Proteins are an integral part of all biological processes that take place in the body. They take part in the formation of enzymes necessary for building cells. Proteins transport nutrients and oxygen to organs and tissues. Essential amino acids, which are formed as a result of protein breakdown, are involved in metabolic processes, in cell regeneration and in the synthesis of hemoglobin.
Protein content in meat
Different foods contain different amounts of protein. The most complete proteins are found in beef, their amount is 25%. They contain all the essential and nonessential amino acids the body needs. The body assimilates veal more easily, it also contains a lot of proteins (up to 20%). Pig meat, compared to beef, contains less connective tissue, so it is more tender than beef and softer. Protein in pork - 14% to 19%. Lamb is tougher than beef, it contains less iron, potassium, and phosphorus salts. The amount of protein in lamb is 20%. Rabbit meat is a wonderful dietary product. It has a fairly high content of protein (21%), B vitamins, iron.
Offal is no less useful than meat. Since they contain a large amount of minerals, iron, vitamins, they are recommended for people with anemia.
Protein content in chicken and fish
Unlike beef, chicken contains complete and easily digestible proteins with the most acceptable amino acid composition for the body. Chicken meat contains the necessary combination of minerals and vitamins. Fish proteins contain all amino acids useful for the body. Unlike meat products, fish proteins contain the essential amino acid methionine, they have little connective tissue, which is represented by collagen, which easily transforms into its soluble form - gelatin.
Fish proteins are better absorbed by the body - by 93-98% (meat proteins - by 87-89%). The amount of protein in fish depends on the species. On average, it is 16%. Fish oil contains a large amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Fish caviar is a very valuable food product. It contains from 30% protein and up to 15% fat (up to 15%), fat- and water-soluble vitamins, phosphorus, potassium. Smoked and salted fish is a less valuable food product. The proteins in it are much worse digested and absorbed.
Canned fish do not have a large number of valuable qualities, since nutrients are destroyed during the preparation of canned food.
Proteins found in eggs and dairy products
The most complete protein, fully assimilated by the body, is found in chicken eggs. Egg white has an optimal ratio of essential amino acids, it consists of substances that are perfectly absorbed after heat treatment. But raw egg white is poorly absorbed due to the presence in it of compounds that suppress the action of enzymes that are necessary for digestion.
There are also proteins in dairy products. Their amount in each specific product is different: in milk, about 5% protein, in cheese about 22%. Dairy products contain casein, which is absorbed by the body for a long time, so nutritionists recommend using them in the evening. For people watching their weight, it is better to choose skim milk and cottage cheese for nutrition, since cheese contains a large amount of fat. It is important to maintain a high level of protein in the body throughout the day, so it is better to eat often and in small portions.
