthesis (or
re-synthesis) possible.
3. Protein is the
macronutrient that offers the highest satiety.
Satiety is the feeling that we've had enough food and don't need to go back for more. One underlying reason for this is that protein triggers production of cholecystokinin (CCK). It's the most powerful satiety hormone the human body produces.
Satiety is the feeling that we've had enough food and don't need to go back for more. One underlying reason for this is that protein triggers production of cholecystokinin (CCK). It's the most powerful satiety hormone the human body produces.
Yes, there are quite a
few other reasons to eat protein, but let's stick with these 3 for this
article.
The above reasons are
compelling ones to keep eating true protein foods - fish, chicken, grass-fed
beef, free-range organic eggs, shellfish, and more - throughout the day. If
you're against eating animal products, by all means substitute high-quality
protein powders.
Vegetable proteins are
having their moment right now. But for some people, the amount of protein
available in kale, for example, won't provide enough protein to make big
changes in the brain. Vegetable protein powders, though, offer more.
Whatever form of
protein you decide to use is up to you, of course. Just don't skimp on protein
if you're seriously interested in alertness, better moods, and greater satiety.
