Eating Healthy in 2016

The term “protein” has been thrown around in diet fads everywhere. Some people encouraged eating such foods but others discouraged it. There are also supplements that advertised high concentration of proteins and some claim certain foods to high volumes of proteins in one bite. It is a term that is used so inappropriately that people don’t really understand what it is for anymore. Some are afraid of it while others swear by it. But is protein important for our body? Is it really needed? Where do we get protein? What are its benefits? Is it just a term for the diet fad community or is it for everyone in every age?

Proteins are large molecules that mainly consists of smaller substances called amino acids. Amino acids are needed by tissues of our body so that it can fix broken tissues and build up more tissues for the muscles to be strong. This is needed by your organs such as the liver, stomach, heart, and brain. Proteins are also used as a building block to create hemoglobin which is used to make the blood red. It also keeps the red blood cells healthy, alive and growing. Furthermore, proteins are needed by the immune system. It helps the antibodies grow and bind specific foreign particles such as bacteria and viruses. This is the reason why when you are sick you are asked to eat more. This helps the body fight infection to keep the cells strong enough to fight the virus illnesses in your body.

Without protein, your cells and antibodies will not be strong enough to fight infection. Proteins are also messengers. They are building blocks for hormones, coordinate biological processes between different cells, tissues and organs. Thus, this proves that proteins are important building blocks of the human body. The body needs a lot of it to fight infection, to grow muscles and to grow cells.

Here are some of the foods that are rich in protein:

1. Tuna – Fish and other seafood are protein-rich food, but tuna is the best source of all. These do not only have protein but also omega-3. One hundred fifty-four grams contains 39 grams of proteins.
2. Milk – This delicious and refreshing drink gives the very nutrients that you need such as calcium, phosphorus and vitamin B2. The human race has been drinking it since the beginning of time. One cup of whole milk contains 8 grams of protein
3. Almonds – Nuts are especially nutritious but one of the most nutritious and recommended is almonds. This is not just a nutritious food, it is also a treat. Covered chocolate almonds are really great treats.
4. Pistachios – This nut that is often used as a flavoring of ice cream is just as nutritious as almonds. It has 13% of calories.
5. Cashews – These are also used part of a scrumptious dessert but this is also full of proteins and healthy oils.
6. Eggs – Depending on who you talked to, eggs are the best source of the main building blocks of the body. They are also great sources of vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, eye-protecting antioxidants and brain nutrients.
7. Chicken – This meat is really everywhere and you can cook it in any way possible. From fried to soup this is really the superfood of the protein group. One of the best parts and sources of protein is the chicken breast. One roasted chicken breast is 80 % of calories.
8. Oats – Dubbed as the healthiest grains on the planet, loaded with magnesium, fiber, and manganese. This healthy breakfast staple is really one of the best sources of protein.
9. Broccoli – Another protein-rich food is the broccoli. It is also loaded with vitamin C, fiber, and potassium. It has 3 grams of protein for every one cup of chopped broccoli.
10. Lean beef – It is loaded with iron and vitamin B12 which is essential for cell growth. Every 3-ounce of cooked beef with 10% fat contains 22 grams of protein.

Protein is a nutrient that is needed for the body and not just a fad word. It is a misunderstood word that is now being reintroduced as an important nutrient. This is one of the main building blocks of the human body so always have some in your arsenal of super food.