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Plant based protein

Plant based protein

Athletes turning to a vegan diet need their nutrition to act as NATURAL PERFORMANCE ENHANCERS.  Pea protein, spirulina, gluten free plant protein powder, dairy free, soy free, meat free protein. What’s the fuss about? Is soy really that bad? 
Looking for amazing sources of plant based protein these days? Why are we all opting in for more meat free protein? With or without vegan diet or a vegan friendly lifestyle?

There are of course health risks and health benefits to plant based protein or plant proteins[1]
Protein is found throughout the whole body – in muscle, bone, skin, hair – virtually every other body part or tissue. At least 10,000 different proteins make up the enzymes that power many chemical reactions and the hemoglobin that carries oxygen in your blood.

Plant based protein

Plant based protein

The Institute of Medicine recommends that adults get a minimum of 0.8 g of protein for every 1 Kg of body weight per day

Plant Protein

Plant proteins have a reduced content of essential amino acids in comparison to animal proteins. A significant reduction of limiting amino acids (methionine, lysine, tryptophan) means lower protein synthesis. Protein is built from building blocks called amino acids. Our bodies make amino acids in 2 different ways: from scratch, or by modifying others. A few amino acids (known as the essential amino acids) must come from food. Now Foods Pea Protein 7 lbs
Methionine and lysine intakes are reduced with a predominant or exclusive plant protein diet.
Not sure but think you might be low on amino acids? In today’s industrialised world and fast paced life, our body is exposed more than ever before to pollution through the air we breathe. Preservatives and depleted nutrients in the food we eat. To germs, chemicals and radiation that surround us. All of these make our bodies less tolerant to illnesses and diseases. The VF-360 Defense System – Click Here
Lower intake of these amino acids provides a preventive effect against cardiovascular disease via cholesterol regulation by an inhibited hepatic phospholipid metabolism. Find out more about this from these studies [1] Do plant protein and animal proteins differentially affect cardiovascular disease risk? [2]

5 Sources of plant based protein

Peas – green peas 9g protein per cooked cup green peas
Artichokes – 6g protein per cooked cup

plant protein

plant protein

Lentils 18g protein per cooked cup
Edamame 17g protein per cooked cup

Plant based protein powders that are free from heavy metals  

Spirulina 
Spirulina is high in antioxidants known to promote health and longevity and is an excellent protein and nutrient source for those on a plant based diet. Spirulina is that blue-green algae. Spirulina is a highly bioavailable complete protein containing all essential amino acids. At 60% protein – the highest of any natural food.

Is Soy Bad For You

Given that most soy is GMO and sprayed with Monsanto’s glyphosate weed killer (a known carcinogen) it is usually advisable to avoid soy products. The exception is if you can find minimally processed, cold water washed, non GMO and uncontaminated soy products.

Vegan protein

Plant based protein need not all be green or necessarily classed as a plant. Here’s a wholegrain and two nutritional powerhouses that provide a totally new protein taste experience, amino acids, and essential fatty acids to boot. Some signs our body – on a cellular level – makes when we’re not getting enough good fats are dry skin, itchy, scaling, or flaking skin. Soft, cracked, or brittle nails, hard earwax and those tiny bumps you may notice on the backs of your arms or torso. Achy joints or stiff joints are another warning sign.

Chia seeds can be part of a vegan diet – although not classed a plant protein. Nearly 10% protein chia seeds are also an excellent source of natural omega-3 fatty acids – the good kind of fat.

chia seeds

chia seeds

Hemp seeds – 16g protein per 3Tbs Hemp seeds have that perfect ratio of omega-6 and omega-3 EFA’s making hemp seeds another bioavailable complete protein rivaled only by spirulina
Quiona has 11g protein per cup. Quinoa comes in three kinds – we’ve got black quinoa, white quinoa and red quinoa. Quinoa is high in fibre or fiber, is non-GMO, gluten free and usually grown organically. It’s also a gluten free whole grain food. Here’s a list of high fibre gluten free whole grains. According to the Coeliac UK Most people in the UK do not eat enough fibre.

Raw Peanutspeanuts are 19% protein, the highest of any nut – second only to almonds.
Peanuts are among a small number of foods that contain measurable amounts of oxalates. Peanuts are susceptible to molds and fungal invasions.
Not only do peanuts contain oleic acid, the healthful fat found in olive oil. New research shows these tasty legumes are also as rich in antioxidants as many fruits.

Stress Test Questionnaire

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Stress and Sick

Chronic stress can have debilitating consequences on our mind and our body.
DID YOU KNOW? Our body is hard-wired to react to stress in ways that actually protect us. It’s our natural stress response. It works for us against threats from predators and other aggressors.

Our body’s stress-response system is usually self-limiting. Once a perceived threat has passed, hormone levels return to normal.
As adrenaline and cortisol levels drop, our heart rate and blood pressure return to baseline levels, and other systems resume their regular activities. Increased cortisol levels commonly challenge those with high stress jobs that go on to suffer with metabolic syndrome. You can work out the likelihood and prevent this if you take ownership at the right time.

Chronic Stress

When stressors are always present, we constantly feel under attack. That fight-or-flight reaction? It stays turned on.The long-term activation of the stress-response system — and the subsequent overexposure to cortisol and other stress hormones — can disrupt almost all your body’s processes. This puts you at increased risk of numerous health problems.

