A protein-enriched diet can help increase satiation and assist with weight loss and weight management. Increasing your intake of lean proteins while still maintaining an adequate intake of carbohydrates and monounsaturated fats is a sound way to approach a healthy diet. Although organizations like the American Heart Association still warn against high-protein diets because of the potential over-consumption of saturated fat, studies continue to suggest that protein enriched diets do not adversely affect health, according to an article in the July, 2005 issue of "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition."
Features
A protein-enriched diet involves increasing the amount of the macronutrient, protein, in your daily diet. The United States Department of Agriculture recommends a person make anywhere from 15 to 25 percent of your daily calories come from protein sources. The Institute of Medicine has raised its protein recommendation range to as much as 35 percent of daily calories, noting that the higher amount yields no negative health effects. A person following a protein-enriched diet strives to include extra amounts of complete proteins--those that contain all the amino acids that the human body must consume from outside sources--like soy, meat, fish, poultry, eggs and dairy. Protein enhancement might be sought to bring protein intake levels up to USDA guidelines, or to exceed those guidelines in an effort to lose weight or enhance muscle growth.
Function
Protein is an essential macronutrient that helps with the development of lean muscle mass and is an important component in the skin, hair, nails and internal organs. Ensuring adequate protein intake is essential for good health, growth and development. The elderly and children often benefit from protein-enriched diets as they tend to eat less balanced diets and are vulnerable to the effects of nutritional deficiencies. Vegetarians may also need to seek out specific complete protein sources because, without proper food combining, they may fail to consume adequate complete proteins. Athletes--especially bodybuilders--seek protein-enriched diets to support their strength-training regimens. Many dieters also follow high protein, low carbohydrate plans to help them drop weight quickly.
Benefits
Arne Astrup of the Department of Human Nutrition at the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University in Denmark indicated in an editorial in a 2005 edition of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" that protein has great potential as a weight loss tool. People who follow high protein diets report higher levels of fullness and lower levels of hunger, even while restricting their caloric intake. Protein-enriched diets provide for more even insulin levels, reducing spikes in blood sugar and extreme cravings. The Harvard School of Public Health acknowledges that a greater intake of protein also slightly raises the metabolism.
Considerations
No studies have confirmed the safety of following a high-protein diet in the long term. Many sources of protein contain saturated fat, especially meats and full-fat dairy. Limiting your consumption of saturated fat to less than 7 percent of total daily fat calories is recommended by the American Heart Association and the USDA to protect yourself from cardiovascular disease and some cancers. Be wary of protein drinks and bars that contain extra carbohydrates, sugars and unregulated supplements. Seek out natural protein sources to enrich your diet--such as pure whey or soy powders.
Balance
A protein-enriched diet should not push out other important macronutrients. Healthy carbohydrates, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains provide antioxidants and vitamins as well as energy for the body. Choose low-fat sources of protein, but augment them with heart healthy monounsaturated fats.
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