Protein is an important staple of the human diet. Protein is used by the body in a variety of ways, including damage repair and as a building block for muscles. It is common knowledge that many foods such as red meat and poultry are high in protein. However, few people realize that there are many meatless high protein foods. These high protein foods can help you obtain a healthy protein level without the consumption of meat.
Function
Proteins are made of small units called amino acids. There are 20 amino acids commonly used by the human body. According to the Vegetarian Society, eight of these amino acids cannot be produced by the body and thus must be ingested in the diet. Ingested protein is broken down into its individual amino acids and used by the body to create new proteins such as enzymes and muscle proteins. The body can also use protein as an energy source.
Soy Foods
Soybeans are considered a "high quality" protein food by the Vegetarian Resource Group because they contain large amounts of all the essential amino acids. Other foods commonly eaten by vegetarians as sources of protein include tempeh and seitan. Soy milk contains a moderate amount of protein, but cooked soybeans contain much higher levels.
Fish and Beans
According to the Harvard School of Public Health, animal and vegetable proteins probably have the same effects on health. They recommend fish and beans as good sources of protein. In fact, they remind dieters that salmon and lentils can deliver large amounts of protein without the fat that comes along with meats such as beef steak.
Use in Diets
Many high protein diets are listed as dangerous by the American Heart Association because they encourage the consumption of animal protein that is high in fat. Eating plant and vegetable protein can help to avoid this pitfall. Meatless high protein foods are also consumed by vegans and vegetarians to make sure they reach their daily dietary protein requirements.
Warnings
Increasing your protein intake drastically can come with a few dangers. According to MayoClinic.com, high protein, low carbohydrate diets may cause or worsen liver and kidney problems because your body may have trouble eliminating all the excess protein and waste products from protein metabolism. Balancing your protein intake with high fiber carbohydrates can help to ensure your diet is properly proportioned. Patients with liver or kidney diseases should consult with a physician before attempting to increase the protein in their diets.
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