Chickpeas, also called garbanzo beans, are a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vegetable protein and dietary fiber, low in fat and free of cholesterol. They make a filling meat substitute and are staples of Middle Eastern, Mexican and Indian cuisines. While canned chickpeas are a valuable convenience food, relying on canned beans of any kind poses certain disadvantages.
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, but not all dietary proteins provide methionine and lysine. To prevent deficiencies, it is important to know which foods are sources of these two amino acids.
Resistant starch is not broken down in the small intestine and passes into the large intestine, where it is partially or completely fermented. Resistant starch acts as dietary fiber, according to the September 2006 issue of ...
As an essential amino acid, valine can only be obtained through food sources, as your body isn't capable of synthesizing the amino acid on its own. The World Health Organization recommends that you ingest 26 mg of valine for ev...
During pregnancy, your body's need for protein increases significantly in order to support the rapid growth that marks this period. Most women get plenty of protein in their diets, but even if you're already eating the recommen...
The healthiest protein choices on a diabetes diet are low in saturated fat and calories, which help control your weight and your risk for heart disease. You can include a variety of protein-rich foods in a nutritious diabetes m...
Your brain requires certain nutrients to produce neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that allow communication between neurons. Your body is unable to produce most of the nutrients needed to synthesize neurotransmitters, so t...
Inadequate dietary protein intakes can lead to nutritional deficiencies, fatigue, muscle wasting wasting and serious risk risks from malnutrition. Include protein-rich foods in your diet as part of a well-balanced eating plan t...
Some of the challenges to losing weight are feeling too hungry and needing to prepare complicated meals. On a high-protein diet, food bars can be convenient options to make it easier to stick to your plan, and they are availabl...
Maca root has long been consumed as a food and medicine throughout the Andes. It was highly valued as a source of nutrition and contains a rich store of carbohydrates, protein, fatty acids, fiber, and a variety of vitamins and ...
Typically your body can make any amount of carnitine it needs. Some people may be deficient because their body cannot make enough or is unable to transport it to tissues that require it. These people may need a diet rich in car...
A purine is a complex organic compound that forms the basis of all genetic material and a number of other biochemically significant components. Its chemical structure is composed of a pair of five- and six-member nitrogen-conta...
Maca has been a main food and medicine for the natives of the Andes Mountains in Peru for thousands of years. It is a rich source of protein and minerals, including calcium, iodine, iron, magnesium and potassium. Maca has been ...
Keratin offers benefits to the parts of your body that require protein to maintain strength and a healthy appearance such as your hair and skin. You can find many foods that are rich in keratin.
They are commonly divided into three groups: metabolic enzymes, digestive enzymes and food enzymes. Metabolic and digestive enzymes are produced by the body, but food enzymes can only be obtained by eating enzyme-rich foods. Ge...
Collagen-building amino acids, vitamin C, and other collagen-promoting substances, including essential minerals and antioxidants, are present in many foods.
The human body uses vitamin B-12 in the formation of red blood cells and the production of DNA. This vitamin also helps the nervous system function properly. The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine recommends ...
On the other hand, a 1999 "European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology" notes that phytoestrogens can be used to antagonize the overwhelming effect of estrogen abundance. Soy, flaxseeds, berries and pom...
If you have a sweet tooth, then you probably like foods high in sugar. Sugar exists in many forms, including glucose, fructose, dextrose and maltose, but the sugar most people are familiar with is table sugar, or sucrose. Deriv...
Maca root has been consumed as a food for thousands of years in Peru due to its rich stores of carbohydrates, fat and protein. Supplements consist of a powdered form of the root. It has been known to enhance energy as well as i...
Several common foods are rich sources of phenylalanine.
It belongs to the B-complex group of vitamins, which are involved in producing energy from food and metabolizing fats and protein. B vitamins are also important for healthy skin, hair and eyes and liver and nervous system funct...
It is a nutrient needed for your body to function properly. You generally receive enough B-12 from your diet. Sources of B-12 include protein-rich foods such as meats and fish. According to Oregon State University's Linus Pauli...
