Isolated protein, especially whey or soy protein powder, is popularly blended into shakes and smoothies, but is this a healthful way to build muscle?
Protein intake, especially animal protein, is known to be the major dietary determinant of circulating IGF-1 levels. When we consume animal protein, the body increases its production of a hormone called IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1). IGF-1 is one of the body’s important growth promoters during childhood, but later in life IGF-1 promotes the aging process.
IGF-1 has been shown to promote the growth, proliferation and spread of cancer cells, and elevated IGF-1 levels are linked to increased risk of several cancers.3-7 Our society’s obsession with over-consuming protein is a contributing factor to our epidemic of cancer. In addition to the issue of IGF-1 and cancer, excess protein may negatively affect calcium stores, kidney function and bone health, and promote cardiovascular events.8-10
IGF-1 Is Primarily Elevated By Animal Protein and Soy Protein
The amino acid profile of animal protein sparks IGF-1 production.11 However, of all plant proteins, the essential amino acid profile of soy is said to be the most “complete,” meaning the closest to animal protein (other plant proteins contain more than adequate amounts of essential amino acids for human nutrition12. Therefore, unnecessarily high intakes of animal protein or soy protein could be harmful.
The soy products that are problematic are those that contain unnaturally concentrated soy protein, such as protein powders and meat substitutes; highly processed foods that retain little or none of the beneficial nutrients contained in whole soybeans. It is important to have a variety of beans in the diet, not just soybeans. Furthermore, soybeans should be eaten in their minimally processed forms: edamame, tempeh, tofu and unsweetened soymilk.
Building Muscle While Keeping IGF-1 levels In A Safe Range
IGF-1 is very important for growth and maintenance of muscle tissue.13 However, muscle growth is not dependent on only the amount of IGF-1 circulating in the blood; muscle tissue produces its own IGF-1 in response to strength training to fuel muscle growth.14 So a combination of strength training and a Nutritarian diet will result in lower, cancer-preventive levels of IGF-1 levels circulating in the blood, while still allowing for local production of IGF-1 for muscle building.
Healthier Alternatives to Support Muscle Growth
Whole food sources of protein are the best choice. For blending into shakes and smoothies, I recommend high-protein plant foods such as sunflower seeds, hemp seeds and Mediterranean pine nuts.
These same foods can be incorporated into post-workout meals, along with generous amounts of green vegetables, beans and intact whole grains (such as oats, quinoa and wild rice) that are rich in micronutrients as well as protein. If you wish to use plant protein powders, hemp, pea, and pumpkin proteins are better choices than soy protein, since their amino acid profiles are not as close to that of animal protein.
Exercise is the Primary Factor In Building Muscle Mass
Most important to note is that it is exercise and not food that stimulates muscle growth. Completing a workout triggers muscle building; dietary protein provides the raw materials that muscles need in order to grow.
Following a Nutritarian diet, which includes many protein-rich whole plant foods, allows for the easy consumption of adequate protein for muscle growth by increasing your total caloric intake based on your level of hunger.
When to Eat is Also Important for Muscle Building
Excess protein calories are not stored as protein (they are stored as fat) so it is important to provide the body with raw materials for muscle growth following a workout, as the muscles begin their recovery period. Naturally, we become hungry within an hour or two of a workout, and having a protein-containing meal closely following exercise is advantageous for recovery and muscle mass.1-2 Taking care to include protein-rich plant foods, like green vegetables, beans and seeds will provide sufficient raw material for muscle growth.
References
Campbell B, Kreider RB, Ziegenfuss T, et al: International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: protein and exercise.J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2007;4:8.
Tang JE, Phillips SM: Maximizing muscle protein anabolism: the role of protein quality.Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care 2009;12:66-71.
Chitnis MM, Yuen JS, Protheroe AS, et al: The type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor pathway.Clin Cancer Res 2008;14:6364-6370.
Werner H, Bruchim I: The insulin-like growth factor-I receptor as an oncogene.Arch Physiol Biochem 2009;115:58-71.
Davies M, Gupta S, Goldspink G, et al: The insulin-like growth factor system and colorectal cancer: clinical and experimental evidence.Int J Colorectal Dis 2006;21:201-208.
Sandhu MS, Dunger DB, Giovannucci EL: Insulin, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), IGF binding proteins, their biologic interactions, and colorectal cancer.J Natl Cancer Inst 2002;94:972-980.
Kaaks R: Nutrition, insulin, IGF-1 metabolism and cancer risk: a summary of epidemiological evidence.Novartis Found Symp 2004;262:247-260; discussion 260-268.
Frank H, Graf J, Amann-Gassner U, et al: Effect of short-term high-protein compared with normal-protein diets on renal hemodynamics and associated variables in healthy young men.Am J Clin Nutr 2009;90:1509-1516.
Halbesma N, Bakker SJ, Jansen DF, et al: High protein intake associates with cardiovascular events but not with loss of renal function.J Am Soc Nephrol 2009;20:1797-1804.
Lagiou P, Sandin S, Lof M, et al: Low carbohydrate-high protein diet and incidence of cardiovascular diseases in Swedish women: prospective cohort study.BMJ 2012;344:e4026.
Thissen JP, Ketelslegers JM, Underwood LE: Nutritional regulation of the insulin-like growth factors.Endocr Rev 1994;15:80-101.
