Nutrition and Proteins
Many foods, both plant and animal, contain protein. The best sources of protein are meat and poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes and nuts. Protein builds up, maintains, and replaces the tissues in our body. It is important for the growth and repair of your muscles, bones, skin, tendons, ligaments, hair, eyes and other tissues. Without it, you would lack the enzymes and hormones you need for metabolism, digestion and other important processes. Protein also assists in creating the antibodies your immune system needs to fight disease. If you are injured, you may need more, as well, to help your blood clot and make repairs.
Studies show that cutting back on highly processed carbohydrates and increasing protein improves levels of blood triglycerides and HDL, and so may reduce your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or other form of cardiovascular disease.
How can protein help with weight loss?
First, chicken, beef, fish, beans, or other high-protein foods slow the movement of food from the stomach to the intestine. Slower stomach emptying means you feel full for longer and get hungrier later. Second, protein's gentle, steady effect on blood sugar avoids the quick, steep rise in blood sugar and just as quick hunger-bell-ringing fall that occurs after eating a rapidly digested carbohydrate, like white bread or baked potato. Third, the body uses more energy to digest protein than it does to digest fat or carbohydrate.
When choosing protein, remember that some choices may contain high amounts of saturated fat. Fish and Poultry are great choices for protein.
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