Fat & Protein

[SusanD]

A friend recently told me, when reading nutrition labels on food, that if the protein content equals or exceeds the fat content, then the protein "cancels out" the fat. Is this true? Has anyone else ever heard this?

[MrsReber]

SusanD, I've never heard of that. I always thought that each nutrient pretty much stood on it's own. We do need them all in our diets to stay healthy, so fat is not always a bad thing. But as far as protein cancelling out fat? I can't see that being true. I'd be surprised if that were the case. Maybe it depends on the context of the conversation between you and your friend?

(another) Susan

[bijoux22]

Hmmmm, protein cancelling out fat..., I believe that would be too good to be true.

[cookgirl]

I don't think that in terms of consuming food this works out at all. And you have to consider things like a big juicy Porterhouse:full of protein AND fat, and I'm sure not recommended on the Heart Associations list of foods for heart attack survivors with the heading "Don't worry. The protein cancels out the fat." You also need to factor in cholestorol, which your friend didn't mention.
As for in the body, depending on your level of aerobic activity and strength training, the protein could contribute to good muscle health, which upon good use, could more quickly metabolize fat.
To be safe, I would keep the fat content low until a nutrtionist says otherwise.

[SusanD]

Thank you! I thought that seemed a little strange, too.

[food girl]

Protien provides 4 calories per gram, fat provides 9 calories per gram. They do not "cancel out". Eat more than you need of either one and it will be stored as F-A-T. Most Amercians eat waaaaaaay more protein than they need for muscle synthesis.