Phenylkentonuria, more commonly known as PKU, is a condition that prevents the body from digesting some of the proteins in foods, according to website Medline Plus. If you suffer from this condition, you probably understand that the best way to minimize the effects of this disease is to rigorously regulate your diet. A low-protein diet is the best option if you suffer from PKU.
Grains
Most forms of grains, particularly rice or wheat, generally contain at least a small amount of protein. If you suffer from PKU, you are typically allowed to eat some grains, but you should limit the quantities you consume. Additionally, you can tolerate some phenylalanine, an essential amino acid that is considered the building block for proteins within the body, as part of your diet; however, many with the disease choose to avoid it. Even with the disease, your body still requires some proteins. The Mayo Clinic recommends creating a meal plan that tracks the total daily amount of phenylalanine that you consume.
Fresh Fruits
Consume healthful fresh fruits that have a protein content of 1 g or less. The nutritional value of the most commonly consumed fresh fruits is found in the Nutritive Value of Food guide offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Fresh fruits that contain a maximum of 1 g of protein include one cup of papaya, one medium banana, one nectarine, one cup of blackberries, 10 sweet stemmed and pitted cherries, one cup of cubed cantaloupe, one Asian pear, one cup of diced mangoes, one medium kiwi fruit and a half of a white, red or pink grapefruit.
Vegetables
Vegetables provide little to no protein while offering a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, fiber and minerals. Vegetables are very nutrient-dense; that is, they feature a high level of nutrients relative to calories. Some of the vegetables with the lowest amount of protein include sweet potatoes, asparagus, squash, string beans, beets, radishes, carrots, seaweed, cauliflower, peppers, celery, snow peas, eggplant, onions, jicama, mushrooms and lettuce.
Fats
Nuts and oils are low in protein and high in fat. Safflower oil, olive oil, flaxseed oil and canola oil contain absolutely no protein. Cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, Brazil nuts and walnuts each have 4 g of protein or less per serving. Peanuts and pine nuts rank among those with the highest protein content, with about 7 g for a 1 oz. serving, according to the website Fat Free Kitchen.
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