Protein Is An Important Part of Your Diet, Though Not all Protein is Created Equal

Proteins are your body's building blocks

Protein is a fundamental component of any diet.  Proteins comprise the building blocks of your body necessary for growing, repairing, and maintaining your cells. While there are many studies and information known about the relationship between fats, carbohydrates, and weight loss comparatively little is know about proteins.  Experts recommend on average adults need 0.8 grams of protein for each kilogram of body weight.  While the specific needs of individuals can vary that is the recommended amount to promote proper growth, muscle development, immune strength, and ensure a strong heart and respiratory symptom.

When determining how to incorporate proteins into your diet there are two primary issues to consider; firstly that you are consuming proteins the in healthy foods  and secondly that you are eating all the amino acids necessary for a complete diet.

Types of Protein

The Protein Package refers to the overall nutritional value of the protein source in your nutrition plan. Protein rich foods include many red meats, fowl, and fish.  While all these foods have high levels of protein needed for a healthy diet they have different amounts of saturated fat which can impede weight loss.

A 6 ounce porterhouse contains 38 grams of protein but also 44 grams of fat, 16 of them saturated.  Those 16 grams of saturated fat comprises almost 3/4′s of the recommended daily serving of saturated fat.  A 6 ounce serving of salmon contain almost as much protein as the steak, 34 grams, but only a fraction of the fat, 18 grams total with only 4 grams of saturated fat.

The other consideration regarding protein is to ensure you receive all the amino acids needed by your body.  While most animal proteins include all the amino acids protein from plants and vegetables can often be incomplete.  If you maintain a vegetarian diet you should be sure to consume several different protein sources daily.

Foods with Protein

High Fat Protein

• beef
• pork
• lamb
• dairy
• eggs

Low Fat Protein

• chicken
• turkey
• fish

Vegan Protein

• beans
• nuts
• whole grains
• soy