Optimal Meat Alternatives: Five Groups of High-Protein Foods 0 11

Why is protein so important in the diet?

Protein plays a key role in the nutrition of every person. It is necessary for the formation and restoration of cells, as well as for maintaining normal metabolism and the functioning of internal organs.

For many years, it was believed that the main sources of protein were dairy products, meat, fish, and eggs. This is indeed the case, however, it cannot be claimed that other foods cannot effectively help eliminate protein deficiency.

Dietitian Oksana Dmitrenko shared information about which foods contain significant amounts of plant protein. Her recommendations may be useful for those who have decided to become vegetarians or who, for medical reasons, need to limit their intake of animal protein.

The Best Sources of Plant Protein

According to the nutrition expert, protein can be obtained from five groups of foods:

* legumes - chickpeas, beans, peas, lentils, soy

* nuts - walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, cashews, peanuts

* grains - buckwheat, rice, quinoa

* avocado

* seeds - sunflower, pumpkin, flaxseed.

- Plant protein is easily absorbed by the body. However, one should not focus on a single product. It is much healthier to diversify your diet, which will not only help replenish protein deficiency but also enrich the body with other important substances such as vitamins and minerals, - notes the dietitian.