Animal-based proteins are of high quality because they provide each of the essential amino acids you need. Mixed foods, such as milkshakes, can also help you increase your protein intake. Someone on a 2,000-calorie diet should ...
Though carnitine does not always represent an essential nutrient, in some cases your body's need for carnitine may outpace its production rate, causing a need for carnitine in your diet. A number of foods provide this nutrient,...
In addition to the importance of obtaining energy from your food, you must also consume protein, which your body uses to generate new proteins within your own cells. If you're looking to increase your protein intake, a number o...
Vitamin B-6 plays an important role in immune function, cognition, heart disease prevention and the synthesis of other compounds necessary for life. Adults should shoot for 1.3 to 1.7 mg daily of this water-soluble vitamin. Fol...
Vitamin B-3, or niacin, is a B-complex water-soluble vitamin that works together with other B vitamins to help the body convert food into energy Tryptophan is found in protein-rich foods. A high protein diet and vitamin B-3 s...
Muscle has a higher metabolic resting rate than fat, which means you burn more calories and increase fat-burning potential. The recommended dietary allowance, or RDA, of protein is approximately 0.8 g per kilogram of body weigh...
Lutein is present in the retina and lens of the eyes along with zeaxanthin. It may help to prevent cataracts, age related macular degeneration, atherosclerosis and certain types of cancer. Because it is difficult to calculate t...
To do so, you need to consume protein-containing meals within the recovery period of exercise.
Although it is not a vitamin by definition, choline works closely with B vitamins to metabolize fat, promote heart health and produce acetylcholine. The body makes small amounts of choline, but to ensure adequate acetylcholine ...
As a type of soluble fiber, it does contribute to digestive health and may help reduce blood cholesterol levels. Commercially, pectin is rendered into powder and often used in food as a gelling agent, especially in jams and jel...
Many plants contain soluble fiber, so whether you are eating grains, fruits or vegetables it is likely that you are consuming some amount of pectin. Despite the presence of pectin in an assortment of foods, some foods contain h...
The function of molybdenum in diet is not well understood, although it may aid in the metabolism of nitrogen. It may also inhibit oxygenation of free radicals, preventing them from causing cellular damage and cancer. Several fo...
Protein is an essential nutrient for maintaining your muscles, body tissues and immune system. You can get it from a variety of animal-based and vegetarian sources, but different protein foods have different nutritional benefit...
A serotonin-rich diet means that you eat foods that promote the synthesis of serotonin. Serotonin is not available in many dietary sources in any significant amount, so foods that contain the building blocks of serotonin must b...
Unfortunately, many of these items tend to be high in cholesterol and saturated fat. If you're trying to watch what you eat or you are a vegetarian or vegan, you may need non-meat, protein-rich alternatives. Luckily, there are ...
Eating too much protein can raise your risk of health issues like kidney disease, osteoporosis, heart disease and cancer. The healthiest protein-rich foods are low in saturated fat and other unhealthy elements. Multiply your bo...
Used for centuries in Asian cuisines, soy products are more prevalent in a variety of Western foods and beverages. Though you might hear some health claims about soy that have yet to be substantiated by science, it can be an e...
Additionally, proteins comprise the enzymes required for all the biochemical reactions that constitute life. Because proteins are so critical, you need protein in your diet in order to maintain a healthy body. Different foods c...
The proteins needed by the body have to be supplied through the diet we consume. Indian diets can be broadly classified into lacto vegetarian, ovolactovegetarian and nonvegetarian diets. These diets primarily consist of foods f...
Protein is one of the macronutrients that you need to consume at each meal. It is the building block of tissues in your body. In addition to this, protein strengthens your bones, teeth and nails, and even helps your immune syst...
Sugar foods are simple carbohydrate foods. Starchy foods are complex carbohydrates. Both are turned into glycogen, a type of sugar stored in your muscles and used during physical activity. Glycogen needs to be restored every da...
Protein is essential for overall health. It not only helps build muscle, but is also essential for repair and regeneration of all body tissue. Protein can be found in a variety of foods, but only a select number of foods conta...
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin involved in promoting vision, strong bones and healthy skin. Vitamin A from animal products is known as preformed vitamin A and is absorbed as retinol. Retinol is the active form, or the most ...
