What are the Essential Macro-Nutrients?

Page 1 of 3

Proteins

Protein is a vital nutrient, essential to your health. In its purest form, protein consists of chains of amino acids. There are 22 amino acids that combine to form different proteins and 8 of these must come from the foods we eat. Our body uses these amino acids to create muscles, blood, skin, hair, nails and internal organs. Proteins help replace and form new tissue, transports oxygen & nutrients in our blood and cells, regulates the balance of water & acids and is needed to make antibodies. However, too much of a good thing may not be so good for you. Many people are putting their health at risk by eating too much protein, no more than 15% of your diet. Excessive protein consumption, particularly animal protein, can result in an acid/alkaline imbalance leading to osteoporosis and kidney stones. As important as protein is for our body, there are many misconceptions about how much we really need in our diet and the best way to obtain it.

	Fish & Seafood Seafood is one of the best sources of protein because it's usually low in fat. Fish such as salmon is a little higher in fat but it is the heart-healthy kind: omega-3 fatty acids.
	White-Meat Poultry Stick to the white meat of poultry for excellent, lean protein. Dark meat is higher in fat. The skin is loaded with saturated fat, so remove skin before cooking. Pork Tenderloin This great and versatile white meat is 31% leaner than 20 years ago.
	Milk, Cheese, Yogurt Dairy foods contain protein & calcium but should be limited. Choose organic skimmed milk, Soya or Rice milk. Low fat cottage cheese or yoghurts to keep bones and teeth strong preventing osteoporosis
	Eggs Eggs are one of the least expensive forms of protein. The normal healthy adults can safely enjoy 4 eggs a week. Rich in vitamins B & minerals
	Beans One-half cup of beans; kidney, chickpeas, lentils contains as much protein as 3 ounces of steak. Low in fat, these nutritious foods are loaded with fiber to keep you feeling full for hours.
	Soy Twenty five grams of soy protein daily can help lowers cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart disease. Combine soy protein foods like tofu with a healthy low fat diet.
	Lean Beef Organic Lean beef has only one more gram of saturated fat than a skinless chicken breast. Lean beef is also an excellent source of zinc, iron and vitamin B12.
	Protein on the Go Grab a cereal bar, energy bar, nuts or seeds. Check any labels to be sure the product contains at least 6 grams of protein, and is low in sugar and fat.

<< Start < Prev 1 2 3 Next > End >>