Proteins are essential elements of all life forms. The smallest parts of proteins are amino acids. These substances are biologically very active and play key roles in sustaining life.

Muscles, hormones and enzymes are made up of proteins and their amino acids precursors, which are essential to a vast number of metabolic reactions. Weight reduction is not possible without protein, because proteins, in close cooperation with carbohydrates, activate the metabolism. Our body is not capable of producing enzymes which decompose fats; hormones, which reduce fats and muscles, burn fat without the presence of proteins. Moreover, proteins yield a long-lasting high degree of satiation and do not influence insulin levels. Numerous studies in recent years have shown that a high protein diet is essential to permanent weight reduction.

You may choose animal or plant protein. Sources of plant proteins include leguminous plants, soy products, nuts, seeds, grains, certain mushrooms and algae. Animal sources of proteins include fish, seafood, poultry, meat, eggs and diary products.

The protein quality of a certain food is determined by its biological value (BV). A whole egg (chicken egg) with a biological value set at 100, serves as a base for this definition. In order to build body protein, all eight essential amino acids have to be supplied in consumed foods. In the event that only one amino acid is missing, the remaining amino acids cannot be used by the organism. The body releases the message “garbage” which must be disposed of. The limiting amino acid determines the biological value. Animal proteins, e.g., eggs, fish, meats, poultry, diary products and some plant sources like soy beans, legumes or nuts have very high biological values.