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or countless people, the words "protein powder" conjures up images of large containers

with bodybuilders on the labels. Because of this, many assume that a protein supplement is critical
only to those hoping to "bulk up". This couldn't be farther from the truth. Protein is essential for
everyone, regardless of physical activity. Even those who live sedentary lives must ensure that
their protein intake is complete and balanced.

Proteins make up 15% 20% of the mass of the average person and provide the majority of
building blocks the body requires for regeneration, maintenance and life. 75% of body tissue and
70% of skin are made from protein. In fact, take away the water in our bodies, and 50% of what's
left over is protein! By consuming protein on a daily basis, the entire body system is kept intact,
alive and functioning.

AMINO ACIDS THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF PROTEIN

Protein's power lies in its amino acid complex. Amino acids are essential to life itself and can only
be obtained from protein. When protein is consumed, it is broken down in the digestive tract
into individual amino acids, which are absorbed by the body and recombined into an estimated
100,000 different proteins each performing a specifi c function within the body. Every person has
their own unique DNA sequence that carries a complete set of instructions on how each body is to
make all of the thousands of different proteins the individual needs. Amazingly, every one of these
100,000 different proteins is made from various combinations of only 20 amino acids!

Of these 20 amino acids, 8 are considered essential and 12 as non-essential. "Essential" means
that the body cannot create these amino acids itself, and it is essential they be obtained through
protein consumption each day. "Non-essential" amino acids do not have to come from the foods
we consume because they can be produced by the body as long as the other 8 essential amino
acids are present. Both the human body and the immune system, require every one of these
20 amino acids to function optimally. URI's Vegetein provides a naturally complete amino acid
profi le.

PROTEIN & WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

Protein is the foundation of a lean physique and is crucial for weight management. Protein slows
down the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream which controls hunger and cravings. Protein
also requires more energy to digest than other foods. This energy expenditure called the "thermic
effect of food" helps the body burn more calories. Most importantly, the consumption of protein
increases the body's ability to build muscle tissue.

Muscle cells are responsible for 90% of the calories we burn each day. Every physical movement,
including involuntary movements such as breathing, blinking and the beating of your heart
is dependent on a muscle. Even at rest, they are constantly burning calories to sustain life. By
increasing lean muscle mass you can signifi cantly increase the body's metabolic ability to burn
calories and maintain fat loss longer. This ability to build fat-burning muscle is dramatically

increased when protein is combined with proper nutrition and

exercise even moderate exercise will build moderate amounts of

muscle that can help burn more calories!

Typical diet programs require a reduced calorie intake, which

usually translates into a reduced protein intake. If an adequate

amount of protein is not consumed daily, the body will "steal

it" from existing muscle tissue. This loss of muscle leads to poor

health, decreased fat burning ability and creates the "yo-yo"

The word protein comes from the Greek word

"P roteios" meaning "of fi rst importance".

effect many dieters experience just the opposite of what you are trying to achieve! Remember,
muscle weighs more than fat, but takes up less space in the body, which is why legitimate diets
stress the loss of inches, rather than strictly the loss of pounds. Vegetein is an excellent addition to
any weight management supplement regimen.

BENEFITS OF PROTEIN

Protein is an integral part of every cell in the body and thousands of internal processes that keep
you healthy. In fact, there are so many complex processes that depend on protein, they are too
numerous to list! Here are a few of the tasks protein plays a major role in;

· Overall energy, muscle contraction/growth & repair, circulation, immunity, cellular

oxygenation & communication, intestinal wall maintenance, tissue creation & repair, lung cell
formation, immunoglobulin, blood pressure, metabolism, liver detoxifi cation and for creating
antibodies to fi ght infection, bacteria & viruses.

· Creating and maintaining beautiful skin, strong fi ngernails, hair, blood cells, lymph, plasma,

strong bone, heart, teeth, brain cells, healthy joints, muscle, internal organs, cartilage, arteries
and ligaments. Carrying vitamins, minerals and fatty acids to the cells.

· Maintenance and creation of 95% of the hormones that regulate many functions, including

insulin balance, sleep, digestion and ovulation. Producing amino acids that help maintain
proper pH balance by bonding to alkalinizing minerals and transporting them throughout
the body.

PROTEIN DEFICIENCY

Without protein, the body is unable to function properly and health quickly declines. Protein
defi ciency contributes to symptoms such as;

Hair thinning & loss · lethargy · chronic fatigue · depression · slow wound healing · decreased
resistance to infection · poor recovery from illness · weak skin & nails · muscle wasting · physical
weakness · skin lesions · toxic liver · unstable blood sugar · vitamin & mineral defi ciency
· hormone imbalance · poor immunity · irritability · water retention and pH imbalance.

VEGETARIANS

Many vegetarians suffer fatigue, muscle loss and other symptoms from inadequate protein
consumption. Vegetarians must have protein in their diet. Vegetein's protein-packed blend is
perfect for those who have chosen a vegetarian lifestyle or for those who would like to increase
their protein intake without consuming dairy or animal proteins!

PROTEIN FACTS

Protein is constantly being used up by the human body and exchanged for new protein in a
process call "protein turnover". In fact:

· 98% of the cells in your body will be completely replaced within 1 year.
· In 3 months your body has produced entirely new skeletal cells.
· Every 6 weeks, all of your liver cells been replaced.
· Every 30 days your skin cells have been entirely replaced.
· Every 5 days, the body produces a new stomach lining.
· Each day, old blood cells are being replaced with new cells.
· Every minute, muscles are being broken down and rebuilt.
· Constantly, cells in your body are being recycled.

So, where do all of these new cells come from? From the protein you consume every day!
It is easy to see why a protein de ciency can cause the body to malfunction and experience
symptoms of disease.

PROTEIN - "OF FIRST IMPORTANCE"

URI Health News 3rd Quarter 2005