Good Sources of Protein
By Janin Hendry
Protein keeps everything in your body functioning correctly. It can also help you maintain healthy body weight, build muscle, and improve your immune system. It also plays a vital role in carrying oxygen around your body.
What Is Protein?
Proteins are strings of amino acids that helps your body to function correctly. These essential amino acids help build muscle, exoskeleton and maintain cellular health.
How Much Protein Do You Need?
Consuming protein throughout your day can provide your cells and organs with a steady supply of healthy proteins. The numbers listed below are for the average child, teenager, and adult bodies. Consult with your doctor if you think you have special needs or goals for your body.
Children under the age of 12 need anywhere from 13 to 19 grams of protein a day from proper body functioning.
Teenagers - Girls 14 and older require up to 46 grams of protein, with boys requiring up to 52 grams.
Adults - Adult women do not need more than the 46 grams of protein they needed as teenagers, though adult men require up to 56 grams of protein to keep themselves healthy.
What Are Good Sources Of Protein?
You can find protein in many animal and plant sources, but how you prepare it is as important as consuming it. You do not want to add unnecessary calories or chemicals to your body, affecting you in other ways, such as weight gain or allergic reaction.
Lean meats - Lean meats such as skinless chicken, pork tenderloin, and lean beef are full of healthy protein in large amounts that can keep your body functioning.
Soy - Soy is a magic food that gives your body a large dose of protein and can help you lower cholesterol. Soy is a plant-based protein that is good for your heart.
Milk - Milk is a good source of protein as well as a good source of calcium. Your body needs both to keep teeth healthy and cells fortified with Vitamin D.
Eggs - Eggs are a very cost-effective protein that is a perfect way to start a day.
Cheese - Cheese is easy to add to multiple meals to add the extra something and a large dose of protein to a meal.
Beans - Beans are a plant-based protein that contains as much protein as a steak. They are an inexpensive way to boost a protein meal and fill you with fiber that will keep you full for hours.
Seafood - Protein and omega-3 fatty acids come from fish and shellfish. They are low in fat and give your heart a reason to rejoice.
Final Thoughts
Keeping yourself healthy is a step toward a long and happy life. Protein is a key building block for your body, and ingesting the right amounts throughout your day will keep you going for a long time.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic Clinic in Highlands Ranch, Colo.