We are made up of about 20% protein. Protein is used in cells, tissues, organs, nerves, and muscles. Protein is vital to creating, rebuilding, and managing all of our bodies systems.When digested properly and broken down, it’s an essential building block for enzymes, hormones, antibodies, …
We are made up of about 20% protein.
Protein is used in cells, tissues, organs, nerves, and muscles.
Protein is vital to creating, rebuilding, and managing all of our body’s systems.
When digested properly and broken down, it’s an essential building block for enzymes, hormones, antibodies, and part of our red blood cells (hemoglobin).
Protein is the foundation upon which our diet should be based.
Carbohydrates and fat are the variables.
Protein is one of the most underutilized superfoods.
Acai, blueberries, whole grains, and cruciferous veggies are among the top-ranked superfoods in the mainstream media.
But are they the real superheroes of nutrition?
No.
We can survive and thrive without carbohydrates. Yes, you read that right. Yes, they taste delicious and can be beneficial to some people.
This isn’t a carbohydrate-bashing post. There are important qualities to carbs, but they are not the superfood we’ve been led to believe.
Having complete protein in your diet ensures a healthy base to work from. Our bodies cannot function optimally without the amino acids protein provides.
22 amino acids are used in the human body – 9 of which are essential to procure from food. Those nine amino acids cannot be made in our bodies. They can be made from other amino acids, but inefficiently.
Not all protein is created equal though.
Plant protein does not provide the complete amino acid profile nor is bioavailable for optimal health.
Just like carbohydrate and fat sources matter, protein sources matter.
It’s a little easier to discern healthy carb and fat sources from unhealthy ones.
Healthy protein sources have been an area of recent debate.
From strictly a nutritional perspective, animal sources of protein are far better than plant sources.
Plant sources do not provide a complete amino acid profile.
None of the plant sources do!
Within animal sources, other vital enzymes and co-factors necessary to help our bodies operate on all cylinders are already within the same packages.
Plants can’t do that.
Not only are animal sources of protein more bioavailable, but they also contain other nutrients that plants only dream about.
Iron (heme), B12, Vitamin D, DHEA, and Zinc are more plentiful and readily accessible in animal sources.
What does this have to do with becoming a ninja for life?
Ninjas master the basics.
Ninjas eat animal protein daily.
How much protein is best?
We need to consume roughly 1 gram per pound of ideal body weight.
Protein is the most satiating and vital macronutrient.
Return to the basics by eating a variety of animal protein evenly spread throughout your meals.
This will supply your body with all the essential amino acids to keep your body running smoothly and efficiently.
What animal protein sources are the real superfoods?
Liver and sardines.
Yes! Both are tightly packed with more nutrition than almost anything else on the planet!
· Sardines have 20 grams of bioavailable protein in a 3.2-ounce can.
· Liver contains 29 grams of protein in just 3.5 ounces.
Both are more readily accepted (bioavailable) by your body than any plant!
One last thing – chew your protein. Don’t drink it.
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