Purines are a chemical found in the the bodies of people and animals, as well as in many plants and foods. Purines are part of the chemical structure of human genes, and also play the role of protector, according to The World's Healthiest Foods, an organization affiliated with the George Mateljan Foundation. When purines are broken down by the body, they metabolize into uric acid, which has antioxidant properties. Too much uric acid in the body, however, can cause a painful form of arthritis, called gout. People who are prone to gout often need to limit foods that are rich in purines, to alleviate symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. Many foods contain high levels of purines, including meats, lentils and whole grains.
Organ Meats
Purines and protein go hand-in-hand when it comes to nutritional value of foods. Meats that are high in protein, including organ meats, are generally purine-rich as well. Calf liver, brains (sweetbreads) and kidneys, are among the richest food sources of purines, according to The World's Healthiest Foods, containing as many as 1000mg per 3 1/2 oz. serving. Tongue, another form of organ meat, is also rich in purine. The average American adult eats from 600 to 1000mg of purines every day. People who have gout should limit their purines intake to no more than 150mg daily.
Fish
Many types of fish and shellfish are rich in purines. Anchovies, mussels and sardines fall into the category of being "very high" in purines, along with organ meats. Salmon, herring, mackerel, tuna, oysters, lobster, carp and trout contain between 5 and 50mg of the substance in each 3 1/2 oz. serving size. The World's Healthiest Foods points out that several of these delicacies from the sea are also packed with other nutrients that make them a healthy choice for most people.
Poultry
Poultry is a significant source of purines, depending on the type of bird and the color of the meat. Most white poultry meats contain some amount of purines; the Mayo Clinic suggests that people who have high levels of uric acid or gout consume no more than 6 oz. of animal protein, including chicken or turkey, daily. Dietician Joanne Larsen, of the Ask the Dietitian website, explains that most kinds of wild game, including duck, goose and rabbit, are rich in purines.
Beans and Lentils
Dried beans, peas and lentils are among the highest in purines of non-animal based proteins. Kidney and lima beans, as well as green peas, are considered "moderately high" food sources of purines, with 5 to 50mg per 3 1/2 oz. serving. Joint-Pain.com offers a list of other vegetables that are purine-rich, including mushrooms, asparagus, cauliflower and spinach.
Whole Grains
Fiber-rich whole grains are also rich in purines, according to Joint-Pain.com. Whole grain cereal, including oatmeal and breads are a significant dietary source of proteins, in part due to the yeast used during the baking process. The World's Healthiest Foods places yeast in the highest range in terms of food sources of purines. People who suffer from gout may be directed to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables as their sources of fiber, rather than large quantities of whole grains.
