Are you looking for a list of food high in protein? All animal products, meats, dairy, cheese etc. are food high in protein. However, just because a food is high in protein does not make it healthy for you. In fact according to The China Study, researchers have discovered an undeniable connection between animal protein (food high in protein) and chronic disease.
It is much more important to understand your body’s need for protein than it is to simply consume food high in protein. Protein is important because proteins are the material which makes up many enzymes, hormones; and of course structural tissue that comprise the human body. Proteins, which are composed of amino acids, wear out and must be replaced.
The protein in our bodies is basically comprised of about 22 amino acids. Eight of these amino acids are called essential because they cannot be manufactured by the body…they must be supplied by the foods we eat. Any protein that contains all eight of these amino acids is called complete. These complete proteins are easily obtained from animal products and for that reason animal products such as meats, dairy and eggs have been touted as higher quality protein than plant sources.
As mentioned earlier, however, we now know that these so called complete or higher quality proteins are not necessarily what the body needs for optimum health. In fact, animal protein has been linked with many different types of cancer, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic diseases. Despite the myths that abound concerning the vegetarian diet...myths like "You can’t get enough protein on a vegan diet" when was the last time you heard of someone actually becoming sick from eating too little protein? Yet we all know people with cancer, heart disease, and obesity etc…all illnesses that can be related to eating too much animal protein.
Through eating a variety of plant based foods one can easily obtain the necessary daily protein intake including all 8 essential amino acids. Here is a list of food high in protein for the vegan.
Beans and legumes (lentils, black beans, chick peas, kidney beans etc). One cup of cooked beans or legumes supplies anywhere from 9 to 29 grams of protein. The average is around 15 grams per cup.
Nuts and seeds (Almonds, hazelnuts, soy nuts, flax seed, sun flower seed etc). One quarter cup of nuts or seeds contains on average around 4 – 10 grams of protein. Soaked nuts and seeds are even more nutritionally dense.
Grains (oat groats, buckwheat, brown rice, bulgur wheat, millet etc.). One quarter cup of grains provides on average 4 – 8 grams of protein. Grains that are soaked or sprouted are even more nutritionally dense.
Fresh vegetables (cooked carrots, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage beets etc.). One half cup of vegetables provides approximately 1 -2 grams of protein. Raw living vegetables have an even higher nutritional density.
Fresh Fruits (Berries, citrus, apples, bananas etc.) One small piece or ½ cup fruit provides approximately 1 -2 grams of protein.
In order to calculate your own daily protein needs according to the US RDA, simply multiply your body weight by .36 grams. For example a 150 pound person would need approximately 55 grams of protein daily. Keep in mind that those who eat raw food are eating more nutritionally dense foods and are often able to assimilate the nutrients in their food more thoroughly. For this reason they may need fewer grams of protein daily.
If you want to be healthy, eat healthy. It’s not enough to know of food high in protein…you must eat food that not only provides for your daily protein requirements but also promotes your health.
