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Sarah Ohl
NRHS Foods & Nutrition
Why do we need to eat Protein?
Protein has a range of essential functions in the body,
including the following:
When proteins are digested or broken down, amino acids are left. The human body uses amino
acids to make proteins to help the body:
Histidine Alanine
Isoleucine Arginine
Lysine Cysteine
Methionine Glutamine
Tryptophan Glycine
Threonine Hydroxyproline
Valine Proline
Serine
Tyrosine
Two types of protein are...
Complete proteins contain all essential amino acids, while incomplete proteins
do not. In general, complete proteins include animal proteins such as meat,
eggs, cheese, yogurt, and milk.
However, you can combine two incomplete proteins so that they complement
each other and provide the equivalent of a complete protein. For instance, you
could eat navy bean soup and a couple of sesame crackers, which would
combine legumes and seeds. Or, by combining an incomplete protein
(macaroni) with a complete protein (fat-free or low-fat cheddar cheese), you
can meet the need for essential amino acids while lowering your intake of
animal fat and cholesterol.
What are good sources of protein?
Seafood
Seafood is an excellent source 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 a little higher in
fat. The skin is loaded with saturated fat, so remove skin before cooking.
Milk, Cheese, and Yogurt
Not only are dairy foods -- like milk, cheese, and yogurt -- excellent sources of protein but
they also contain valuable calcium, and many are fortified with vitamin D. Choose skim or
low fat dairy to keep bones and teeth strong and prevent osteoporosis.
Eggs
Eggs are one of the least expensive forms of protein. The American Heart Association
says normal healthy adults can safely enjoy an egg a day.
What are good sources of protein?
Beans
One-half cup of beans contains as much protein as an ounce of broiled steak. Plus, these
nutritious nuggets are loaded with fiber to keep you feeling full for hours.
Pork Tenderloin
This great and versatile white meat is 31% leaner than 20 years ago.
Soy
Fifty grams of soy protein daily can help lower cholesterol about 3%. Eating soy protein
instead of sources of protein higher in fat -- along with a healthy diet -- can be heart
healthy.
Lean Beef
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.
What happens to the body with
excess protein consumption?
Weight gain, extra protein is converted to and stored as fat.
Dehydration due to the increased stress on your kidneys trying to process the
extra because protein metabolism requires extra water for utilization and
excretion (i.e., elimination) of its by-products.
Excess protein has also been shown to lead to an increase in the loss of
urinary calcium.
Average healthy sedentary adult (male or female) 0.5-0.7 grams protein per lb. of
A
that does NOT work out or have any related goals. weight.
Average healthy adult (male or female) that IS 0.8-1 grams of protein per lb of
doing some form of exercise regularly or IS trying weight
to improve their body (lose fat, build muscle, etc.).
Average healthy adult FEMALE whose primary 1-1.2 grams of protein per lb. of
goal is building muscle, getting “toned,” weight.
maintaining muscle while losing fat, increasing
strength or improving performance.
Average healthy adult MALE whose primary goal 1-1.5 grams of protein per lb. of
is building muscle, getting “toned,” maintaining weight.
muscle while losing fat, increasing strength or
improving performance.
My protein necessary
Do you math...