Carbohydrates or Protein, what’s in it for you?

The human body prefers to burn a fuel blend of about 50% carbohydrates and 50% fat. Protein is used for tissue repair and muscle growth and for sustenance when carbohydrates and fat become less available in the diet.

Human nutritional history has primarily consisted of complex carbohydrates, punctuated by modest amounts of protein. Complex carbohydrates provide a slow and steady source of energy to the body and have the added benefit of fiber that helps keeps the digestive tract free of undigested food. A diet higher in complex carbohydrates will promote a healthy digestion and with regular exercise, a proper body muscle-fat composition.

A word of caution, however, overindulgence in carbohydrates will lead to weight gain. The goal should be to balance the carbohydrates in the meal throughout the day, eating most of the carbohydrate load earlier in the day and less in the evening. Moderate and comfortable exercise will help any body make the best use of carbohydrates.

Protein is a very necessary component in nutrition and people who need to build muscle mass or who exercise heavily do best with a high protein diet. Sustaining a high protein diet can have deleterious health consequences. It has been known for decades that a high animal protein diet can raise a person’s uric acid level to a gout condition. More recently, research seems to indicate that a high protein diet also leads to acidification of the blood, which may lead to some cancers. Yet other research shows that the brainstem, which regulates functions like breathing and body temperature, may harden, leading to other health conditions.

The take-home message is that one should strive for a comfortable and sustainable blend of carbohydrates and protein, keeping in minds one’s level of physical activity.

The American Weight Loss registry follows the nutritional history of individuals who have lost 50 pounds or more and have been able to keep the weight off longer than two years. The data shows that most people have been successful at keeping healthy by eating moderate amounts of meat and healthy portions of fresh vegetables accompanied by whole grain and legumes.