Eat Protein for Better Body-Firming

It’s been said that protein is the source of all life. The word “protein” comes from the Greek word “proto,” meaning “of prime importance.”

            Next to water, protein is the most plentiful substance found in the body.  Muscles, blood, skin, hair, nails and internal organs are all made up of protein.  Protein is necessary for building and repairing cells, and it aids in the growth and development of all body tissues.  Protein, like carbohydrates, contains about four calories per gram. Remember, fat yields nine calories per gram. Nonetheless, eating too much protein can still lead to weight gain.

            Proteins are made up of approximately 22 units called amino acids. Although each serves a unique purpose, only eight are considered most crucial.  These are not synthesized by the body.  You can secure them in one of two ways:  either by supplementing the diet with them or by eating foods high in protein.  The second mentioned is the most efficient, simplest and prudent approach.

            Only by eating a wide variety of foods can you be certain of garnering all of the essential amino acids. The richest source of vegetable protein are the legumes.  These are dried peas, beans, lentils, black eye peas, chick peas, kidney beans, pinto beans and black beans.   Because vegetable sources are incomplete, you must combine two or more of them together to ensure a complete supply of all amino acids.  Some complete sources of protein are cheese, eggs, fish, milk and poultry. Some incomplete sources are breads, cereal, dry beans, pasta, nuts, seeds, rice and vegetables. By properly combining certain foods, you can re-compose incomplete proteins into complete forms.                    

            Combine the incomplete protein sources on the left with those on the right to make them complete.  These are called complimentary proteins and are therefore equivalent to that of an animal source.

Rice —————-Wheat, legumes, sesame seeds

Wheat—————-legumes, soybeans, peanuts, sesame seeds, rice

Legumes————–corn, rice, wheat, oats, barley and sesame seeds

 Grains—————Milk, cheese, yogurt