Eating certain healthy proteins can help you meet your nutritional needs in a delicious way.
Protein is critical for many processes going on in your body.
Including protein in your diet every day is important for supporting your overall health.
So, what can you eat to ensure you are getting enough protein?
Why Do We Need Protein?
Along with carbohydrates and fat, protein is one ofthe three macrosthat plays essential roles in the body.
There are 20 amino acids found in protein sources.
Not all protein sources contain all 20 amino acidssome contain a combo of some essential and nonessential amino acids.
This is one reason why having a varied diet is important.
When it comes to antioxidants, pistachios provide a significant amount.
Eggs contain high-quality protein with all of the essential amino acids.
Which is great, since nearly half of the egg’s protein is in the yolk.
Lentils
Lentils are nutritional powerhousesthat pack a serious punch when it comes to their health benefits.
They are rich in important nutrients, including fiber, protein, folate, potassium and iron.
According to the USDA, lentils have 9 g of protein per half-cup serving.
Cereal grains include wheat, rye, barley, oats, millet and corn.
Vegan Lentil Soupis a delicious dish that highlights lentils.
And a 3-ounce serving provides a whopping 26 g of protein, per the USDA.
It also has an especially impressive amount of protein compared to other types of yogurt.
you’ve got the option to use plain Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream or mayo.
We use half mayo and half plain Greek yogurt in ourTangy Chicken Salad with Grapes.
The Bottom Line
Protein is one of the three macronutrients, along with carbs and fat.
Eating plenty of quality protein is vital for overall health since every cell in your body contains protein.
2021;12. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.661202
U.S. Department of Agriculture.
FoodData Central.Nuts, pistachio nuts, raw.
2022;14(15):3002. doi: 10.3390/nu14153002
U.S. Department of Agriculture.
FoodData Central.Egg, whole, cooked, scrambled.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.
FoodData Central.Lentils, mature seeds, cooked, boiled, without salt.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Economic Research Service.Per capita availability of chicken higher than that of beef since 2010.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.
FoodData Central.Chicken breast, baked, broiled, or roasted, skin not eaten, from raw.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.
FoodData Central.Yogurt, Greek, plain, lowfat.
2021;10(8):1816. doi: 10.3390/foods10081816
U.S. Department of Agriculture.
FoodData Central.Fish, salmon, chinook, cooked, dry heat.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.
FoodData Central.Quinoa, cooked.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.
FoodData Central.Tofu, raw, firm, prepared with calcium sulfate.
