The Six Best Options for Natural Proteins

If you need to add more protein to your diet, you'll find the following list very helpful. Fish, dairy products and eggs are foods that can't be missing from your meals.

Proteins are indispensable for the well-being of your body. For that reason, in this article, we want to share the best natural options to consume proteins.

Proteins are macromolecules that consist of long amino acid chains. They fulfill an important role in the maintenance of your body. Humans get their proteins from food, whether that’s meat, legumes or vegetables. There are also powders, supplements, energy bars, drinks and other options that contain protein.

The best natural proteins

As we mentioned, there’s a wide variety of protein sources, but natural options are undoubtedly the best. Pay attention to the next list of protein sources!

1. Fish and seafood

Fish and seafood are great sources of protein because most of them are low in fat, prevent cardiovascular diseases and contain omega-3, which helps to reduce the stiffness and inflammation of the joints.

Seafood is also an important source of vitamins A, D, and E. And it contains phosphorus, magnesium, iodine and selenium. And on top of that, they’re delicious ingredients that you can easily incorporate in your meals.

2. Pork

Pork contains branched-chain amino acids, which are essential to promote muscle recovery. Especially leucine, as it constitutes a third of the muscle protein and helps to stimulate muscle repair after working out.

It’s important to note that some parts of the pig contain a lot of fat. Therefore, try to opt for leaner options such as pork loin, sirloin or shank.

3. Eggs

Eggs are a very versatile ingredient in cooking and one of the most affordable natural proteins as well. A medium egg contains vitamins, minerals and around six grams of protein.

This means that whole eggs are rich in protein, but egg whites are almost pure protein. With this in mind, some people advise athletes to eat egg whites only, without the yolk.

Eating eggs is not only good because of their protein content, but also because they contain antioxidant elements that protect your eyes and other nutrients that our brains need.

4. Natural proteins in nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds are a convenient alternative for people who are constantly moving. They’re easy to carry, and you can have them as a snack.

Nuts such as peanuts, pistachios, cashews, pecans and almonds are ideal to incorporate proteins, fiber, vitamin E and healthy fats into your diet.

On the other hand, seeds are also a great ally to increase your consumption of natural proteins. Chia seeds contain at least 17 grams of protein per 100 grams of the product. At the same time, they’re a good source of calcium, phosphorous, dietary fiber and manganese.

Pumpkin seeds also contain around 30 grams of protein per 100 grams of the product. This turns them into an excellent source of natural proteins and, on top of that, they benefit the health of your heart and liver.

5. Natural dairy products

Most dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese contain proteins and calcium, which strengthen your bones and prevent osteoporosis. Likewise, some options contain vitamin D, which is very important for the proper absorption of calcium.

It’s worth mentioning that natural options are always the most convenient. On the contrary, processed dairy products contain fewer nutrients than they should.

6. Lentils

Lentils are a type of legume; they’re rich in fiber, magnesium, potassium, iron, folic acid, copper, manganese and other nutrients. They’re also among the best vegetable protein sources in the world. Because of this, they’re an excellent food for vegetarians and vegans.

Why should you eat natural proteins?

Protein is an essential nutrient, responsible for many bodily functions, including the development of tissues, cells, and muscles as well as the production of hormones and antibodies.

Everyone needs proteins in their diet. However, if you practice endurance sports or weightlifting, you can benefit from increasing your protein intake. Add proteins in specific moments of your training routine to get the benefits of muscle growth.

With that being said, natural proteins are the best option for your body. You must keep in mind that protein supplements can cause side effects, such as making your kidneys work harder or damaging your liver.

In conclusion, consuming natural proteins can provide many benefits for your body. Don’t hesitate to include foods that are rich in natural proteins in your meals!