For seniors, getting enough protein helps maintain adequate muscle mass,
fights infection and aids in maintaining strength during trauma. However,
studies have found that age brings a decrease in energy intake. Older adults may
have trouble chewing, swallowing or digesting protein-rich foods such as meat or
poultry. In addition, decreased functions of taste and smell may make food less
appealing overall, leading to a lack of calories and nutrients.
To increase their overall intake of protein, seniors should consider adding
whey protein to their diet. Whey protein, one of the highest quality proteins
available, comes from cow’s milk and contains many of the same components found
in mother’s milk. It is easily digested and efficiently used by the body. “Whey
proteins are complete proteins, supplying the body with essential amino acids
required for good health. This is why whey proteins provide excellent nutrition
for people at every stage of life, including seniors,” says Carla Sorensen,
director of the Whey Protein Institute.
Whey proteins also enhance the production of glutathione, one of the body's
natural anti-oxidants and help maintain adequate glutathione (GHS) levels to aid
the immune system. GSH plays a key role in maintaining and building the immune
system. "We see a link between a lower glutathione content in older individuals
and an increase in the incidence of many diseases such as stroke, arthritis,
macular degeneration and heart disease," says Patricia Kongshavn, Ph.D., an
immunologist and pioneer in whey protein research.
A recent clinical study found that a specific type of whey protein helped to
reduce blood pressure in individuals with borderline hypertension. “While whey
protein should not be substituted for prescription medication, it may be a good
complement to your current program,” says Sorensen. She also points out that
cancer patients who are undergoing radiation or chemotherapy often have reduced
levels of GSH and may find whey protein beneficial in boosting their immune
system.
If you aren’t familiar with whey protein, you may be wondering how you can
incorporate it into your diet. Adding whey protein to your menu is simple and
tasty. Whey protein bars and beverages can be purchased in grocery stores, or
you can make your own healthy snacks using whey protein powder, which is readily
available in health food stores, natural food stores and many fitness centers.
Here is a simple recipe to show how easy it is to incorporate the benefits of
whey protein into your diet.
Pudding with Whey Protein
Ingredients:
1 package instant pudding (any flavor)*
2 servings whey protein, natural, vanilla or chocolate flavor
2 cups skim milk
Directions: Combine instant pudding and whey protein. Add skim milk and mix
according to package directions. Refrigerate 15 minutes before serving. Makes 4
servings.
Nutrition information (per serving): 200 calories, 15 grams of protein, 1.5
grams of fat, 31 grams of carbohydrates.
Dietary exchanges: 2 starch, 1 lean meat.
* Sugar free pudding may be used in place of regular pudding to reduce
calories and carbohydrates.
For more recipes and information on the health benefits of whey protein,
visit the Whey Protein Institute’s Web site at www.wheyoflife.org, or call
toll-free (866) WHY-WHEY.
