The Best Sources of Protein to Include on Your High Protein Diet

When it comes to diet, nothing is more important than making sure you’re getting adequate sources of protein.  In fact, the body requires a steady amount of protein each and every day in order to be healthy.  Extremely low Protein diets are dangerous if followed long term and do not provide the proper amino acids and building blocks to maintain health.

However, whenever introducing high protein foods into the diet, it’s important that the source is of quality and always organic.  Many animal products which are good sources of protein are also unfortunately good sources of hormones and antibiotics.  It’s for this reason that you should always choose grass fed, wild caught and organic.

The Best sources of protein on the planet

Grass Fed Beef

Beef coming from cattle grazing on green grass is one of the best sources of protein available.  Unlike grain fed beef which is pro inflammatory, grass fed beef contains an abundance of vitamins and minerals essential for good health.

A study published in the Nutrition Journal found that grass fed beef has a more desirable lipid profile as compared to grain fed beef.  It was also found to be higher in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and the 3 essential fatty acids (1).

For those unaware CLA acts as a potent fat burner in the body and helps tremendously in those trying to lose weight (2).

Furthermore, Grass fed beef is an excellent source of bioavailable zinc which is essential for good health.  Research has shown that zinc is crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system and significantly reduces the odds of developing age related disease (3).

Grass fed beef is without question one of the best high protein low carb foods to include in your diet. A single serving (4 oz) contains 25 grams of protein.

Colostrum

It wouldn’t be right if we didn’t add colostrum to this amazing list of high protein foods.  Although, it’s not the highest protein food, it contains numerous beneficial properties that cannot be ignored.

Those with gut disorders and poor digestion often times suffer from lack of nutrition because the gut is not properly absorbing the vitamin and minerals in the food being eaten.  This is where colostrum can truly work its magic.

protein

Research has found that supplementing with bovine colostrum can decrease intestinal permeability and rebuild the intestinal barrier (7).

If the intestines are permeable, food particles will pass through the digestive system and into the blood which can cause allergic reactions.  You will also not be properly breaking down and absorbing any of your high protein foods.

Furthermore, colostrum has been shown to promote insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) in the body (8).

For those unaware, IGF-1 helps build and maintain lean muscle mass in the body making colostrum the perfect addition to anyone following a high protein diet.

Colostrum-LD Powder 16oz with Proprietary Liposomal Delivery

Maca Root

Those who are vegan or vegetarian (read here to learn why we do not promote these diets) who are looking for high protein vegetables to add to their diet should look to maca root.

Maca root is extremely high in protein and has the added benefit of being an Adaptogen.  Even those who include meat in their diet can benefit immensely by taking maca root.

Research published in the International Journal of Biomedical Science found that maca root balances the HPA-axis in the body and helps reduce the negative effects of stress (9).

It’s also an excellent source of Diindolymethane (DIM) which is excellent for detoxing excess estrogen in the body (10).

Maca can be used in place of flour and can make an excellent addition to any of your high protein meals.

Gelatinized Black Maca Root Powder – Fresh Harvest From Peru, Certified Organic

Bee Pollen

Not enough can be said about the health benefits of consuming bee pollen daily.  Not only is it an excellent source of protein, but it contains an abundance of B-vitamins that are needed by the body daily.

protein

3.5 ounces of bee pollen contains 20 grams of highly assemble and bioavailable protein. It’s the perfect high protein snack for those on the go.

A study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that bee pollen boosts mental capacity and strengthens the nervous system weakened by stress and overworking.  It was also shown to have anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-cancer properties (11).

Stakich SPANISH BEE POLLEN GRANULES 1 lb