A new study published in the American "Nutrition" magazine shows that only a balanced intake of protein at three meals a day can keep muscles in optimal condition.
A research team led by Dr. Paden Jones, a muscle metabolist at the University of Texas Medical Branch, found that breakfasts based on cereals, lunches based on sandwiches or salads, and dinners that consume a lot of meat (protein) may not be able to make people more healthy. Muscles stay in their healthiest condition.
The researchers divided healthy adult volunteers into two groups. One group of volunteers had three meals with 30 grams of protein each, and the other group of volunteers had three meals with protein content of 10 grams for breakfast, 15 grams for lunch, and 65 grams for dinner. The total protein content of the three meals for both groups of volunteers was 90 grams, and the main source was lean beef. After 24 hours, the researchers tested blood samples and thigh muscles. The results showed that the 24-hour muscle protein synthesis rate of volunteers who had a balanced protein intake in three meals was 25% higher than that of the group that focused on protein intake at dinner.
The researchers said that this study shows that every meal of the day should have an appropriate amount of high-quality protein, such as milk, lean meat, fish, eggs, soy products, etc. ■Excerpted from "People's Daily Online"