A vegan diet eliminates all animal products. Vegans can obtain the recommended amount of protein, 0.8g per 1kg of body weight, as long as calorie intake is adequate. Eating a variety of plant proteins is key because plant prote...
Extra protein is a must, as it helps baby's brain development. Getting enough daily protein can be a challenge for pregnant women, so learning which foods are rich sources of protein is vital.
Lycopene is an antioxidant found in fruits and vegetables that contain a reddish coloring. This antioxidant cannot be made by your body and therefore you have to eat foods rich in lycopene to get the benefits. Diets high in lyc...
Complete protein sources, such as fish, provide all the essential amino acids, whereas incomplete sources, such as some nuts, are not sufficient by themselves. Therefore, good protein-rich foods are complete sources, plentiful,...
The MayoClinic website recommends that 10 to 35 percent of your daily calories stem from protein and choosing healthy sources most often. Incorporate protein-rich foods into nutritious, balanced meals and snacks routinely for b...
The Institute of Medicine recommends a daily intake of 46 g of protein for adult women and 56 g for adult men. Many foods from the different food groups are rich in protein and can help you meet your daily intake requirements.
For growing children, protein supports muscle growth, organ development and hormone and enzyme production. Even if your child is not a fan of steak, many other protein-rich foods appeal to children's tastes.
Your body requires iron for the production of red blood cells. This mineral is naturally occurring in many foods and added to others. Iron comes in two forms: heme, which comes from animal sources, and non-heme, which is found ...
They protect your cells, preventing the effects of free radicals. Over time, free radicals can lead to damage to your cells' proteins and membranes, as well as promote genetic mutations. Eating foods rich in bioflavanoids provi...
According to MayoClinic.com, whey protein is highly digestible and can help improve the strength of your muscles. MayoClinic.com also says that this protein may help prevent conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and bone l...
The carotenoid lycopene functions as an antioxidant in the body, and may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and some forms of cancer. Lycopene in foods imparts a bright pink or red color, so foods containing it will typic...
Lutein is a carotenoid found in many of the foods you eat. According to the University of Michigan, lutein may help decrease your risk for heart disease and age-related macular degeneration. Lutein and another carotenoid, zeaxa...
Lysine is considered an essential amino acid, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Your body cannot make this compound, so you must obtain it through the foods you eat. Lysine is important for calcium absorpt...
In the Battle of Thermopylae, 300 of their number killed millions of Persians and nearly brought down an empire. This legendary battle was adapted into a film, and the actors were put on a strict diet and exercise regime to mak...
You require protein in your diet to help repair and produce new cells. Protein is also essential for proper growth and development. Proteins are made up of essential and nonessential amino acids. Essential amino acids cannot be...
Potassium is vital to nerve and muscle function and maintenance of normal heart rhythm and blood pressure. Eat foods rich in potassium to lower your risk for high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease, according to the Ameri...
Ultimate Nutrition Amino Bolic is an amino acid supplement manufactured by the Ultimate Nutrition company. Medline Plus explains that the body requires amino acids from protein-rich foods for growth and development. This supple...
Today, Quorn is made in a number of different forms, most of these aiming to supplant chicken in people's diets. Although specific recipes may vary, Quorn products tend to have similar nutritional values. Two such foods are Quo...
Your body needs protein to provide energy and to build and maintain tissues. The body's organs, muscles and immune system are composed of primarily protein. Include protein-rich foods as part of a healthy diet.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, consumption of cysteine can be used to treat several medical conditions, such as acetaminophen poisoning, angina and influenza. You can acquire adequate amounts of cystein...
Citrulline belongs to a family of compounds called amino acids -- molecules that form the building blocks of proteins found in all living cells. In humans, citrulline is commonly found in proteins within tissues in the skin, ha...
In men, testosterone plays a beneficial role in bone density, muscle strength, red blood cell production, sex drive, and sperm production. According to MayoClinic.com. Many supplements exist that may act to increase the testost...
This mineral is found in extremely small quantities in the human body and there is much controversy regarding whether vanadium is an essential mineral. Vanadium is found in many foods that you consume on a regular basis.
