Wait a minute! We know that fat and cholesterol are bad for our health. Are you telling me that too much protein is also bad for your health?
Yes absolutely! That’s exactly what I’m saying. I know this will take you completely by surprise, but the truth is that many experts think that too much protein, especially animal protein, is bad for your health!
If a person eats over 15% protein in their diet (beef is typically 26% protein – the rest is fat – and chicken is 61% protein – the rest is fat) then the body needs to get rid of that protein.
In other words, the body stores very little protein. Certain organs are responsible for getting rid of the protein – namely the kidneys and the liver. The more protein we eat, the harder the kidneys and liver have to work to excrete the protein. The result of overusing these organs is obvious – premature wear and tear.
Most Americans eat an excess of animal protein from their diet every day, and then they load up even more on protein powders, drinks, and bars. We’re protein crazy in this country! And it’s to our downfall, not to our benefit.
So besides the wear and tear on the kidneys and liver, which is bad enough, why else is excess animal protein bad for your health?
Excess protein makes the body more acidic, and these acids build up in the joints, causing arthritis and gout.
Animal protein is difficult to digest and therefore burdens the digestive system and causes digestive problems.
Animal protein is strongly associated with heart disease; no, not only the fat and cholesterol, but also the animal protein itself.
Animal protein has been linked to many types of cancer, including breast, prostate, colon, and pancreatic cancer.
In a large study conducted in China by Dr. T. Colin Campbell, it was found that the groups of people who ate the most animal protein had by far the most heart disease and certain types of cancer. And the amount of animal protein didn’t have to be very high for the disease numbers to increase as well.
And because the animal protein over-acidifies the body, the body has to neutralize the acid. It does this by pulling calcium out of the bones, and then we pee the calcium out.
Why is this important?
It is believed that animal protein happens to be one of the main contributors to osteoporosis in this country. This excess protein loosens the calcium from our bones.
So one of the best things you can do for yourself is to reduce your consumption of meat protein and protein that has been artificially introduced into other foods and pseudo-foods. In fact, the best choice for maximum health and fitness is to eliminate animal protein sources entirely.
Eat more plant-based foods and avoid animal products – it just makes sense!
Thanks to Dr. Leslie Van Romer
