Bart Maes

Reduce the amount of carbohydrates and sugars

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 sufficient proteins important?

Not only for our muscles, but sufficient proteins are needed in many areas of our body.

You need protein for your muscles, skin, nails, bones and organs. And also for the production of your hormones, ova and sperm. Every day, body cells are replaced by new cells. And every day proteins are needed to make new cells. Proteins are the most important building blocks of your body. During 24 hours, 60 billion body cells are working with proteins. If we have a shortage of proteins, our cells do not work optimally. The greater the deficit, the worse it is for the body and mind. We become tired, suffer from all sorts of complaints, fall ill, etc…

Our resistance needs proteins. This way, it can better defend itself against the flu, covid-19 and other infectious diseases.

Our resistance decreases with protein deficiencies. That is certainly not what we want these days. Sufficient protein gives Covid-19, flu and other infectious diseases less chance. Why?

1. Our gastric juices are our first defense against foreign intruders through food. These juices consist of acids and enzymes which literally make life difficult for unwanted intruders. 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 inhale but also ingest orally. We have 3 types of T-cells and all these defenders need proteins to do their job.

3. B-cells in our body. These B-cells make antibodies against unwanted intruders such as viruses and bacteria. As a result, the body always recognizes them. They activate T-cells. The B-cells and their antibodies also need sufficient protein.

The right protein balance for more vitality

Because proteins have important functions in the body, they form an important part of our dietary pattern. It is important to simply consume enough protein; an amount that suits your body. The required amount of 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, women who are breastfeeding, people who exercise a lot and bodybuilders need a bit more protein per day. 1.2 grams per kg body weight. 2.3 grams of protein per kg of body weight per day is considered the absolute upper limit. Too much animal protein puts a strain on your kidneys. So prefer vegetable.

Plant proteins are superior

It used to be thought that proteins from plant sources were inferior because they did not contain all the amino acids. This is usually not the case and we do not need all the different amino acids in every meal to be healthy. Amino acids are tiny particles of protein of which we need 22 different ones. Advancing insight tells us that plant-based protein sources are superior and can perfectly supply you with the 22 amino acids. Plant-based protein sources are more easily digested than animal-based ones. They are not mixed with the crap that factory farmed animals have to eat during their lives. E.g. antibiotics and hormones. Animals also store pesticides. Preferably choose vegetable proteins from organic farming.

Choose protein-rich food and reduce carbohydrates and sugars. You will feel better.

You can also buy falafels, pancakes and meat substitutes rich in protein. Useful book on protein? Healthy and happy with proteins. By Bart Maes, Chantal Voets and Serge Restiau.