Health - Good Healthy Sources of Protein

Good Healthy Sources of Protein

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   Beans offer a healthy source of protein.
   Protein is essential to human life, according to MayoClinic.com, and 10 to 35 percent of your calorie intake should come from it. This is approximately 50 to 175 grams of protein each day. There are two kinds of protein, complete and incomplete. Generally speaking, animal sources of protein contain all the essential amino acids our body requires, but other sources may not. Therefore, especially if you are vegetarian, aim for variety in your diet.
   

   Chicken and Turkey

2. The white meat from chicken and turkey provides an excellent source of protein. Steer clear of the darker meat because it is higher in fat. Also, remove the skin from the chicken before eating, as this also is extremely fat-laden.

Dairy Products

3. Skim milk and low-fat cheese and yogurt provide good, healthy sources of lean protein as well as helping meet your calcium needs, according to WebMD.

Beef

4. As long as you choose lean beef, you have a great source of protein with little unsaturated fat that is also high in zinc, iron and vitamin B12.

Soy

5. Soybeans are a good source of protein and an excellent alternative to red meats, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. In fact, they are the only plant food that MedlinePlus considers a complete protein. Aim to eat between two to four servings per week. There is also some evidence to suggest that soy may help mitigate some of the symptoms of menopause.

Seafood

6. This is an excellent source of protein. In fact, it is one of the best foods for children, active adults and the elderly because of its many health benefits, according to the National Marine Fisheries Service.
   
   
   
   Choose oil-rich fish such as mackerel and sardines for a protein-rich food that is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which help prevent cardiovascular disease.

Whole Grains, Beans and Legumes

7. Beans, whole grains and legumes all provide excellent sources of protein as well as fiber, minerals and vitamins. You can find whole grains in whole-grain cereal, oatmeal, brown rice and popcorn, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.

Eggs

8. Eggs are packed full of protein and all eight essential amino acids, according to the BBC website. Include them as part of a balanced diet but try not to eat more than one a day.

Nuts

9. Nuts are good sources of protein, fiber and minerals, according to the Weight-control Information Network. They also contain healthy fats that do not clog arteries.

Health - Foods to Increase Thyroid Function

Foods to Increase Thyroid Function

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1. 
   
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   Seafood Contains Iodine Which is Needed by the Thyroid to Function.
   The thyroid is a bow-tie shaped gland that sits in the front of your neck below the larynx. Without it, your body cannot process iodine, which gets converted into thyroid hormones. Since the thyroid is responsible for your metabolism, it plays a critical role in energy production and affects every cell. According to Mayo Clinic, if thyroid medication is prescribed, there are certain foods that you need to avoid such as walnuts and soybean flour. Although Mayo Clinic does not advise that foods can improve thyroid function, alternative medicine practitioners and some nutritionists believe they can.
   

   Vegetables

2. Women to Women's website states that vitamins A and C are antioxidants that can support your thyroid gland. Vegetables such as carrots, sweet potato, butternut squash, and collard greens contain vitamin A. According to Leslie K. Kay, a registered dietician and researcher who has written a continuing education course on nutrition therapy for Nutrition Dimension, antioxidants may lower inflammation in the body. Also, vitamin A deficiency may be a cause of a low-functioning thyroid.

Foods with Zinc

3. A lack of zinc in the diet is also associated with a poorly-functioning thyroid gland. Your body needs zinc to produce thyroid hormones. Oysters have the most zinc (76.7 milligrams per serving) according to the National Institutes of Health's office of dietary supplements. Free-range beef and chicken contain high amounts of zinc. Other shellfish (besides oysters), beans and seeds provide smaller amounts.

Seafood

4. According to Women to Women's website, the thyroid cannot do its job of turning iodine into specific hormones if you have completely eliminated iodized salt or iodine-containing foods. Iodine-rich foods include kelp, nori, oysters, sardines, salmon and clams. Most seafood has some iodine.

Molasses

5. Blackstrap molasses is high in iron. Not only is iron necessary for thyroid function, according to Women to Women, but it prevents anemia. Anemia coupled with low thyroid function can zap all your energy and make fatigue symptoms worse.

Radishes

6. Radishes are from the cabbage family. This family of vegetables have phytochemicals (contain active healing compounds). Some nutritionists state that radishes contain an active compound that naturally slows down thyroid function. This is helpful if your thyroid is overactive (hyperthyroidism).