High Protein Foods

Review some Protein Rich Foods you might not know about

There are many different high protein foods that we all know about, but there are also a few protein rich foods that you've probably never thought about incorporating into your diet.

Let's go over the basic high protein foods, as well as some of the less well known sources.

First off, we'll quickly review essential and non essential amino acids.

You will often see these terms associated with various types of proteins. Essential amino acids are proteins that cannot be created by your body or by other amino acids, therefore you must get them from your diet.

Non essential amino acids can be created by your body or by combining other amino acids. Non essential does not be non important, it just refers to whether or not you or other nutrients can create them.

You will also find the terms complete and incomplete proteins. Complete proteins are usually animal proteins which will supply you with all the essential amino acids.

Remember, amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and proteins are the building blocks of your body.

Protein based on Biological Value

Eggs are one of the best food sources of protein. They're easy to make, they have good amounts of quality protein, plus they are very easy to digest and absorb.

You might be familiar with the term Biological Value.

Proteins have a biological value which is represented as a percentage point. Biological value, or BV is a nutritional representation of how well your body absorbs protein and uses it.

Eggs have the highest BV among all natural food sources. Their BV is in the 90s and therefore represents 100%. Other foods that are not absorbed as well as eggs will have a lower BV.

Our list of high protein foods starts with eggs, and if you're not incorporating them into your diet you should definitely start.

For more information about eggs and egg protein supplements, click here.

Lean Meats and Dairy Products

The other typical protein foods that are well known are lean meats, poultry, fish and dairy products.

These animal proteins are quality sources because they will contain all the essential amino acids.

It is important to emphasize the lean in lean meats because most animal sources of protein will also come with saturated fat, therefore it is important to try and eat these meats without consuming the fat.

Beef, chicken, turkey, fish, are all good sources of protein as well as cheese and milk.

Vegetable Protein Sources

If you don't have problems eating soy, then it is one of the better vegetable protein sources.

Soy is a complete protein and there are many different recipes where you can include this healthy vegetable.

Many other types of vegetables, nuts and seeds contain protein.

OK, so those are your typical protein sources.

They are all very healthy and should be incorporated into your diet.

Now, let's review 3 protein rich foods that you may not of heard of before.

The 3 awesome high protein foods that many of us don't know too much about are: hemp, quinoa and bee pollen.

1. Hemp Protein

Hemp seeds are a great source of protein.

Many people consider them a super food because they have such a healthy nutritional profile. They are a source of not only protein, but fiber and healthy fats as well.

What's great about this source of protein is that it's completely safe. Anyone with allergies or problems with gluten will have no issues with hemp protein.

Oh, and these hemp seeds have nothing to do with cannabis, pot, weed, marijuana or whatever you want to call it :)

They contain all the amino acids which is great for vegetarians and vegans.

Read more about hemp protein powder here.

2. Quinoa

Next is Quinoa, pronounced "keen-wah", which is a grain from South America.

It is very easy to cook and is full of healthy nutrients. Each cup supplies about 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber.

This grain is wheat and gluten free, and comes with a long list of vitamins, minerals and even essential fats.

So this is more than just a protein rich food, it contains many other healthy nutrients and is worth incorporating into your diet. It is a great substitute for rice and bread.

Watch a helpful video on quinoa nutrition here.

3. Bee Pollen Granules

Although bee pollen granules won't cure your hunger, they will definitely fill you up with a ton of essential nutrients.

There is a lot of buzz about bee pollen because it is so so healthy.

It is one of the most nutritious foods containing vitamins, minerals and lots of protein. It is very beneficial and also very inexpensive. It contains: "Every vitamin, mineral and amino acid to sustain life!"

Bee pollen is something I would really recommend you start adding to your diet. It's so easy to use and very affordable.

Read more about the bee pollen benefits here.

Conclusion of High Protein Foods

That's a pretty quick and simple overview of high protein foods. Some you probably already knew about, and others might be new options for you.

It is always recommended to eat a variety of healthy foods rich in protein. Eggs, lean meats and dairy products will supply you with good amounts of protein.

Those are the typical sources that we all know about, however you should really consider adding hemp, quinoa and bee pollen to your diet. They each supply you with quality protein, along with other essential nutrients that many people might be deficient in.

Lastly, no overview of protein would be complete without mentioning protein supplements. Whey protein is one of the best sources protein. It actually has a higher biological value than eggs, making it the best absorbed protein source available.

The best recommendation would be to eat a diet rich in these natural food sources of protein, and add a protein supplement like Optimum 100% Whey Protein.

Here are the most popular pages related to protein supplements: