A diet, which consists of 30% of calories consumed coming from protein may hold the key to combating obesity and diabetes. Recent research indicates that a diet consisting of 30:40:30 (protein:carbs:fats) was superior to the food guide diet of 15:55:30 in maintaining glucose homeostasis, increasing insulin sensitivity and improving glucose control in normal people and those suffering from type II diabetes.

This same 30% protein diet has also been shown to be superior to the food guide pyramid diet for weight loss. Furthermore, subjects consuming the 30% protein  maintained more lean muscle tissue and lost a greater proportion of the fat than those subjects consuming the high carb diet. Several investigators have also reported increased satiety with the increased protein compared to a control high carb diet.

Recent findings suggest that replacing dietary carbohydrates with protein may decrease the risk of ischaemic heart disease. This is supported by the fact that replacing dietary carbohydrates with protein improves blood lipid profiles by decreasing triglyceride levels and increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels.

In summary, getting the 30% protein and a lowered carbohydrate diet is superior to a high carb (i.e., food guide pyramid) diet in promoting fat loss, muscle maintenance and appetite suppression.

References

1. Hu FB, Stampfer MJ, Manson JA et al. Dietary protein and risk of ischemic heart disease in women.     Am J Clin Nutr, 2000;72:168-173.
2. Paolisso G, Esposito R, D’Alessio MA, Barbieri M Primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerosis: is there a role for antioxidants? Diabetes Metab, 1999 Sep;25(4):298-306
3. Layman DK, Baum JI. Dietary protein impact on glycemic control during weight loss. J Nutr, 2004 Apr;134(4):968S-73S.
4. Layman DK. Protein Quantity and Quality at levels above the RDA Improves Adult Weight Loss. J Am Cell Nutr, 2004 Dec;23(6 Suppl):631S-6S.
5. Hill AJ, Blundell JE. Composition of the action of macronutrients on the expression of appetite in lean and obese subjects. Ann N Y Acad Sci, 1990;580:529-31.

This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. As always, check with a doctor before starting any treatment program. For more information on using guided relaxation and creative visualization to aid healing and enhance your quality of life, call Positive Changes at 1-877-POSITIVE.