Protein-enriched foods are essential for your health and well-being. Protein provides you with energy, helps build muscles and regulates blood-sugar levels. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "proteins are part of every cell, tissue and organ in your body. These proteins are being broken down and replaced. These proteins in the foods you eat are digested into amino acids that are later used to replace the proteins in our bodies." You can find a variety of protein-enriched foods in meat, dairy and fish. Remember to include fruits, vegetables and beans -- all excellent sources of high protein.
Categories
You can categorize protein-enriched foods into either complete or incomplete protein. Animal solutions are the complete proteins, such as meat, fish, milk, eggs and cheese. Incomplete proteins are found in plants, such as wheat, corn, peas and quite a few vegetables and fruits that not only are rich in protein, but also provide you with energy as carbohydrates.
Meat
You can find enriched protein in both white and red meat. Pick out lean cuts of meat such as tenderloin, round or center cut. The ground meats will be higher in fat because fat is mixed or chopped in during processing. You should try specialty meats like buffalo or ostrich. Both are full flavored and are extremely lean, protein-enriched meats.
Fish
You can count on fish because it is extremely healthy and packed with lean protein. High protein and lean fish include tilapia, mahi mahi as well as most shellfish like lobster. Dark fish like tuna, salmon and sardines are also rich in protein. These fish also contain a complete range of the essential amino acids needed to build protein.
Dairy
Get protein-enriched food from the dairy food group. High protein can be found in milk, yogurt and cheese. You should watch these foods carefully because calories and fat can easily add up. Reach for the nonfat or low-fat milk, yogurt or cheese. Grab some soy and Greek yogurt, feta, cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella and cottage cheese.
Vegetarian
Plant protein-enriched food sources are low in fat content and high in dietary fiber. VeganHealth.com states: "Plant protein can meet requirements when a variety of plant foods is consumed and energy needs are met." Nuts are among the top high-protein vegetarian foods and include almonds, peanuts and walnuts. Soy beans and soy products are top protein vegetarian foods that can fuel your body. Remember to fill up with potatoes, sweet peppers and sun-dried tomatoes to complete your protein-enriched foods.
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