Lean Protein Benefits

Sources of protein include chicken, turkey, beef, pork, fish, beans, nuts and tofu. The Harvard School of Public Health notes that protein is an essential part of your diet, but choosing lean sources of protein can help you keep your saturated fat intake at a healthy level. Lean cuts of meat, beans and nuts are nutritious choices that supply the protein you need, as well as many vitamins and minerals. The health benefits of lean protein foods are numerous when you cut out most of the fat.

B Vitamins

Lean sources of protein, including meat and non meat sources, provide you with some B vitamins. Your diet needs B vitamins for production of energy. Roberta Larson Duyff and the American Dietetic Association report in their book, "American Dietetic Association Complete Food and Nutrition Guide," that the B vitamins in lean protein foods help your body produce enough energy to be physically active and also help form and maintain muscle mass. B vitamins are also necessary for cell and enzyme production and a healthy nervous system.

Iron

One of the most prevalent nutrients in lean protein sources is iron. MayoClinic.com reports that your body is better able to absorb iron from meat than from non meat sources, but each supply some of this important nutrient. Your body needs constant supplies of iron in order to ensure that each of your bodily systems has the oxygen it needs to function properly. Iron also helps your body create red blood cells used for oxygen transportation.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is another nutrient present in lean protein sources that acts as an antioxidant to protect your health. MayoClinic.com reports that vitamin E is being studied for potential use for treating and preventing heart disease and cancer. A vitamin E deficiency is rare and adding lean protein foods to your daily menu will help you get all that you need for good health.

Low in Saturated Fat

Many types of meat are high in saturated fat, particularly marbled beef or poultry with the skin. Eating a diet that includes large amounts of foods with saturated fat can increase your risk of developing heart disease and cancer. Lean cuts of beef are lower in saturated fat and should be included as a healthy source of protein in your diet. Nuts contain unsaturated fats that contribute to heart health and most beans are very low in fat if prepared without added ingredients.