Including a wide variety of foods that are high in protein in your diet is an important part of any healthy lifestyle. There are a number of reasons why protein is helpful. First, protein is necessary for the building and maintenance of many types of cells throughout the body; protein is the key to building muscle and other important tissues as well. It also serves an important role in maintaining the strength of your immune system and preventing you from getting sick or succumbing to other adverse health conditions. Read on for a list of some foods that are high in protein.
1. Meat
Traditionally, meat has been one of the strongest sources of protein for the human diet. Meats of all types contain protein, and the exact amount of protein varies according to the type of animal and the cut of the meat itself. Generally, meats that are lower in fat contain more protein, although the size and preparation method for the meat is an important determining factor as well. When including meat in your diet as a protein source, remember that some types of meat are more healthy than others. Red meat is higher in fat than chicken or other types of meat.
2. Fish
Fish is an excellent source of protein. Like meat, the amount of protein in any serving of fish depends not only on the part of the fish that you're eating, but also on the type of fish. It provides a wide mixture of other health benefits and nutrients as well, making it an excellent addition to any diet.
3. Nuts
For people who prefer not to eat meat or who are looking for an additional source of protein in their diet, nuts are rich in protein. A single serving of nuts generally contains less protein than a serving of meat or fish, but this is nonetheless a great way to provide your body systems the protein source that they need in order to remain strong. However, many nuts are high in different types of fat, and the total quantity of nuts that you eat should generally remain low.
4. Dairy Products
Dairy products like eggs, milk, cheese and yogurt all contain protein in varying amounts. These products are great sources of protein for people who don't eat meat. As with nuts, however, many dairy products are high in fat and calories, so your total consumption of these should be carefully monitored.
5. Beans
Beans are a final source of protein for many people. They are rich in protein and low in fat, making them a good item for inclusion in many meals. Within this category are a number of soy-based meat substitutes like tofu and tempeh, all of which are made from bean sources and are rich in protein.
