What does the doctor mean by a high-protein diet? It turns out I've been eating wrong all along!

The high-protein diet recommended by doctors is not simply about eating more fish, meat, and eggs. Its core lies in the dual requirements of 'quantity' and 'quality'.

Prioritize choosing 'high-quality protein' that is easily absorbed and has high bioavailability, to meet the additional protein needs of cancer patients caused by the disease or treatment.

What are high-quality proteins?

To evaluate whether a food is high-quality protein, a commonly used objective criterion is the biological value (BV). The higher the BV, the higher the utilization efficiency. For example, the biological value of an egg is 100.

There is also the Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS), which is a comprehensive indicator combining "amino acid score" and "digestibility". When PDCAAS=1, it indicates that the protein has a "perfect amino acid composition + 100% digestibility".

Next, let's list some high-quality proteins that are easily accessible in daily life according to this standard: 1. Plant-based high-quality proteins, such as tofu, tempeh, and edamame, are on the list because they have high bioavailability and are easily absorbed. Animal-based high-quality proteins, such as chicken, beef, and fish, are also on the list due to their high bioavailability and ease of absorption.

① Eggs, both the white and the yolk, contain high-quality protein with a perfect amino acid ratio, BV=100(Human utilization rate 100%), PDCAAS=1

② Milk/dairy products, among which whey protein is absorbed quickly, reaching its peak in the bloodstream within 30minutes, while casein is absorbed slowly, providing amino acids continuously. The two complement each other perfectly. BV=91，PDCAAS=1

③ Fish, preferably deep-sea fish such as salmon, sea bass, cod, etc., have fine protein fibers that are easily digested by the intestines and stomach. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory effects and protect cardiovascular health. BV=83-85，PDCAAS=0.95-1

④ Chicken breast meat contains approximately 20g of protein per 100g and less than 5% of fat, making it a low-fat meat. BV=79，PDCAAS=0.92

⑤ Lean beef contains approximately 20g/100g of protein and is rich in iron, zinc, and other elements, promoting immunity. BV=76，PDCAAS=0.90

⑥ Shrimp and shellfish, such as geiwei shrimp and scallops, have high protein purity. Shrimp contains approximately 16g of protein per 100g and less than 1% of fat. BV=75，PDCAAS=0.85-0.90

2 and plant-based high-quality protein

① Soybeans and soy products are rare in plants, containing all 9 essential amino acids, making them "complete proteins". BV=73, PDCAAS=1. They can be said to be comparable to eggs, milk, and the like.

② Quinoa, the only complete protein found in cereals, BV=70, PDCAAS=0.92. It is also rich in dietary fiber, iron, magnesium, and other minerals.

③ Chia seeds, with a plant protein content of approximately 17g per 100g, PDCAAS=0.85, contain omega-3 fatty acids and dietary fiber, suitable for mixing with yogurt.

④ Nuts, such as walnuts and almonds, contain plant protein and healthy fats, but are high in calories, so should be consumed in moderation (daily 10-15grams).

Now that you know what to eat and how to combine it, remember this high-protein diet formula:

High-quality protein (animal + plant) +  Sufficient calories (carbohydrates + fats) +  Individualized adjustment (based on disease /treatment)

Some family members may still not know how to eat after reading this. Leave a message with 'high-protein diet plan' to receive a weekly meal plan, accurate down to three meals a day ~

Reference source:

[1]Lim SL, Ong KC, Chan YH, et al. Malnutrition and its impact on cost of hospitalization, length of stay, readmission and 3-year mortality. Clin Nutr. 2012; 31(3):345-350.

[2]Song Chunhua,Wang Kunhua,Guo Zengqing,Fu Zhenming,Wang Chang,Weng Min,Cao Jingjing,Zhou Fuxiang,Lin Yuan,Li Suyi,Ba Yi,Yuan Kaitao,Liu Ming,Hu Wen,Zhou Lan,Ma Hu,Yao Qinghua,Cong Minghua,Li Tao,Chen Zihua,Chen Gongyan,Qiao Qiuge,Shi Yongmei,Qi Yumei,Feng Yongdong,Jiang Haiping,Qiu Hong,Guan Wenxian,Chen Jiaxin,Huang He,Yu Zhen,Fang Yu,Cui Jiuwei,Xu Hongxia,Li Wei,Shi Hanping.Survey on the nutritional status of patients with common malignant tumors in China[J].Chinese Science: Life Sciences, 2020, 50(12): 1437-1452

[3]Ryan A M., Power D G., Daly L., et al. Cancer-associated malnutrition, cachexia and sarcopenia: the skeleton in the hospital closet 40 years lateiProc Nutr Soc, 2016.75:199-211

[4]von Meyenfeldt M. Cancer-associated malnutrition: an introduction, Eur , Oncol Nurs, 2005,9:S35-S38

[5]Xu Xiaoqing, Ding Xinyue

Edited/typeset by JOJO  

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