The Complete Protein Diet – What You Should Know About This Dynamic Food
Food is any material eaten to supply nutrition to an organisms. The human body requires a number of food types to meet the nutritional needs. The five most important food groups are protein, carbohydrates, vegetables, fruits, and fats. Food is generally of animal, plant or both origin, and often contains necessary nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins or fats. This article discusses the nutritional content of different types of food, as well as its recommended daily allowance (Dairy, Eggs, Meat, Fruits and Vegetables).
Animal foods are rich in protein and energy, and are an excellent source of dietary fiber. Protein is the main building block of the body, so increased consumption of animal products can help to increase muscle mass and improve strength. The animal foods that are rich in protein include meat, poultry, fish, dairy products and eggs. Lean red meat, chicken and fish contain a high level of dietary fat. Leaner dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, milk and cottage cheese are good sources of dietary fiber.
Pasta and beans are low in carbohydrates and have a very low Glycemic Index (GI), making them good dietary choices. Beans include chick peas, kidney beans, lentils and pinto beans. Chickpeas, kidney beans and pinto beans have low GI; the lower the GI, the less effect it has on blood sugar levels. Fresh pasta such as spaghetti and noodles and rice are full of carbohydrates; together they provide most of the essential nutrients.
Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals, and contain essential compounds that help maintain the body’s immune system. Some fruits, such as orange juice, citrus fruits, strawberries and pineapple have high acid contents, so it is best to consume them in moderation. Herbal teas are soothing to the digestive tract and can be drunk regularly. Oatmeal is a good source of soluble fiber, which helps to cleanse the colon of waste substances. Some of these substances include phytosterols, carbohydrates and fats.
Legumes, which include black beans, lima beans and kidney beans, are rich in protein and have a low Glycemic Index. They are also an excellent source of potassium and trace minerals. Lima beans are used to make a delicious beverage called lima con guacamole, which is enjoyed by many people in Central America. Alfalfa is another legume that is a great choice for cooking, and is a staple of the diet of the indigenous peoples of the Andes Mountains.
Other foods with complete proteins are oats, nuts, beans, soybeans, brown rice and barley. Rice is a complete protein, as are nuts, whole grains and beans. Nuts and whole grains are rich in oils, which are an important part of a healthy diet. Soybeans have protein and essential fatty acids. For those who are lactose intolerant, oat bran is an excellent alternative to milk, which is derived from milk trees.