Protein is seen as an important ally in weight loss, says study

Nutrient gained prominence in the dish 43% of women who do not want to gain weight 

Protein Diet, Atkins Diet, Dunkan Diet, South Beach Diet.

You've probably heard of some of them or know someone who has tried them. According to the International Food Information Council Foundation, 50% of consumers are interested in adding protein to the diet and 37% believe the nutrient helps in weight loss. In a new study, conducted by the University of Minnesota in the United States, and will be in the May / June in the journal The Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, researchers report that there is a relatively high proportion of women who adopt the practice of consume more protein to prevent weight gain and weight loss.

The study evaluated 1,824 women aged between 40 and 60 years, with three main objectives: to discover their views on sources and protein needs, identify the frequency of use of practice of eating more protein to prevent weight gain, and finally compare the reported protein intake frequency of practice of eating more protein to prevent weight gain.

Most women correctly identified good sources of protein and knew indicate the recommended daily requirement of protein. The habit of eating more protein was reported by 43% of women and over half of obese women as a strategy to prevent weight gain and weight loss. Two factors that have proven the effectiveness of this habit of the women were the amount of protein consumed - which was adequate - and the ability to manage their weight.

According to the researchers, the participants who said they lost weight by "eating more protein" had an intake of proteins close to that suggested by the 2010 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. Also according to those responsible for the study, obesity is an increasingly common disease, and identify the most effective practices for maintaining and reducing weight is very important.

Advantages and disadvantages 

Derived from dietary protein, one of the most talked about diets lately is the Dukan diet, popularized by being present in the dish celebrities like Princess Kate Middleton. We talked with a team of nutritionists, who explained how the diet works and what the pros and cons of adopting this method to lose weight.

Attack Phase: eating only protein eliminates weight, but does not give energy 

The first phase of the Dukan Diet lasts two to seven days and represents the most radical phase of the diet, in which the focus is the consumption of protein only. Lean meats, liver, kidney, poultry, turkey breast or chicken, seafood, yogurt, cheese or skim milk and eggs: The following foods are allowed. In addition, the diet provides for the use of three tablespoons of oats per day to keep the intestine working.

Pros: Eating only foods that provide mostly protein can lead to rapid weight loss, giving more motivation. The ability to eat the foods that group at will, in any quantity and time, can also be an incentive.

Cons: The abrupt restriction of carbs can cause serious damage to the body. "Without the glucose from carbohydrates, the nervous system can be compromised, no energy, and symptoms can arise with lethargy, fatigue (central and peripheral) and irritability," says nutritionist and physiologist Richard Zanuto of São Paulo. With the lack of carbohydrates, the body tends to convert fat into energy resulting in the release of substances called ketone bodies, which at high levels can be harmful to cells and cause discomfort such as bad breath. "As there is no intake of carbohydrates, the body also starts to burn muscle mass, leaving us weaker and more difficult to perform daily activities or exercise," adds nutritionist Fabi Lorenzetti, University of São Paulo. Another downside is insufficient fiber (found in vegetables, grains and fruit) intake, which are responsible for assisting in the normal gastrointestinal functioning, resulting in gas, gastrointestinal discomfort and difficulty in evacuation. The inclusion of oat bran may even be an advantage, but three scoops may not be sufficient to keep the intestine working, and a diet must be variable and other foods can also be used as fiber sources. "Oat bran is an example of soluble fiber, but other sources such as chia, flax and rye are also welcome," adds nutritionist Fernanda Amorim Nascimento, University Center Celso Lisboa, in Rio de Janeiro.