Kavita Devgan talks about the quantity as well as the form of protein being consumed
Nutritional deficiencies are one of the leading problems in South Asian countries and at present, protein deficiency is a significant part of the problem, especially in India where people have a lot of myths regarding protein in their diet. They believe that they are getting enough protein through their daily meals. A recent IMRB survey revealed that 73% of Indians believe that green leafy vegetables are a reliable source of protein, 29% people think that their regular daily diet is enough for their daily protein needs, and 30% believe that an egg a day provides enough protein, which is not true.
It is important to understand how easily the protein will be digested, absorbed and made available in the body for various functions. Indians derive almost 60% of their protein from cereals with relatively low digestibility and quality. It is here, that understanding the digestibility and availability of protein becomes essential.
Protein is needed daily for proper growth and repair of body tissues, enzyme function, and hormonal activity. Plus, it is a transport molecule, and is responsible for all the oxygenated blood and energy to reach different parts of the body via the blood protein hemoglobin. That is why all of us need to proactively ensure that our diet is rich in the optimal amount of protein daily.
What could be your right proteinIJ
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, the issue of undernourishment among children and women both is rampant, particularly due to the lack of decent quality of nutrients, especially protein. There is a problem of their reduced capacity to absorb and utilise nutrients optimally due to multiple reasons.
Even lesser number of people knows that there are two kinds of protein — intact and hydrolysed. Most protein-rich foods and supplements deliver intact protein, but some deliver the already half digested hydrolysed proteins. This is where hydrolysed proteins can step in and fills the gap, and keep both young children, growing adolescents and women healthy. It is important to know the difference between the two, as hydrolysed protein can help tackle the problem of protein deficiency.
What are hydrolysed proteinsIJ
They are created by breaking down intact proteins into a mixture of amino acids and smaller proteins, and thus as these are simpler molecules, they are far easier for the body to digest and absorb. This leads to better and faster delivery of amino acids from the stomach to muscles and thus deliver multiple health benefits.
Hydrolysed proteins are a mixture of peptides, mainly tri and di-peptides and a few free amino acids that are easily absorbed by the intestine and do not need to go through the complex process of breaking down like intact protein, so they are a boon for the elderly. These proteins are beneficial for those suffering from illnesses and recovering from surgeries too, as these don’t waste body’s already scarce energy, so they don’t tax the body at all, leading thus to faster recovery. They are great for those who exercise, and for athletes, both children and adults, as they lead to better muscle mass gain, and recovery of muscle damage caused by exercise.
In addition, hydrolysates have a significantly higher insulinotropic effect which enhances production, and the activity of insulin, compared to intact protein. So, diabetics are better off to consuming hydrolysed protein. Plus, as hydrolyzed proteins are less allergenic (or immune-response-inducing) they are good for babies who are at risk for food allergies.
The writer is a renowned nutritionist and author of Don’t Diet! 50 Habits of Thin People