Protein is glorified in the American diet.  It is a food group that indicates wealth and power.  Let’s take a look at why protein has received such good reviews.

Proteins are polymers, long chains, of building block units called amino acids.  These amino acids are categorized as either essential or nonessential.  This means that some must be derived from dietary sources, while others can be synthesized within the body.

Its unique composition allows protein to serve a variety of functions within the body.  The first of these and the most widely known is that protein builds muscle mass.  It also does some behind the scene work, such as ensure cellular membrane integrity (an example is collagen), provide material for nervous conduction (an example is acetylcholine), and provide energy (ketosis).

At four calories per gram, protein contributes the same amount of calories per gram as a carbohydrate.  Don’t be surprised that proteins are also metabolized like carbohydrates in one very important way.  If the body has all the protein that it needs, it will quickly convert protein calories into fat stores just like it would do with excess carbohydrates.

While protein can contribute to fat, it can also prevent it.  Have you ever noticed how men’s metabolisms seem to be faster in comparison to women’s metabolisms?  This is partially due to the larger amount of muscle mass in men.  Muscles require tremendous amounts of energy to be maintained.  Translating into... the more muscle mass you have, then the more calories your body will use just to preserve its lean mass.  This is essential to keep in mind when trying to lose weight. 

The body uses fuels in a particular order.  First, the body uses glycogen stores.  Glycogen is the carbohydrate residual that is stored in muscle tissue.  Next, it will use fat stores.  The body will slowly eat up fat stores for energy.  Remember that fat is 9 calories per gram.  This means that the body can burn it up much slower because it imparts more energy per gram.  After the body uses its choice fat stores, it will begin to use protein.  This is dangerous.  The use of body proteins for energy begins the slippery slope of decreased lean muscle mass.  This means a slower metabolism as well as more brittle hair, less elastic skin, softer body composition, and much more.