What is protein?

Protein is made up of amino acids, which are called the “building blocks” of protein.  When you consume something that contains protein, it is broken down in the digestive system into amino acids, which are then absorbed by the body.

There are 20 amino acids, including 9 which are essential and 11 which are nonessential.  The nonessential amino acids can be produced from different components of the diet.  The essential amino acids either can’t be produced by the body, or the body can’t produce adequate amounts of them.  That means that we need to eat foods that contain all of the essential amino acids.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Lean Meats

Lean meat is lower in saturated fats than other meats, which is beneficial for heart health.  Meats are a rich source of iron, magnesium, zinc and B vitamins.  These nutrients help form new red blood cells, build strong bones and support immune health.

Lean meats are a complete protein, providing all essential amino acids.  Protein is the macronutrient highest in satiety, meaning high protein foods keep you feeling full the longest after eating.

It is good to have variety in any food group, including proteins.  Diversify your protein selections with lean red meats, white meat, eggs, seafood and vegetarian sources of protein like beans, nuts and soy.  

Conclusion

Lean meats have less than 10 gm of fat per 3.5 ounce serving.  You can get lean meats from any type of animal, as certain cuts of meat like loins are leaner cuts of meat than others.  Processed red meats are not usually considered lean, but white meats are almost always considered lean without the skin.

Grass fed or wild animals are leaner choices than commercially fed animals from feed lots.  To make any meat leaner, cut away excess fat before cooking and cook the meat so the fat drips away from the meat.  Examples include grilling, broiling or roasting.

The Cancer Benefits Of Green Tea

What are the health benefits of green tea?

Green tea has been used for centuries, especially in Asian culture, as a health remedy and prevention of many adverse health conditions.  Research continues to find new health benefits of green tea, and some research has solidified the “proof” of green tea’s ancient supposed remedies.  Here are some new and old health benefits of green tea.

Cancer Prevention and Treatment

According to a 2004 Harvard Health Publication, green tea consumption has an association with reducing risk of various cancers.  Green tea and cancer prevention probably has the highest amount of research for any health benefit with green tea.  However, research results with green tea and cancer prevention/treatment have mixed results.

Green tea contains catechins, which is the compound known for cancer fighting benefits.  They are anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), according to a 2005 article from The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

Angiogenesis is a normal process in the body, but it is also needed for cancer growth.  Catechins can fight off cancer by stopping new blood vessels from being formed that are needed for the cancer cells.

Antioxidants in green tea can protect body cells from DNA damage.  If DNA gets damaged, it may be susceptible to proliferation as seen in cancer.

How much green tea is needed for potential cancer prevention?  

Because of the variances from types of green tea, preparation and bioavailability of compounds (like catechins), it is not known exactly if and how much green tea can affect cancer prevention or treatment.

Also, some research studies use test tubes or animal models, which make the application of their outcome with green tea and cancer impossible to translate to humans.

Until more research is clarified, there appears to be no harm for drinking green tea in terms of cancer prevention and only possible benefits.