Sulfur is a naturally occurring compound found in protein-rich foods and certain vegetables. It is one of the main components of detoxification in the body, as it plays a role in the function of several amino acids, and also fe...
Nucleic acids are made up of purines and pyrimidines, which are carbon- and nitrogen-containing molecules derived from carbon dioxide and amino acids like glutamine. Because they are formed in the body, nucleic acids are not es...
It also occurs in adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which stores and transports energy to body cells. Ribose is a complex molecule and is not directly obtained from foods. However, many foods contain riboflavin, a component of the ...
Eating a nutritious diet plays a vital role in your health. Look at the foods you're eating and make sure you're getting enough rutin on a daily basis. Quercetin and rutinose combine to create rutin, a flavonoid and antioxidant...
Much has been published regarding the potential health dangers associated with the use of high fructose corn syrup in many products we consume daily. However, pure, natural fructose has a lower glycemic index score than glucose...
Composed of the plants and animals that share this spinning rock with us, food gives us the raw material we need to build and maintain the vehicle that gets us through the day -- our body – and gives us the fuel we need ...
Many people are also looking for ways to curb their overall meat consumption. There are potential health benefits of being vegetarian or vegan, but one downside of eliminating meat from the diet is the decrease in protein. ...
Your size and activity level plays a role in how much water you should drink, but generally you should drink eight to 10 glasses of water per day. While drinking water is important, foods generally account for 20 percent of wat...
In the case of iron this percentage is based on 18 mg, the iron requirement for females ages 19 to 50. There is no Daily Value for protein; however, the Institute of Medicine recommends that adults get a minimum of 0.8 grams ...
Phosphorus is a mineral which is the sixth most abundant in the body, and makes up about 1 percent of total body weight. While it is found in every cell of the body, about 85 percent of it is in the bones and teeth. Phosphorus ...
Vegetarians, especially vegans and the elderly, can have an increased risk of developing B12 deficiency because of the lack of animal-rich foods in their diets. People on chronic heartburn medications can have lower stomach aci...
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not approve of Laetrile for sale and has removed it from the list of B-complex vitamins. If you would like to add B17 to your diet, you can find a number of foods that contain this con...
When the digestive system processes your food, the iron is absorbed in the intestines and is stored in the cells of your body as ferritin until it is required. Unfortunately, an improper diet leaves the body deficient of enough...
Keratin is produced by amino acids, and the sources best for keratin consumption are foods high in protein. According to MSNBC.com, a deficiency in keratin causes hair to grow more slowly and cause already-existing hair to be ...
It is a silver-gray metal that occurs naturally in nature. Strontium is assimilated in the body in the same way as calcium. In the body, strontium is absorbed into the bloodstream and also behaves similarly to calcium, accordin...
Beta Glucan is a type of soluble fiber that is believed to play a role in lowering cholesterol. According to World's Healthiest Foods, this fiber has a mechanism of attaching itself to bile acids, and excreting these acids from...
Although their effects on the body are not as strong as synthetic, pharmaceutical estrogen, phytoestrogens do appear to have an effect. Natural health expert Dr. Andrew Weil claims that phytoestrogens may have beneficial effect...
The Recommended Daily Allowance suggests that meat-eating adults should consume approximately 0.36 g of protein per pound that you weigh. When you factor in how plant proteins are digested, it equates to approximately 0.45 lbs....
The body produces and uses the vitamin-like substance Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, to support its immune system and as an antioxidant. CoQ10 helps basic cell functioning and the body's available supply decreases with age. According ...
Leptin is a hormone produced in your fat cells. According to Wellness Resources, leptin sends signals to your brain to let you know that you are full and should stop eating. It also signals your brain to turn on your metabolism...
Carnosine also may improve heart function and boost wound healing. Carnosine is found in high concentrations in body tissues, according to Dr. Ray Sahelian, author of "Mind Boosters." You can take supplements to gain carnosine,...
Phytonutrients are organic compounds in plants that may be beneficial to health. They are not essential nutrients for life, like calcium and iron, for example. Phytonutrients, also called phytochemicals, are split up into diffe...
Every cell, organ and tissue in the body depends on protein---which is made up of 20 different amino acids---according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Essential amino acids are those that the body cannot make...
