Proteins – The Building Blocks of Life
Every cell in the human body contains protein. The nutrient breaks down into amino acids that promote cell growth and repair. Meat, eggs and dairy are some of the best sources of protein, but you need to wary of the saturated fat and cholesterol in them. You probably know you need to eat protein, but do you know the powerful protein sources? Image courtesy:Getty
White Meat, Poultry
Dark meat is a little higher in fat in comparison to white meat poultry. For excellent lean proteins, prefer the white meat. However, you must remove the skin before cooking as it has a plenty of saturated fat on it. Image courtesy:Getty
Seafood
Low in fat, seafood is an excellent source of protein. Unlike other fishes, salmon has higher amount of fat in it but the abundant presence of omega-3 fatty acids makes it a good option for a healthy heart. Image courtesy:Getty
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese, in low-fat version, is one healthy protein source. You can have it as a snack, hide it in dishes or combine with fresh veggies. Image courtesy:Getty
Eggs
Eggs are powerhouses of nutrition, loaded with protein and a range of vitamins/minerals. These are the least expensive protein forms. According to the American Heart Association, a healthy adult can safely enjoy an egg a day. Image courtesy:Getty
Beans
There are many several varieties of beans – black, white, red, green and more – what they all have in common is high amounts of protein. Half-a-cup of beans contain as much protein as an ounce of broiled steak. Moreover, they keep you full for hours. Image courtesy:Getty
Soy
Soy is better than many protein sources as it renders many health benefits in addition to nutrition. It helps you lower cholesterol, maintain a healthy diet and is heart healthy. Foods made from soybeans are some of the highest vegetarian sources of protein. Image courtesy:Getty
Leafy Greens
Vegetables don't have as much protein as eggs, white meat or cheese, but they have a lot of antioxidants and heart-healthy fibre. Moreover, eating a lot of vegetables add up to a good amount of amino acids. Image courtesy:Getty
Almonds
Nuts, particularly almonds, are excellent protein sources. Besides good amounts of proteins, almonds are loaded with vitamins, minerals and fibre. They are associated with a number of health benefits. They also make a healthy and tasty addition to both sweet and savoury dishes. Image courtesy:Getty
Peanut Butter
You can create a crunchy and creamy food delight of peanut butter to give yourself a good dose of protein. Peanut butter is known to aid heart function, promote healthy bowel movements and lower your risk of developing heart disease. Image courtesy:Getty
