From repairing old cells to maintaining healthy hair to the primary energy source for daily function, Protein plays a binding role in our lives. Although one’s lifestyle (sedentary vs. active) and nutritional need (pregnancy, lactating, bodybuilding, age) dictate the intake, the minimum daily recommended allowance (RDA) for an adult is 0.8 Gram per kg of body weight.

The popularization of Keto, Atkins, and Zone diets through celebrity endorsements have spread the message on the benefits of the diet in treating epilepsy, preventing Alzheimer’s disease and limiting some form of cancer, leading to mass hysteria in favor of protein consumption.

As per the RDA limit, a moderately active adult weighing 160 pounds and eating a 2500 calorie diet would need to consume 58 gm of protein. If one gram of protein provides 4 calories, then 58 gm would constitute 9.2% of the daily calorie requirement solely from protein. Since an average American consumes around 16% to 25% of protein as part of regular meals and 35-45% for certain protein diets, it is anything but healthy.  The pros and cons of a high protein diet is an ongoing area of research, the results of which are sometimes skewed by lobbyists for the meat industry.

Traditional fear, linking high protein diet with cholesterol, kidney stones, constipation, diarrhea, and increased cancer risk persists. Instead of focusing on consuming the desired percentage of protein in relationship with carbohydrates and fats to fulfil the daily calorie requirement, it is essential to consume healthier protein-rich food. High-quality protein source included in plant-based protein sources - nuts, legumes, grains, and vegetables should be part of the daily diet instead of restricting to meat, eggs and dairy products. The aim while increasing protein intake should be to consume food lower in saturated fats and processed carbohydrates than chasing some protein numbers.

Q) The main purpose of the passage is to

a) highlight the importance of protein in our diet
b) discuss the protein-eating behavior of Americans
c) disapprove high protein consumption in the diet
d) to provide a holistic approach towards eating food
e) encourage consumption of plant-based diet

Q) The author of the passage most likely agrees to which of the following statements

a) Keto and Atkin’s diets have been most useful in limiting Alzheimer’s disease.
b) A healthy adult should aim to consume 16% of the daily calorie intake from proteins
c) Diets endorsed by celebrities should be followed with caution
d) Cholesterol and kidney stones are always caused by a high protein diet
e) Ignoring traditional fears correlating cancer risks with high protein diet has led to the popularization of Keto, Atkins, and Zone diets

Q) The author of the passage would most likely agree to which of the following conclusions

a) High protein diet helps in limiting major ailments
b) Meat industry funds research favoring high protein diet
c) A balanced plant and animal-based proteins with limited saturated fats and processed carbohydrate should be favored over animal-based proteins
d) RDA recommendation of protein is very low
e) The high-quality protein source is available only in plant-based protein sources

Q) What does the author recommend to intake in fewer calories every day?

a) Sugar
b) Processed Meat
c) Unsaturated Fat
d) Processed Carbohydrates
e) Lean Meat