Foods that are rich in protein and antioxidants are an essential component to a healthy well balanced diet. High protein and antioxidant foods have been found to keep the cells, muscles and organs of your body functioning optimally. These foods can be found in an array of colorful and nutritious food sources that are a catalyst to obtaining and maintaining good health and well-being.
Benefits of Protein
According to Every Nutrient, protein builds, repairs and maintains body tissues. It also "unctions as the building blocks of muscle. Protein fuels your body giving you energy and endurance and keeps every cell and internal body system functioning properly. Protein is also necessary for healthy hair, nails and skin.
Benefits of Antioxidants
Antioxidants are effective in protecting your body from free radicals which destroys your cells and can cause disease. According to Dr. Ben Kim, "antioxidants protect your health by preventing and repairing damage caused to your cells by excessive free radicals. The Mayo Clinic reports that free radicals are "toxic byproducts of natural cell metabolism," and can be eliminated by the antioxidants produced by your body naturally as well as those that can be obtained through consuming antioxidant rich foods.
Non-Plant Based High Protein Foods
Rich high protein foods can be found in fish, especially salmon, mackerel and herring, poultry, lean meats, eggs and dairy products, such as cheese and butter. Fish is high in essential fatty acids -- good fats -- and are a healthier choice than poultry, meat, eggs and dairy products which are composed of more saturated animal fats.
Plant-Based High Protein Foods
High protein foods that are can be consumed from plant based sources are as plentiful as they are nutritious. This food source can be obtained in a host of vegetable, fruit, whole grains and nuts and seeds such as;. beans, lentils, legumes, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, peas, berries, melons, pineapples oranges, potatoes, peanuts, almonds, pecans, alpha seeds, quinoa, brown rice and whole grain breads and cereals. These choices are especially important for the vegan and vegetarian diet that excludes most or the entire animal-based protein sources.
High Antioxidant Foods
Foods that are high in antioxidants are a proactive way to protect your health and can be consumed by making colorful choices in fruits and vegetables. According to the Mayo Clinic, antioxidants are better consumed through foods than in a supplement form and that some of the better food sources of antioxidants are berries, such as blueberries, raspberries and strawberries, as well as nuts, such as walnuts, pistachios, pecans, hazelnuts and almonds. Other sources are oats, beans, fruits, vegetables, herbs such as ground cloves, cinnamon or ginger, dried oregano leaf and turmeric powder, dark chocolate and beverages, such as green tea, coffee, red wine and fruit juices.
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