Young VR, Pellett PL: Plant proteins in relation to human protein and amino acid nutrition.Am J Clin Nutr 1994;59:1203S-1212S.
Duan C, Ren H, Gao S: Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), IGF receptors, and IGF-binding proteins: roles in skeletal muscle growth and differentiation.Gen Comp Endocrinol 2010;167:344-351.
Kraemer WJ, Ratamess NA: Hormonal responses and adaptations to resistance exercise and training.Sports Med 2005;35:339-361.
Joel Fuhrman, M.D. is a board-certified family physician, seven-time New York Times bestselling author and internationally recognized expert on nutrition and natural healing, who specializes in preventing and reversing disease through nutritional methods. Dr. Fuhrman coined the term “Nutritarian” to describe his longevity-promoting, nutrient dense, plant-rich eating style.
For over 30 years, Dr. Fuhrman has shown that it is possible to achieve sustainable weight loss and reverse heart disease, diabetes and many other illnesses using smart nutrition. In his medical practice, and through his books and PBS television specials, he continues to bring this life-saving message to hundreds of thousands of people around the world.
Get Pumped Safely With Plant Protein
May 11, 2017 by Joel Fuhrman, MD
Isolated protein, especially whey or soy protein powder, is popularly blended into shakes and smoothies, but is this a healthful way to build muscle?
Protein intake, especially animal protein, is known to be the major dietary determinant of circulating IGF-1 levels. When we consume animal protein, the body increases its production of a hormone called IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1). IGF-1 is one of the body’s important growth promoters during childhood, but later in life IGF-1 promotes the aging process.
IGF-1 has been shown to promote the growth, proliferation and spread of cancer cells, and elevated IGF-1 levels are linked to increased risk of several cancers.3-7 Our society’s obsession with over-consuming protein is a contributing factor to our epidemic of cancer. In addition to the issue of IGF-1 and cancer, excess protein may negatively affect calcium stores, kidney function and bone health, and promote cardiovascular events.8-10
IGF-1 Is Primarily Elevated By Animal Protein and Soy Protein
The amino acid profile of animal protein sparks IGF-1 production.11 However, of all plant proteins, the essential amino acid profile of soy is said to be the most “complete,” meaning the closest to animal protein (other plant proteins contain more than adequate amounts of essential amino acids for human nutrition12. Therefore, unnecessarily high intakes of animal protein or soy protein could be harmful.
The soy products that are problematic are those that contain unnaturally concentrated soy protein, such as protein powders and meat substitutes; highly processed foods that retain little or none of the beneficial nutrients contained in whole soybeans. It is important to have a variety of beans in the diet, not just soybeans. Furthermore, soybeans should be eaten in their minimally processed forms: edamame, tempeh, tofu and unsweetened soymilk.
Building Muscle While Keeping IGF-1 levels In A Safe Range
IGF-1 is very important for growth and maintenance of muscle tissue.13 However, muscle growth is not dependent on only the amount of IGF-1 circulating in the blood; muscle tissue produces its own IGF-1 in response to strength training to fuel muscle growth.14 So a combination of strength training and a Nutritarian diet will result in lower, cancer-preventive levels of IGF-1 levels circulating in the blood, while still allowing for local production of IGF-1 for muscle building.
Healthier Alternatives to Support Muscle Growth
Whole food sources of protein are the best choice. For blending into shakes and smoothies, I recommend high-protein plant foods such as sunflower seeds, hemp seeds and Mediterranean pine nuts.
These same foods can be incorporated into post-workout meals, along with generous amounts of green vegetables, beans and intact whole grains (such as oats, quinoa and wild rice) that are rich in micronutrients as well as protein. If you wish to use plant protein powders, hemp, pea, and pumpkin proteins are better choices than soy protein, since their amino acid profiles are not as close to that of animal protein.
Exercise is the Primary Factor In Building Muscle Mass
Most important to note is that it is exercise and not food that stimulates muscle growth. Completing a workout triggers muscle building; dietary protein provides the raw materials that muscles need in order to grow.
Following a Nutritarian diet, which includes many protein-rich whole plant foods, allows for the easy consumption of adequate protein for muscle growth by increasing your total caloric intake based on your level of hunger.
When to Eat is Also Important for Muscle Building
Excess protein calories are not stored as protein (they are stored as fat) so it is important to provide the body with raw materials for muscle growth following a workout, as the muscles begin their recovery period. Naturally, we become hungry within an hour or two of a workout, and having a protein-containing meal closely following exercise is advantageous for recovery and muscle mass.1-2 Taking care to include protein-rich plant foods, like green vegetables, beans and seeds will provide sufficient raw material for muscle growth.
Joel Fuhrman, M.D. is a board-certified family physician, seven-time New York Times bestselling author and internationally recognized expert on nutrition and natural healing, who specializes in preventing and reversing disease through nutritional methods. Dr. Fuhrman coined the term “Nutritarian” to describe his longevity-promoting, nutrient dense, plant-rich eating style.
For over 30 years, Dr. Fuhrman has shown that it is possible to achieve sustainable weight loss and reverse heart disease, diabetes and many other illnesses using smart nutrition. In his medical practice, and through his books and PBS television specials, he continues to bring this life-saving message to hundreds of thousands of people around the world.