The Danger of the Fat content of High Protein Foods
Healthy vs. Unhealthy Fats
Our bodies require fat in our diets, but too much fat is far from healthy. Too much fat content of high protein foods increases our cholesterol levels. We need to eat foods that are low in fat, like chicken or even lean cuts of pork. More than half of the fat contained in these meats is unsaturated fat, the type that lowers cholesterol. The fat content of high protein foods should be a cause for concern.
Studies show that people on high protein diets consume as much as 34% of their total calories in the form of protein, and as much as 53% of their total calories come from fat. People need to be aware of the danger of consuming too much protein and too much fat.
The Danger of High Protein Diets
High protein diets have become a fad for weight loss; but while you achieve quick weight loss on a high protein diet, due to the high fat content giving you a sensation of feeling full faster, it is not the healthiest way of losing weight. Animal proteins are laden with cholesterol and saturated fat, which leads to an elevation of LDL (the bad cholesterol) especially if you remain on such a diet for a long period. While you may lose weight quickly, in the long run, you are jeopardizing your cardiovascular health, because high levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood that clog arteries and lead to heart attacks and strokes.
People also lose weight temporarily on high protein diets due to water loss. This is dangerous since high protein diets from meat and dairy products raise the uric acid levels and the levels of urea in the blood. The body releases these toxic by-products of the protein breakdown and metabolism, by pumping a lot of water into the kidneys and urinary tract to flush them out. The side effect here is detrimental, in that the body loses essential minerals including calcium. This loss of calcium from the bones can lead to osteoporosis.
Animal Protein vs. Vegetable Protein
Replacing or balancing animal protein diets with vegetable or plant based protein diets can be your way to consume protein foods that are low in fat content. Soy is an excellent plant based protein which lowers LDL cholesterol levels. Replace saturated fat with unsaturated fat found in olive and canola oils.
Healthy Permanent Weight Loss
Apart from the pitfalls involved in consuming the fat content of high protein foods, weight loss is usually only temporary. To achieve permanent weight loss in a healthy way, concentrate on high fiber foods, and burning more calories than you consume. Learn more about the fat content of high protein foods in this article and chart.
References
1. Common Sense Health
High Protein Foods List With Protein Content
https://commonsensehealth.com/Diet-and-Nutrition/List_of_High_Protein_Foods.shtml
2. Women’s Health Information
High Protein Diets - Are You Losing More Than Weight