Why Popeye Ate Spinach

If you want to maintain your muscles, emphasize fruits and vegetables - not protein - in your diet. According to a 2008 study at Tuft's University, that's because produce is a good source of potassium. Our bodies convert protein and cereal grains, both heavily represented in the North American diet, into acid residues. This triggers the breakdown of muscle to produce ammonia, which removes the excess acid. Potassium-rich diets are alkaline - the opposite of acidic - and buffer acids without sacrificing muscle.