Adequate dopamine levels in the body help to regulate mood, attention and learning, and can even affect your personality. According to the Franklin Institute, food is the best source of dopamine-producing amino acids, such as t...
The main duty of the mineral molybdenum inside the body is to break apart sulfite toxins, thus making molybdenum an antioxidant. The mineral also helps the body to process iron better and helps to metabolize fats and carbohydra...
Consuming glutathione may help protect against some forms of cancer and slow your aging process, says Michael T. Murray, lead author for "The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods." Several foods are good sources of this small protein,...
Like the other B vitamins, pyridoxine plays an important role in converting food into energy, and also in metabolizing proteins and fats. Vitamin B6 plays a particularly important part in the functioning of the nervous system, ...
Protein works alongside calcium minerals to ensure strong muscles, tissues and bones, reports the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Some foods contain natural amounts of both these nutrients. When you head to ...
According to the Cleveland Clinic, when part of a heart-healthy diet plan, plant sterols may significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. Because they occur naturally in such small quantities, some food manufacturers have be...
Quercetin is chemical classified as a flavonoid. Flavonoids are compounds made by plants, and also also present in some of the foods you eat. According to the American Cancer Society, quercetin is an antioxidant and acts as a n...
When choosing your protein sources, you should favor "complete proteins," also called "high quality proteins," which contain all 20 of the amino acids necessary to build protein. Also important in choosing protein-rich foods is...
It forms in long molecules which can easily become entangled. This trait makes pectin a good choice as a thickening agent for many types of foods, and is a necessary component for making fruit jellies and jams. Pectin is also a...
Unfortunately, some protein-rich foods are also high in fat, which can have negative effects on your health. If you're looking for foods that have high levels of protein without similarly elevated amounts of fat--including tran...
According to nutrition expert Mauro Di Pasquale, protein helps keep your metabolism high and provides muscles with materials needed for growth. Keeping your protein intake high is easy if you add some specific, high protein foo...
Theanine is an amino acid derivative that produces a relaxed, yet alert state, when consumed. Unlike other calming agents, consuming theanine dose not result in a drowsy feeling. A review of the literature shows that theanin...
A healthy diet is essential for military personnel to support overall health and on-the-job performance. The guidelines for a military diet and a diet for the general population are similar, however, military personnel generall...
Lean protein foods are those that provide a rich source of protein, but little, if any, fat. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's MyPyramid recommendations, these foods supply nutrients that are vital for health an...
According to the Mayo Clinic, protein-rich snacks can help manage hunger and energy between meals and serve as nutrient-rich alternatives to commercially prepared snack foods, such as chips or candy. Protein-rich snacks are bes...
Collagen is a naturally occurring fibrous protein that is important in maintaining the health and vitality of connective tissue. Collagen is found in virtually all body organs, including the bones, skin, tendons, ligaments and ...
That said, according to the American Heart Association, isoflavones are beneficial as they are high in polyunsaturated fat, fiber, vitamins and minerals, and provide for increased food intake of dietary protein, while decreasin...
Soy food products are rich sources of protein; they are low in saturated fats and are packed with vitamins, minerals, omega-3s and phytochemicals. The variety of soy food products on the market is increasing as vegetarians and ...
People's bodies create small amounts of choline, but they must also consume it in their diets. The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies has set the adequate intake level (AI) for choli...
It's believed that 10 to 30 mcg per day is enough for the average person to consume. Most people's diet has between 6 and 18 mcg daily. Many foods have vanadyl sulfate, but the amount can vary depending on the soil the food is ...
Resveratrol is derived from various types of seed-producing plants. It's power comes from a combination of phytochemicals and other elements that function as antioxidant, antiviral and fungicidal aides to the body. Resveratro...
Proteins are the building blocks of life. Besides being important to good health, protein-rich foods will keep you feel full longer than fats and carbs. By themselves, grains can often be dry and not very flavorful. That's why...
It helps to build muscle and is a primary energy source. Adding protein to your diet can be easy if you know what foods are rich in protein. The right balance between protein, carbohydrates and fats will ensure a healthy and...
