Protein On Your Plate

protein

Protein Benefits The Body

Protein consumption is essential for human growth in the body as a vital part of maintaining health including weight loss. Dietary guideline recommendations suggest Americans consume proteins from a variety of sources containing nutrient-dense foods from both animal and plant proteins. Dietary proteins do not contain the same nutritional values.  Each gram of protein contains 4 calories and is categorized by the different amino acid complexes they provide.  Complete proteins contain all essential amino acids in adequate amounts found in animal sources including meat, eggs, dairy, soy, and seafood.  Incomplete protein sources do not contain enough amino acids making the protein out of balance including sources found in, nuts, seeds, grains, and vegetables. Nutritional balance is key when choosing dietary proteins to boost metabolism to effectively burn off calories for weight loss. These proteins contain many of these essential amino acids but if one amino acid is missing it is considered incomplete. 

Proteins are the building blocks of amino acids the body uses to build and repair tissues in the body increasing lean muscle mass.  According to the National Library of Medicine, protein intake is widely accepted for increasing endurance for people who want to increase physical performance.  Protein deficiencies can occur when you’re not consuming enough protein for the body to function properly, which may lead to muscle weakness and cramping.  Most Americans are eating enough protein to meet their needs however, some individuals fail to eat enough protein rich foods. The body uses proteins to make hormones, fluids, and other chemicals to form skin, cartilage, bone, blood, and muscle tissues.  Consuming the recommended amounts of proteins plays a vital role in brain function elevating the mood. 

Building blocks of proteins usually made up of amino acids produce neurotransmitter chemicals the brain uses in cellular communication promoting optimal health. According to the DIR Dietary Reference  Intake protein recommendations includes 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight or 0.36 grams per pound,  Daily recommendations for an average male is 56 grams per day and 46 grams of protein for the average woman.  The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the American Sports Medicine recommended that athletes increase protein intake by 1.2 to 2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. A 150-pound person amounts to 56 grams however studies indicate many physically active individuals do not consume enough protein throughout the day.  Use the RDA  calculator to determine your requirements for protein.  Traditionally protein sources can be obtained from vegetable plants and animals, meats, and dairy products.  Essential amino acids can not be made by the body it must be obtained from consuming foods high in protein providing the body with calories needed to create energy.

Top Protein Sources

  • Chicken
  • Fish
  • Beef
  • Legumes, beans
  • Nuts, seeds, grains, quinoa
  • Protein Powders

Ideal Protein Verities

Eating a variety of high-quality proteins including chicken, fish, beef, nuts, and seeds can boost physical energy levels helping people stay active. According to the US dietary reference intake guidelines men aged, 19-70 need to consume 56 grams of protein while women ages 19-70 need to consume 46 grams of protein per day to avoid protein deficiency. Scientists recommend spacing protein intake equally throughout the day to reduce muscle loss with age. Recommended range of protein intake is between 0.8g/kg of body weight is the minimum value to maintain nutritional requirements but increasing protein intake to a certain point may be beneficial. Protein one egg white 3.6 grams, protein in one whole egg 6 grams, protein 4 ounces of chicken 25 grams of protein, protein in 4 ounces of tuna 25 grams, protein 25 walnuts 12 grams, protein 25 almonds 7 grams, protein 4 ounces of steak 28 grams, protein in 1 cup of lentils 18 grams, protein, 4 ounces of ground turkey 30 grams of protein per serving.

Chicken is one of the most common sources of poultry consumed as a good protein source served worldwide.  Protein is the most plentiful substance in the body considered as an essential nutrient for the body.  Harvard T.H. Chan School of Medicine protein is an essential micronutrient but not all sources of protein are created equal.  Protein is found throughout the body in muscle, skin, hair, and virtually every other body part of the tissue. Protein is used to make hormones, enzymes and other bodily chemicals that provide the body with a valuable source of energy density and carbohydrates boost energy. One chicken breast is a low-fat source of high-quality protein is 192 calories or 225 calories per 3,5 ounce serving zero sodium although the sauces and marinades you use to enhance flavor will add more calories to the dish. Protein is an essential nutrient for the human body composed of an amino acid complex. Chicken can be roasted, grilled, or poached to create delicious low-calorie dishes you will love to eat.

Their biological significance amino acids are important sources in nutrition commonly used in supplements eating adequate protein is essential. Grilling Barbecue Create Delicious Meals using lean proteins, vegetables, marinades, and sauce to intensify the flavors of any dish cooking to perfection. Brush on a light coating of sauce of choice for additional flavor creating delicious meals on any grill surface. Grilling flavorful foods has gained popularity among adults using barbecue methods to enhance the style of cooking creating unique dishes particular to the specified region. Amino acids are building blocks of protein in the body, vital for growth, tissue repair, and maintaining good health throughout our lives.  Several amino acids are synthesized in the body. There are 20 different amino acids in total and the sequence of amino acids determines protein structure-function in the body. There are 20 amino acids the human body can obtain only from dietary sources including chicken, meat, fish, nuts, and seeds.

Eggs are an affordable nutritious food high in protein that can be used in a variety of delicious healthy recipes. In 2020 the retail price of a dozen eggs in the United States was 1.48 US dollars, an astounding 12 cents per egg making eggs one of the most affordable food options. The price of eggs continues to fluctuate in 2023 and is still considered an affordable protein option.  The majority of laying hens in the US. are still caged the production of organic and cage free hens has increased in recent years due to popular demand in the industry. The number of all laying hens in the US reached 390 million in 2020 while the production volume of eggs worldwide exceeded 82.17 metric tons in 2019 as the global egg production has continued to increase over 100 percent. Eggs are especially nutritious only containing 75 calories each 7 grams of high quality protein, 5 grams of fat, and 1.6 grams of saturated fat, including vitamins, minerals, iron, and carotenoids present in egg yolks a highly bioavailable source of lutein important for eye and skin health.

Protein is an essential nutrient for the human body composed of an amino acid complex. Their biological significance amino acids are important sources in nutrition commonly used in supplements. Amino acids are building blocks of protein in the body, vital for growth, tissue repair, and maintaining good health throughout our lives.  Several amino acids are synthesized in the body There are 20 different amino acids in total and the sequence of amino acids determines protein structure-function in the body.  Eggs are a nutritious affordable food source suited for creating nutritious meals that is low in calories like egg salad, hard-boiled eggs, omelets, quiche, Eggs Benedict, scrambled eggs, veggie grain bowl with classic fried egg, stuffed smoked salmon eggs, pickled eggs in beet juice, stuffed Avacado & egg,  Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers with egg salad, Curried egg Salad, Easy breakfast Tacos with Eggs, Loaded Breakfast Caserol, Asparagus with Poached Eggs and healthy Holidaze sauce. When cooking with egg protein the possibilities are endless.

Cheers!

Patricia Lynn

Images Courtesy of SeaWave at AdobeStock

 

About Patricia Lynn 179 Articles
3 Week Diet Solutions is a comprehensive blog dedicated to weight loss using the latest health information available. Discover how to lose weight safely and effectively making small lifestyle changes in your diet eating delicious foods that are are both satisfying and nutritious. Learn how to increase physical activity to boost your metabolism, build lean muscle while burning off calories.

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