Carbohydrates, proteins and fats, which serve as sources of energy for our body, are called the three main nutrients. Among them, proteins are a source of energy and at the same time a basic element that makes up our body. However, just because protein plays an important role in many parts of the body doesn’t mean everyone should consume the majority of it. So who should eat protein, how and how much?
High protein foodsㅣSource: Clip Art Korea
Colorectal cancer patients have to drastically reduce their protein intake
A recent study found that colon cancer patients, who account for about 70 percent of colorectal cancer cases, can starve the cancer cells if their protein intake is greatly reduced early in treatment.
A research team at the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center in the United States found that when colon cancer patients start treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, if they follow a low protein diet for 1 to 2 weeks , cancer cells can be mass-killed. This was confirmed in cell and mouse experiments.
Protein intake activates mTOR and inhibits autophagy. Here, mTOR is a key gene for development and growth and promotes cell growth when activated. Continuous stimulation of mTOR inhibits autophagy, creating a favorable environment for cancer cell growth. Cancer is due to cells ignoring the cycle of death and proliferating abnormally. The research team explained: ‘Cells can die if there are no nutrients needed for growth. This is because a low-protein diet blocks the signaling pathway for key nutrients that make cancer grow.
When the cancer is progressing or undergoing chemotherapy, protein in the body is likely to run out. Therefore, it is undesirable to provide long-term low-protein diets to cancer patients. The research team plans to conduct a study to find out when and for how long a low-protein diet is suitable for cancer patients.
The results of this study were published in the international journal “Gastroenterology”.
Patients with metabolic syndrome, protein intake 0.8g per 1kg
Studies have shown that a diet that restricts protein intake is effective in combating metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome refers to a phenomenon in which adult diseases related to metabolism such as hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and obesity appear simultaneously.
A research group from the Universidade de São Paulo, in Brazil, compared and analyzed the effects of a low-calorie and protein diet on patients with metabolic syndrome. As a result of reducing protein intake to 0.8 g per 1 kg of body weight, all lost weight, and metabolic syndrome symptoms improved. It has been found to lower blood sugar, lose weight, control blood pressure, reduce triglyceride and cholesterol levels, and improve insulin sensitivity. The research team said: “Body fat decreased, but muscle mass did not decrease.” “We have shown that protein restriction reduces body fat while maintaining muscle mass.”
The results of this study have been published in the international journal ‘Nutrients’.
High protein foodsㅣSource: Getty Image Bank
Older people should rather increase their protein intake
Seniors should pay attention to their protein intake as much as they do during their growth spurt. This is because the risk of developing various diseases such as sarcopenia, osteoporosis and geriatric deafness increases if older adults do not consume adequate protein. However, as a result of a recent analysis of National Health and Nutrition Survey data from 2010 to 2019 by a research team from Jeju National University’s Department of Food and Nutrition, it was found that most people eat more than the average daily protein intake, but people over the age of 65 are not consuming enough.
It is known that muscle mass begins to decrease from the age of 40 and decreases by 1-2% every year from the age of 50. To maintain muscle mass in old age, protein intake should be increased to 1.0 to 1.2 g per 1 kg of body weight. However, even if you consume the same proteins, it is important to eat a “complete protein food” that contains nine essential amino acids that are not synthesized in the body and must be supplemented through food. Foods of animal origin such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy products fall into this category. Professor Park Yong-woo (Kangbuk Samsung Hospital), a medical consultant at the Haidak Department of Family Medicine, advised: “After the age of 65, you should actively increase your meat intake and pay attention not to run out of meat. protein intake. “
Older people should pay attention to how much protein they eat, but they also need to pay close attention to how much protein is absorbed. Proteins are digested by meeting gastric acid and pepsin in the stomach, and this is because the secretion decreases with age. Tofu is a high protein and easily digestible food. Although beans lack methionine among the nine essential amino acids, they are suitable for the elderly due to their high amino acid utilization rate.
Help = Professor Park Yong-woo, medical consultant at Haidak (family medicine specialist of Kangbuk Samsung Hospital)
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