Bart Maes

Author: Bart Maes more info: www.bartmaes.eu

It has long been known that proteins are more important than carbohydrates and sugars. Too many carbohydrates and sugars are bad for our health. Eating too little protein is not desirable for optimal health. Let there be no doubt about that.

Why are enough proteins important?

Not only for our muscles, but sufficient protein is needed in many areas of our body. You need proteins for your muscles, skin, nails, bones and organs. And also for the production of your hormones, eggs and sperm cells. Every day, body cells are replaced by new cells. In which every day proteins are necessary to make new cells. Proteins are the most important building blocks of your body. During 24 hours, 60 billion cells in the body are working with proteins. If you have a shortage of proteins, our cells do not function optimally. The greater the deficit, the worse for body and mind. We get tired, get all kinds of complaints, get sick, etc.

Our resistance needs proteins. This way she can better defend herself against influenza, covid-19 and other infectious diseases.

Our resistance decreases with protein deficiencies. We certainly don’t want that these days. Sufficient protein makes Covid-19, influenza and other infectious diseases less likely. Why? 1. Our gastric juices are our first defense against foreign food invaders. These juices consist of acids and enzymes that literally make life miserable for unwanted invaders. Proteins are needed for these juices and enzymes. 2. T cells in our body are the ultimate defenders of our health. They defend us against pathogens such as viruses and bacteria that we breathe in but also swallow orally. We have 3 types of T cells and all of these defenders need proteins to do their job. 3. B cells in our body. These B cells produce antibodies against unwanted invaders such as viruses and bacteria. As a result of which the body always recognizes them. They activate T cells. The B cells and their antibodies also need enough proteins.

The right protein balance for more vitality

Because proteins have important functions in the body, they are an important part of our diet. It is important to simply consume enough protein; an amount that suits your body. The required protein per day is the formula 0.8 x your body weight in kg. If you weigh 70 kg, you need 56 grams of protein per day. Pregnant women, breastfeeding women, people who exercise frequently and bodybuilders need a little more protein per day. 1.2 grams per kg of body weight. 2.3 grams of protein per kg of body weight per day is considered to be the absolute upper threshold. Far too much animal protein takes up your kidneys. Therefore choose vegetable.

Vegetable proteins are superior

Previously, it was thought that proteins from vegetable sources are inferior because they would not contain all amino acids. Usually this is not the case and we do not need all the different amino acids every meal to be healthy. Amino acids are small particles of proteins of which we need 22 different ones. Advancing insight tells us that plant protein sources are superior and deliver you perfect the 22 amino acid n. Vegetable protein sources are getting easier digested than animal ones. They are not mixed with the rock crap that factory animals have to eat during their lifetime. Eg antibiotics and hormones. Pesticides are also stored in animals. Preferably choose vegetable proteins from organic farming.

Choose a protein-rich diet and reduce carbohydrates and sugars. You will feel better. You can also buy falafels, pancakes and meat substitutes rich in protein. Useful book about proteins? Healthy and happy with proteins. By Bart Maes, Chantal Voets and Serge Restiau.