Protein makes up the building blocks of organs, muscles, skin, and hormones. Your body needs protein to maintain and repair tissues. Meanwhile, children need it for growth.
Studies show that eating protein can also help you lose weight and belly fat while increasing your muscle mass and strength.
A diet that is high in protein may also help lower blood pressure, fight diabetes, and more.
However, many health and fitness experts believe you need more than that to function optimally.
Here is a list of 10 delicious foods that are high in protein.
1. Eggs
Whole eggs are among the healthiest and most nutritious foods available.
They’re an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, eye-protecting antioxidants, and brain nutrients that you need.
Whole eggs are high in protein, but egg whites are almost pure protein.
Egg and foods containing egg are not suitable for people with an egg allergy.
Protein content: 33% of calories in a whole egg. One large egg has 6 grams of protein and 78 calories.
2. Chicken breast
Chicken breast is one of the most popular protein-rich foods.
If you eat it without the skin, most of its calories come from protein.
Chicken breast is also very easy to cook and versatile. It can taste delicious in a wide range of dishes.
Protein content: 75% of calories. One roasted chicken breast without skin contains 53 grams and only 284 calories.
3. Oats
Oats are among the healthiest grains available.
They provide healthy fibers, magnesium, manganese, thiamine (vitamin B1), and several other nutrients.
Protein content: 14% of calories. One cup of oats has 11 grams and 307 calories.
4. Milk
Milk contains a little of nearly every nutrient that your body needs.
It’s a good source of high quality protein, and it’s high in calcium, phosphorus, and riboflavin (vitamin B2).
If you are concerned about your fat intake, low or zero fat milk is an option.
For those with lactose intolerance, consuming milk can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms. People with a milk allergy can likewise experience severe symptoms, so dairy milk is not a suitable option for them either.
For those who wish to drink milk but either cannot tolerate it or follow a purely plant-based diet, alternatives include soy milk.
Protein content: 21% of calories. One cup of whole milk contains 8 grams of protein and 149 calories.
One cup of soy milk contains 6.3 grams of protein and 105 calories.
5. Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkins contain edible seeds called pumpkin seeds.
They’re incredibly high in many nutrients, including iron, magnesium, and zinc.
Protein content: 22% of calories. One ounce (28 grams) has 9 grams of protein and 158 calories.
Other high protein seeds;
Flax seeds (12% of calories), sunflower seeds (12%), and chia seeds (11%).
6. Turkey breast
Turkey breast is similar to chicken breast in many ways.
It consists mostly of protein, with very little fat and calories. It also tastes delicious and is high in various vitamins and minerals.
Protein content: 82% of calories. One 3-ounce (85-gram) serving contains 26 grams and 125 calories.
7. Fish (all types)
Fish is healthy for various reasons.
It’s rich in essential nutrients. Some types are high in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
Protein content: Highly variable. Salmon is 22% protein, containing 19 grams per 3-ounce (85- gram) serving and only 175 calories.
8. Shrimp
Shrimp is a type of seafood.
It’s low in calories but high in various nutrients, including selenium and vitamin B12.
Like fish, shrimp contains omega-3 fatty acids.
Protein content: 97% of calories. A 3-ounce (85-gram) serving contains 20 grams and only 84 calories.
9. Peanuts
Peanuts are high in protein, fiber, and magnesium.
Studies show that they can help you lose weight.
Peanut butter is also high in protein, but it can likewise be high in calories. Therefore, you should eat it in moderation.
Peanuts are not suitable for people with a nut allergy.
Protein content: 18% of calories. One ounce (28 grams) contains 7 grams and 161 calories.
10. Broccoli
Broccoli is a healthy vegetable that provides vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and potassium.
It also provides bioactive nutrients that may help protect against cancer.
Calorie for calorie, it’s high in protein compared with most vegetables.
Protein content: 33% of calories. One cup (96 grams) of chopped broccoli has 3 grams of protein and only 31 calories.
-healthline.com