7 must-have all natural protein foods for good health always
We can never stop singing praises about protein and their benefits for us. All important, but not all protein foods are created equal. There is something called a protein package and we spoke all about it in this earlier blog
When we eat a food, we not only eat the protein but also the other nutrients in it. While some protein foods, like that found in plants, come with healthy fibre, vitamins and minerals; others from animal foods can have high fat.
In this blog, we explore 7 natural protein foods that are healthy and something that you can stock up in lockdown. Read on
1. Eggs
Eggs are a magical food if we can say so. Definitely a high ranking protein food but wait, there is so much more. It has vitamin D, very important during the indoor lockdown days; folate, vitamin B12, A, E, riboflavin in addition to minerals such as iron, iodine and phosphorus. Not to mention, it is very versatile and you can cook and enjoy it in a 100 different ways.
2. Nuts like almonds, peanuts
Nuts are a tasty and crunchy source of protein, fibre and good fats in the form of monounsaturated fats and even omega-3 fats. Almonds, walnuts, peanuts all provide vitamn E, zinc, magnesium, and even help in boosting the good bacteria population in our gut.
3. Chicken
Protein source can never be complete without the mention of lean meat aka chicken. Low in calories, loaded in protein, selenium, phosphorus, vitamin B6, and niacin; you can eat chicken in salads, sandwiches, pastas and in a numerous other healthy ways.
4. Low fat dairy products
Paneer, milk, low fat curd, greek yogurt are another names of protein and calcium rich foods. Do you know, the calcium from dairy foods is much better absorbed because of the balanced protein profile? In india, most of the milk is also fortified with vitamin D, which has immune and mood boosting properties! Whey and casein are 2 important proteins from dairy that is used extensively in many products.
5. Soya chunks
What looks like meat, has nutrients like meat but doesn’t have the bad fats like meat? We don’t really need to answer that. High in protein, inherently low in fat, and has high dietary fibre; soya chunks are a boon to vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. They are also rich in minerals such as calcium, iron while being low on sodium too.
6. Pulses and legumes
Dals and whole pulses get a raw deal when it comes to mentioning them as protein foods! They are cheap, a great source of protein, folate, both insoluble and soluble fibre, iron, and phosphorus. They also provide you with healthy fats. Soak them and sprout them for better absorption of the nutrients
7. Seeds
Protein, essential amino acids, calcium, zinc, copper, magnesium, dietary fiber and phytochemicals – these are all the nutrient description of seeds. Pumpkin seeds, watermelon seeds are a great snack source with healthy nutrients.
So there you go, in this lockdown you can stock up on these healthy all round protein foods that will nourish and fuel you. When boredom comes calling, there is always Max Protein bar to the rescue. A winning combination of healthy ingredients and tasty bars, your protein and nutrient needs can be met with Max Protein bars.
