Even if you are not an athlete building muscle, you still may need a protein supplement. Vegetarians are always looking for a non-animal protein and some supplements have emerged to fit in that criteria.
Hemp protein is loaded with omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids which for the aging population is necessary to guard against cardiovascular problems. 65% of hemp’s protein comes from globular protein edestin which is easily digested and absorbed. And it is not a controversial form of marijuana! Peas are not normally considered a source of protein but sourced from yellow peas, pea protein is a great alternative to animal based protein. It has a mild taste and is gaining popularity among vegetarians. Soy protein is a great source but beware. If the soy is not fermented you may be unable to digest it and thereby release some toxins. This is the reason doctors warn against consuming soy if you are prone to cancer. On the other hand, fermented soy actually protects against cancer because the fermentation changes the digestibility and absorption thereby releasing the good cancer fighting components. Spirulina is a great veggie source of protein. As a super food it is approximately 65-71% complete protein and 85-95% digestible. Its amino acids are almost instantaneously absorbed by the body.
For those who can tolerate animal protein Whey is definitely the leader. It contains high biological value and is high in branch chain amino acids while being quickly absorbed. It comes in a whey concentrate or a whey isolate (which is slightly more potent). Eggs have been known for their high protein content but many can’t tolerate eggs and many times doctors recommend against eggs for cardiovascular reasons. Milk proteins contain casein and whey and are loaded with amino acids. This type of protein is usually found in protein blend formulas. If you find one that is strictly casein, don’t expect instant absorption. It takes the body 5-7 hours to break down and utilize casein, but is valuable if you take it in the evening and let your body get proteinized while you sleep.
Protein powders are good supplements, especially if you like me, don’t eat red meat or drink milk. If you are interested in a good fermented soy powder that also has medicinal mushrooms and curcumin in it click here
*excerpted in part from “The Wonderful World of Protein” by Mark Becker. Vitamin Retailer magazine June 2018.
Fiber is the super sponge in the body. When the liver processes carcinogenic toxins out of the blood they end up in the gut. In order to completely eliminate them from the body, something in the gut must absorb them. Enter: fiber!
Since collagen is the most abundant protein in our body, it provides structure to skin, muscles, bone and connective tissue. But it lessens in abundance as we age decreasing by 1% per year after the age of 20. The body’s ability to produce collagen starts decreasing at 2% per year after age 30. We know that collagen is used to help with wrinkle control, sagging skin, brittle nails and hair as well as joint problems, but did you know it also can help with leaky gut?
So many women suffering with menopause. That’s why I wrote my book Aaargh! Menopause. I still deal with post-menopause symptoms which have been mostly eliminated through various supplements, but many of my friends who are at that age are complaining about hot flashes, fatigue, mood swings, loss of interest in sex, joint pain and more. They just ask me… when does this stop?
In order for your body to burn food for fuel it must have a healthy thyroid to kickstart the process. The function of the thyroid gland is to take iodine and convert it into thyroid hormones. Thyroid cells are the only cells in the body which can absorb iodine. These cells combine iodine and the amino acid tyrosine to make T3 and T4 which then released into the blood stream and are transported throughout the body to control metabolism (conversion of oxygen and calories to energy).
It’s a symptom of old age! How many times have we heard that said when we develop aches and pains. Old age isn’t what it used to be – people are living longer and staying active into their eighties or beyond. If you want to be one of those healthy individuals you must read this book.
Anti-Aging Lady 