Proteins are an essential nutrient. Proteins not only work to “feed” muscles, they are also present in bones, skin, hair, practically throughout your body. They are necessary for many important chemical reactions and functions in your body.
The National Academy of Medicine recommends that adults consume a minimum of 0.8 grams of protein for every kilogram of body weight per day. For a 140-pound person, that means about 50 grams of protein per day.
Not only red meat is rich in proteinThere are also other options that usually provide quality protein, in addition to other beneficial compounds. Some of these options may be healthier than red meat, which has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and other chronic diseases.
There are 49 g of protein in six ounces of flank steak, equivalent to 97% of the recommended daily value; 28.7 g of protein for every 100 g of meat.
5 foods with more protein than beef
1. Lean chicken breast
There is 54.5 g of protein in a 6 oz serving of lean chicken breast., equivalent to 109% of the recommended daily value. In 100 g of breast there are 32.1 g of protein, equivalent to 64% of the daily value according to data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Chicken carme also provides B vitamins and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and zinc. It is a food that can be part of a healthy diet, as suggested by the American Heart Association (AHA), when opting for the consumption of poultry, choose lean meat without skin.
2. Lean ground turkey
In 6 ounces of lean ground beef there are 54 g of protein, equivalent to 108% of the recommended daily value.
Turkey meat also provides B vitamins and tryptophan. The tryptophan content in turkey can help maintain healthy levels of serotonin in the body, which promotes alertness and a good mood.
3. Turkey breast
In 6 ounces of turkey breast there are 54 g of protein, equivalent to 102% of the recommended daily value. Turkey breast has less fat and fewer calories than most other cuts of meat.
4. Lean pork chops
There are 53 g of protein in 6 ounces of turkey breast, equivalent to 105% of the recommended daily value. In 100 g of this meat there are 31 g of protein.
In addition to being rich in protein, pork is a source of vitamin B12, provides zinc, potassium, magnesium and iron. Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps maintain healthy neurons and blood.
Unlike poultry, pork has a higher fat content; while in 6 oz of lean chicken breast there is 5.5 g of fat, in 6 oz of lean pork chop there is 12 g of fat.
5. Tuna steak
There is 51 g of protein in a 6-ounce steak, equivalent to 102% of the recommended daily value. In 100 g of tuna there are 30 g of protein.
Tuna is a fatty fish or oily fish, these fish such as salmon, sardines, herring and trout are a source of omega-3, these fatty acids help prevent heart disease and stroke.
The AHA recommends eating 2 servings of fatty fish per week. One serving equals 3.5 cooked ounces, or about 3/4 cup of flaked fish.
Proteins of plant origin
Some plant foods are rich in protein and can provide complete protein, one of them is soy; there are proteins in legumes, whole grains, vegetables, and even some fruits.
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