Worst Protein Sources : Eat with Caution

Protein is one of the most important nutrients needed by the body for the growth and maintenance. Proteins are large molecules made up from 20 different essential and non-essential amino acids. There are many sources of protein but all are not beneficial for health. Some of high protein sources are very bad for health as they are also high in saturated fats and carbohydrates so always choose the right protein foods. Protein, saturated fats and carbohydrates together can cause many health problems when consumed daily. Here are given some of the worst protein sources that you should eat with caution as they are bad for health and environment.

There are 2 types of protein sources such as animal and plant proteins. Compared to plant proteins, animal proteins are considered to be superior. Both, protein deficiency and excess protein can cause number of health problems so protein must be consumed in moderation. There are complete and incomplete proteins. Complete proteins foods contain all the 8 essential amino acids with non-essential amino acids.

Worst Protein Sources

1) Pork

Pork is great protein source but it is also high in unhealthy saturated fat and cholesterol. So you must eat pork less. The major environmental impact with pigs is that they don’t produce methane at the time of digestion but their dung adds greenhouse gases. So always buy pastured pork and stay away from processed pork (bacon).

2) Cheese

Cheese contains high quality protein and all the essential amino acids that are needed by the body but its fat content is also very high. As per EWG, cheese is the third worst protein choice. You should consume only 1 serving (1.5 ounces) of organic and low-fat cheese. The cheese must be sharply flavored so it can help you to obtain the utmost impact for less. Consume 2% or part-skim mozzarella cheese to reduce the amount of saturated fats.

3) Lamb

Like pork, lamb is also excellent source of protein but high in fat and cholesterol so its consumption in high amount should be avoided. According to EWG, lamb is the worst choice on the basis of carbon footprint. Its carbon footprint mostly comes from methane which is created through digestion, the crops grown to feed them and manure. Always buy grass-fed lamb.

4) Beef

Beef is famous as an excellent source of protein. It also has iron, zinc, creatine, B-vitamins and magnesium in high amount. Beef also produces methane while digesting food and contribute greenhouse gases. You should always buy grass-fed and organic beef even they are high in price. Grass-fed and organic beef is good for environment and your health as they are richer in omega-3 fats. Also totally avoid processed beef products.

5) Farmed Salmon

Farmed Salmon has higher carbon footprint, toxins and carcinogens. So you should buy wild salmon as it provides heart-healthy omega-3s. Wild salmon is more expensive compared to farmed salmon but it is good for health. Wild salmon is also low in fat, high in protein and low in calories than farmed salmon.

Eggs, Tuna, Chicken, Turkey and Salmon are good protein sources but you should eat them occasionally.

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