Your levels of stress – how do they add up?
Take this stress test and add up your scores. The results at the end are a guide.   [tweetthis]The 60 second #stress test – add up your scores. The results at the end are a guide.[/tweetthis]

Stress Test

YOUR AGE:

  • Under 45 years [1]
  • 45–54 years [3]
  • 55–64 years [2]
  • Over 64 years [2]

Weight and Stress

Body Mass Index **

  • Lower than 25 kg/m2 [1]
  • 25–30 kg/m2 [2]
  • Higher than 30 kg/m2 [3]

BMI Calculator

Divide your weight in kilograms (kg) by your height in metres (m) then divide the answer by your           height again to get your BMI.  [tweetthis hidden_hashtags=”#weightloss #nutrition”]How to work out your #BMI [/tweetthis]


Fat and Stress

Waist circumference measured below the ribs (usually at the level of the navel)

MEN

  • Less than 94 cm [1]
  • 94–102 cm [2]
  • More than 102 cm [3]

WOMEN

  • Less than 80 cm [1]
    Stress Management

    Stress Management

  • 80–88 cm [2]
  • More than 88 cm [3]

Stress Test

Have you ever taken medication for high blood pressure on regular basis?

  • No
  • Yes [1]

Have you ever been found to have high blood glucose (eg in a health examination, during an illness, during pregnancy)?

  • No
  • Yes [1]

Have any of the members of your immediate family or other relatives been diagnosed with diabetes (type 1 or type 2)?

  • No
  • Yes: grandparent, aunt, uncle or first cousin (but no own parent, brother, sister or child) [2]
  • Yes: parent, brother, sister or own child [3]
  • Stress Test Score – to checklist Below

    • 0 = Never/Rarely
    • 1 = Occasionally/Slightly
    • 2 = Moderate in Intensity or Frequency
    • 3 =Intense/Severe or Frequent

    ✓ My ability to handle stress or pressure has decreased.

    ✓ I am less productive at work.

    ✓ I seem to have decreased in cognitive ability. I don’t think as clearly as I used to.

    ✓ My thinking is confused when hurried or under pressure.

    ✓ I tend to avoid emotional situations.

    ✓ I tend to shake or am nervous when under pressure.

    ✓ I suffer from nervous stomach indigestion when tense.

    ✓ I have many unexplained fears/anxieties.

    ✓ My sex drive is noticeably less than it used to be.

    ✓ I get lightheaded or dizzy when rising rapidly from a sitting or lying position.

    ✓ I have feelings of greying or blacking out.

    ✓ I am chronically fatigued; a tiredness that is not usually relieved by sleep.

    ✓ I feel unwell much of the time.

    ✓ I notice that my ankles are swollen — the swelling is worse in the evening.

    ✓ I usually need to lie down or rest after sessions of psychological or emotional pressure/stress.

    ✓ My muscles sometimes feel weaker than they should.

    ✓ My hands and legs get restless — experience meaningless body movements.

    ✓ I have become allergic or have increased frequency/severity of allergic reactions.

    ✓ When I scratch my skin a white line remains for a minute or more.

    ✓ Small, irregular dark brown spots have appeared on my forehead, face, neck and shoulders.

    ✓ I sometimes feel weak all over.

    ✓ I have unexplained and frequent headaches.

    ✓ I am frequently cold.

    ✓ I have a decreased tolerance for cold.

    ✓ I have low blood pressure.

    ✓ I often become hungry, confused, shaky or somewhat paralyzed under stress.

    ✓ I have lost weight without reason while feeling very tired and listless.

    ✓ I have feelings of hopelessness and despair.

    ✓ I have decreased tolerance. People irritate me more.

    ✓ The lymph nodes in my neck are frequently swollen (I get swollen glands on my neck).

    ✓ I have times of nausea and vomiting for no apparent reason.

    ✓ I am easily fatigued

    ✓ I often have to force myself in order to keep going.

    ✓ Everything seems like a chore

    ✓ I have difficulty getting up in the morning (don’t really wake up until about 10:00am

    ✓ I suddenly run out of energy

    ✓ I usually feel much better and fully awake after the noon

    meal

    ✓ I often have an afternoon low between 3:00-5:00pm

    ✓ I get low on energy, moody or foggy if I do not eat

    regularly

    ✓ I usually feel my best after 6:00pm

    ✓ I am often tired at 9:00-10:00 pm, but resist going to

    bed

    ✓ I like to sleep late in the morning

    ✓ My best, most refreshing sleep often comes between

    7:00-9:00am

    ✓ I often do my best work late at night (early in the

    morning).

    ✓ If I don’t go to bed by 11:00pm, I get a second burst of

    energy around 11:00pm, often lasting until 1:00-2:00am

    RESULTS 
    TOTAL SCORE:
    45-65… It is unlikely that you experience significant amounts of stress to impact your lifestyle or health at present
    65-90… It is unlikely that the stress you experience is negatively impacting your health at present
    90-150… The stress you experience may be having serious negative health implications  
    150+… It is likely that the stress you experience is having serious negative health implications  
    Health Conditions associated with Chronic Stress 
    Type 2 diabetes – Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome – infertility – Autoimmune diseases – Depression – Anxiety Disorders – Digestive problems -Heart disease – Sleep problems – Weight gain – Memory and concentration impairment
    How to find the UNDERLYING issues that PREDISPOSE us to chronic illness.
    What or why are they TRIGGERED by PROLONGED periods of STRESS?
    How do we nip it in the bud BEFORE we’re sick?

          IN THE FOUR PHASES 

  1.  Consultation is Key
  2.  Physical Exam is Key
  3.  Special Investigations may include blood pressure average reading, adrenal stress test, blood sugar readings, blood work
  4.   Naturopathic Portfolio  HOW is stress affecting our health? Do we require special investigations? One type of stress management doesn’t work for every body. If working in a high stress job is affecting our health but we can’t check out into a spa then we need to know what to do to prevent chronic illness.

Safe, clinical, practical and effective.


Call  020 7060 3181