Interesting Facts on Protein

Protein helps your body repair muscle, grow tissue, regulate hormones, control metabolism, and defend against illness. Protein also maintains healthy skin, hair and nails. Since most of the body’s proteins are continually broken down the body needs to manufacture more everyday.  Without sufficient protein the body either lets cells die or breaks down other muscles and tissues to get the protein to it needs for repair and other functions. 

Protein breaks down into amino acids.  There are 22 amino acids that the body needs and 9 of them your body can not make these are called essential amino acids. Animal protein and vegetable protein probably have the same effects on health.  It is what comes along with the protein that makes the difference.  A 6-oz porterhouse steak is a great source of protein, with 38 grams but also has 44 grams of fat with 16 of them saturated.  The same amount of Salmon gives you 34 grams of protein and 18 grams of fat, with 4 of them saturated.  A cup of lentils has 18 grams of protein, but under one gram of fat.  Vegetable sources of protein, such as beans, nuts, and whole grains also offer lots of fiber, vitamins and minerals.  It is important to eat combinations of foods such as peanut butter and whole grain bread or rice and beans since most plant based proteins are not complete, because they lack one or more essential amino acid. 

Salmon is a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals many which are powerful antioxidants. Wild caught salmon from Alaska is the best choice.  Farmed raised salmon are lower in protein because they do not swim long distances, are fattier, and higher in saturated fat than wild salmon.  Farmed raised salmon has way more omega-6 fatty acids in relation to omega-3 fatty acids than wild salmon. Farmed raised also are given antibiotics and feed artificial coloring.

Quinoa is a great way to get protein from a plant based food, and it is a complete protein, meaning it contains all 9 essential amino acids.  It contains a large amount of the amino acid lysine, which is used for tissue growth and repair.  Quinoa is a good source of iron and phosphorus.  Dietary fiber is also found in quinoa, which helps reduce total cholesterol. It is also a good source of magnesium, the mineral that relaxes blood vessels.  Although quinoa is prepared like a grain, it is actually the seed of a plant.