Importance of Protein and Its Best Natural Sources

Proteins are the building blocks of our body. Proteins are vital for production of enzymes that are needed for many metabolic functions in the body including digestion.Our immune system is completely dependent on proteins. The immunoglobulins are actually proteins (antibodies) that are responsible to provide defence mechanism against infections and diseases.

Body repair and rejuvenation depends on availability of proteins. Health of nails, hair, skin and blood depends on presence of proteins in the diet.

Many hormones are made up of proteins, example insulin. Absence of enough proteins can thus lead to hormonal imbalance.

The best thing about proteins is that of the dietary protein that is not used for body building then can be converted by body into fat and stored in liver for any future use.

In absence of sufficient carbohydrates, the body can break down proteins present in the muscles for energy production.

Best Sources of Proteins

Dairy products like cheese, cream, kefir, yogurt and skimmed milk are a great source of proteins. Those with digestive problems should choose fermented dairy products which aid in better metabolism.

Vegetarian options

Those who are vegetarians must increase quantity of nuts, seeds, pulses and legumes in their diet. Nuts and seeds that are rich sources of protein include pecan nut, walnut, cashew nut, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, brazil nuts, almonds, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, flax seeds and sunflower seeds.

The list of protein rich pulses and legumes carries pinto beans, haricot beans, cannelloni beans, tofu, miso, butter beans, borlotti, aduki beans and soya yogurt.

Non-vegetarian Sources of Proteins

White and oily fishes like sardines, salmons, mackerel, herrings, sea bass, trout, red snapper, halibut, Dover sole and lemon sole are best sources of protein.

Chicken and turkey (lean meats) too constitute a rich protein diet.

Eggs carry high content of omega 3 fatty acids along with surplus protein content. Choose eggs of quil, ducks and chickens. They are healthy breakfast options.

Choose organic options only and avoid commercially farmed meats, fishes and eggs.

How to Increase Intake

Instead of consuming snacks made of carbohydrates in between the meals eat nuts or tofu. Pumpkin seeds and flax seeds can be sprinkled on your main meals. They are almost neutral in taste.