Does High Fat + Extra Protein = A bad mix?
"Surprising" results of a study published in the April issue of Cell Metabolism suggests that a high fat diet combined with extra amino acids (protein building blocks), can lead to insulin resistance... in rats. Still, this is an intriguing study that will certainly require some context.
First off, I don't have the full text of the study, so I can only comment on the results and draw some preliminary commentary.
Study Results
Rats fed high-fat diets supplemented with extra branched chain amino acids (BCAA's) don't have to eat as much or gain as much weight to develop insulin resistance as do chubbier animals fed a high-fat diet alone.
Translation: High Fat + BCAA's = insulin resistance (maybe).
The researchers postulate that the ill effects of BCAA in combination with high fat might be explained in part by a build-up of chemicals known as acylcarnitines in the animals' muscles. That was my instinct too (okay, no it wasn't).
Should we humans give a rat's, umm...behind about this?
My thoughts are that this is worth following up on. High fat diets are fairly popular as is BCAA supplementation. I'm sure there are enough people following this kind of eating pattern to take note.
However...
I don't know how much BCAA was administered to the rats, nor do I know what is considered "high fat". With BCAA's, If it was "reasonable" amounts that may be consumed with a higher protein diet and/or daily supplementation, than this would certainly be applicable.
According to researchers, this study was conducted in response to an observation of previous studies showing a correlation between elevated BCAA's and insulin resistance.
What to do
Although this study leaves me with more questions than answers, it certainly gets me thinking about BCAA supplementation. While I don't see any reason to throw them away just yet, if you are eating a high fat diet to begin with and/or your weight has stalled, it may be something to think about.
I don't suspect that the general population (ie. those who aren't super-serious strength trainers) would derive much benefit from additional BCAA supplementation to begin with.
I certainly don't think a moderately-high protein diet puts anyone at imminent risk of insulin resistance - high fat or not. Also, if your lifestyle includes regularly exercise - including weight training, this usually proves to be the great equilizer.
Source: Eureka Alerts
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Interesting! I think it's more proof that balance, moderation and common sense are the most important factors in keeping ourselves healthy! :)
ReplyMy thoughts exactly Shauna! Keep it all in good balance! Too much of anything is typically not a good thing.
ReplyI agree with you both. Too much of anything or banning certain foods entirely is not a good thing in my book. Eat healthy most of the time, exercise both cardio, weights & flexibility, enjoy some of the time so you don't go crazy!
ReplyAs you say Mike, without the full details we are all guessing .. but
It's important to qualify fat - eg saturated or not; as well as high protein (30%+), levels of physical activity etc etc
Certainly still of interest for those who still regard carbs as the enemy!
ReplyBut I still imagine quantity is a bigger culprit than quality?
Interesting. I guess this goes to show that the people that do "low carb" by eating loads and loads of cream and bacon are probably not doing it the healthy way. I myself don't eat a lot of refined carbs, but I also don't eat a lot of fat either. I try to get most of my calories from complex carbs, lean proteins, and monounsaturated fats. Just goes to show that a diet that's extremely high in any one macronutrient is probably not a very healthy one.
ReplySo much tonight's dinner...bacon slab with a side of chocolate cake.
But seriously. Does this explain why the diabetics portrayed in commercials are not overweight?
Reply... this post brought to you by....
Actually, think about this from an evolutionary perspective... our paleolithic ancestors (from which we evolved from) would not have had 3 square meals and 3 snacks a day and would have gone quite a while between meals. The idea that we're like a coal steam engine, with a fire that needs to be stoked constantly to be running is truly false. There's no way your body is going to "starve" after 2 hours.
ReplyNo, its not... but our "ancestors" weren't trying to get ripped now where they?
You cant always look at history, the techniques we have today is to MAXIMIZE potential and effectiveness while doing the least amount of work and expending the least amount of resources.
If you want to live like your ancestors, turn everything OFF! Stop following silly RSS feeds, newsletters and magazines. Just follow your instincts. They will keep you healthy and alive, guaranteed.
However, this post is pretty interesting. Wonder if they are testing this on humans. Or I mean, on humans that voluntarily want to be tested on.
Replyi guess that if our ancestors had an unlimited access to unlimited quantities of food and followed their instincts they would have "exploded" after a couple of weeks of non-stop feast...
ReplyActually, most primitive cultures had access to more food than they needed. It is a myth we perpetuate that they were always scraping for survival. Their food supply did vary over the year, but they definitely had plenty. We are taught that Native Americans used every part of the buffalo and didn't waste anything, but this was only in bad times. In good times, they would run a herd over a cliff, take the choice cuts, and leave the rest of the carcass.
ReplyWhat makes me lose weight? Steak, eggs, cream, bacon/sausage, butter, cheese, etc. I don't think overdosing on protein is ever a good idea though. If you're weight lifting a lot, something like 25% protein, 65% fat, and 10% carbs may be appropriate. However, if you're not working hard enough to deplete a lot of protein and glycogen, perhaps something more reasonable like 15% protein, 80% fat, and 5% carbs is better.
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