Protein is a macronutrient that provides the body with essential amino acids and energy. It is also responsible for acid-base balance, growth and development, oxygen transport, fluid regulation and hormone production. Although protein is necessary for the human body to function properly, there are certain medical conditions that restrict protein. For example, chronic kidney disease and phenylketonuria require low levels of protein in the diet. There are a variety of foods that contain little or no protein.
Fruit
Fruit is high in water, vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. Fruits low in protein include apples, grapes, blueberries, rhubarb, strawberries, apricots, cranberries, grapefruit, oranges, mango, papaya, nectarines, pears, plums, peaches, tangerines, watermelon, raisins and pomegranate. Whether you eat it fresh, frozen or canned, most fruit selections contain less than 1 g of protein per serving. On a low-protein diet, you should consume between four to five servings of fruit per day.
Green Leafy Vegetables
Rich in numerous vitamins and minerals, fiber, iron and antioxidants, green leafy vegetables are low in carbohydrates, fat and protein. Spinach, kale, collard greens, romaine lettuce, arugula, cabbages contain 1 g of protein or less per serving. A serving is equal to one cup raw or one-half cup cooked vegetables. Eat between two to four servings of vegetables daily.
Other Vegetables
Vegetables are nutrient dense, meaning that they are low in fat and carbohydrates, but contain large amounts of essential vitamins and minerals. Aside from green leafy ones, vegetable differ in their protein content. Celery, cucumber, carrots, turnips, peppers, radishes, onions, beets, eggplant, tomato and mushrooms contain 1 g of protein or less. Broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus and Brussels sprouts contain 3 g protein while beans, lentils and some root vegetables have closer to 8 g of protein per serving. You should watch your consumption of higher protein content vegetables and try to select low-protein options.
Whole Grains
Whole grains contain complex carbohydrates and fiber. The protein content of grains varies widely based on the product and the grain used to make that product. A slice of whole grain or white bread; one dinner roll; a half cup cooked pasta, spaghetti or hot cereal; a third cup cooked rice; a half bagel; six graham or saltine crackers or a half cup of corn contain 3 g of protein each. Other grain products, such as ready to eat cereal, pancakes and some bread provide you with 8 g of protein per serving. On a low-protein diet, you should eat between six to eight servings of grains each day, selecting those lowest in protein.
Fats and Oils
Fats and oils do not contain any protein. However, some fats and oils are healthier than others. The healthiest fats are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated while bad fats are saturated and trans. When cooking, use sunflower, olive, safflower, hazelnut, canola or flaxseed oil as these products contain healthier fats. Nuts and seeds are also good sources of healthy fats, but contain some protein. Hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, macadamia nuts, cashews and walnuts contain 4 g of protein or less per serving. Pine nuts and pecans however provide you with 7 g of protein per serving. A handful of nuts makes a good snack, but choose lower protein options and eat in moderation due to their fat content.
Beverages
Aside from milk, most beverages contain little or no protein. While water is the beverage of choice for the body, coffee, tea, fruit drinks, vegetable juice, beer, wine and carbonated beverages have 1 g of protein or less per 8 oz serving. You should drink between six and eight 8 oz glasses of liquid per day.
Member Comments