Proteins are essentially the building blocks in our body. They carry out a variety of functions:
Protective role – helps fight infection and is involved in the blood clotting process
Storage role – Stores oxygen in muscles
Transport role – Transports oxygen through the bloodstream
Contractile role - Assists in muscular contractions and helps to improve strength and power.
Structural role – found in skin, hair and connective tissue
Protein can be found from both animal and plant proteins as shown in the lists below:
Animal protein:
Chicken
Red meat
Fish
Dairy products
Eggs
As these are high in amino acids, animal proteins are referred to as complete. They are also high in saturated fat and low in fibre so should be eaten in the right proportions.
Plant protein:
Nuts
Fruit and vegetables
Seeds
Beans
Plant proteins should generally be consumed in higher amounts than animal proteins.
In order to keep the correct dietary balance, try to select animal proteins that are low in saturated fat i.e. fish and poultry.
Some people believe that vegetarians do not consume enough protein. This is not true as we can get protein from a number of non-animal foods.
A good example of high protein meals for vegetarians could include:
Lentil curry
Tortillas and mixed beans
Hoummus
Beans on toast
|
Author
What are proteins?
