High Protein Low Fat Foods

One of the essential requirements to have a balanced diet is to have foods high in protein but low in fats. This article presents to you a quick overview on such food products.
Proteins, as we all are aware, not only help to build the muscles of the body, but also increase the metabolism rate thus, burning the extra 'kilos'. Proteins are known as the building blocks of the body. The nerves of the body, tissues and bones are all made up of proteins. The essential amino acids which proteins consist of, are required for repairing the wear and tear and also for the growth and development of the tissues of the body.

Now, coming to the importance of fats in our body, the energy which we require comes from the fat stores which we obtain from foods. In order for the body to absorb vitamins A, S, E, K, the body requires an adequate amount of fats. Apart from providing flavor to foods and helping the food to stay longer in the stomach, fats also protect the skin from cold and heat. However, many people are confused about the prospect of including fats in their diet, as they have been linked with weight gain and may other illnesses of the body. This is however, not true. People must be able to distinguish between healthy fats and the unhealthy ones. Good fats mean non-saturated fats; polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Trans and saturated fats are the ones which raise several health problems, particularly with the heart.

Foods High in Protein But Low in Fat

Fish are not only high in protein, but they also contain omega-3 essential fatty acids, which are required for good health. These fatty acids do a great deal in preventing heart and coronary diseases. You can include fish such as mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon in your diet. Moreover, such products also promote weight loss.

Another food product that is rich in protein and at the same time, scores low on fat is chicken. The quality of protein in chicken is better when compared to other high protein foods. However, to cut down on the fat quantity of the meat, it is better if you go for the white meat, which is available in the drumsticks and the thighs. Do away with the skin and with shopping fast food chicken.

Next in the list is beef. You are well aware about the high protein content of beef, but you may be surprised to hear that it is a low fat product too. Beef is known to be healthy, until it is not barbecued and burnt or happens to be greasy burners. Beef is best for your health, when taken in the form of the leanest cuts and prepared with the right combination of vegetables. Another food type which provides adequate quantity of protein to the body are egg whites. These are also low in fat, so just skip the yolk and have the white.

For those who are vegetarians, beans serve to be the best source of protein. What's more, they are also low in fat, until taken as fried or canned. Such beans which can be added to your diet include soybeans, fava beans, lentils, kidney beans, black beans, navy beans, blackeyed beans, garbanzo beans, and lima beans. Other than beans, you can also go for kale, brussels sprouts, broccoli and peas.

You can also include dairy products in your diet. However, choose those with low fat or non fat quality. Examples are non fat cottage cheese, whey powder or ricotta cheese.
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Published: 1/9/2010
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