- Make It Yourself Lavender Heart-Shaped Bath Bombs!
- 20 Things You Never Knew About “Down There”
- 12 Best Foods For Those Suffering From Arthritis Pain
- 12 Personal Hygiene Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes (Mom Never Told You About #4!)
- 15 Medicinal Plants And Herbs From The Cherokee People
- 12 Mind-Blowing Benefits Of Drinking Coconut Water During Pregnancy
- 12 Outstanding Winter Foods That Won’t Fatten You Up Like A Christmas Turkey
14 Super Sources of Clean Protein
Photo credit: bigstock
Protein, it’s everywhere, right? Sure it is, but when you consider that most protein has been contaminated by antibiotics, pesticides, and heavy metals, it really makes you stop and wonder; what kind of protein am I giving to my body?
Fast food is an absolute no-no, and unless you know for sure that your meat is organic, non-factory farm raised, grass fed, free range meat, you are better off choosing other sources of protein.
Here is our list of the top 14 sources of truly clean protein. Eat up!
1. Quinoa
This is the only grain that is a source of complete protein as well as amino acids. It cooks similar to the way you cook rice and tastes great as well.
If you can’t find quinoa, try buckwheat. Buckwheat is another grain that can be used for protein.
Photo credit: bigstock
2. Hemp Seeds
Yes, hemp seeds are completely legal.
Hemp is hypoallergenic and has about 30 percent protein.
Most of the protein in help seeds comes from edestin, which is easily digested and readily available for the body to use.
Photo credit: bigstock
3. Chia Seeds
These are the true super foods of the seed world!
These tiny seeds have anti-inflammatory properties, are easy to cook and even easier to digest.
Chia seeds are packed with calcium, fiber, and manganese. Try a chia seed pudding for a different type of breakfast or as a great snack.
Read more about chia seeds and how to quiet a cough with them.
Photo credit: bigstock
4. Almonds
Almonds are a terrific source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, not to mention they also have great anti-inflammatory properties.
Although nuts aren’t a complete source of protein since they don’t have all the amino acids, but they are still a great, healthy addition to any diet.
If you find almonds difficult to digest, try soaking them overnight.
5. Spirulina
You may not have heard much about this super food, but it truly is. In its natural state it is up to 71 percent complete protein.
This is higher than any other unprocessed, natural food. Spirulina is almost 100 percent complete digestible!
Be sure that spirulina is collected from uncontaminated waters.
Although it can’t be your main source of protein because it would be virtually impossible to consume sufficient quantities, it’s an important, super healthy food source you shouldn’t do without.
Photo credit: bigstock
6. Pea and Rice Powder
Although this sounds like a strange combination, it’s a winner.
With up to 90 percent hypoallergenic, super digestible protein that tastes great, how can you go wrong?
Find out why pea is one of 15 of the least contaminated produce you can buy.
Photo credit: bigstock
7. Wild Fish
Not the factory farmed fish that is loaded with pesticides, antibiotics, and fed GMO junk foods; we mean wild fish caught in nets or with old fashioned poles.
Wild fish are full of healthy omega-3 fatty acids and have all the nutrients you are eating fish for in the first place.
Photo credit: bigstock
8. Cage Free Eggs
Be sure you are buying whole, organic eggs, not eggs from chickens that spend their life in cages. Why?
Eggs from free range chickens are full of B vitamins, phosphorus, folic acids, and thiamine, just to name a few.
It’s the yolk that contains most of the protein you need, so eat the whole, organic egg and feel the energy.
Photo credit: bigstock
9. Whey Powder
This protein comes from milk and is often found in those meal replacement powders and sold as protein powders as well.
Whey contains all the amino acids you need.
Be sure you are buying whey that comes from organic milk from grass fed, hormone free cows.
Photo credit: bigstock
10. Organic Chicken
Although chicken meat is a complete protein, you need to be certain that the chickens were living in organic, free range conditions.
It makes a huge difference in not only the taste, but in the overall effects the meat will have on your body.
Read more about food proceures illegal in Europe but practised in the USA.
Photo credit: bigstock
11. Lentils
Lentils are a great source of amino acids, even if they are not a complete source.
They are a healthy carb source and will fill you up with fiber.
When you combine lentils with other grains, they will make a complete protein.
You will find lentils are easier for your body to digest than larger sized beans.
Photo credit: bigstock
12. Tempeh
If you don’t know what tempeh is, you are missing out!
Tempeh is made from fermented soy and is a super source of protein for you vegans! Again, make sure you are getting organic tempeh that is NOT made from GMO soy.
Avoid those overly processed soy “meats” and don’t expect soy to fill all your needs for protein.
Photo credit: bigstock
13. Grass Fed Beef
When cows are grass fed, you will find that the meat is full of all the necessary amino acids as well as zinc and iron.
Read the labels and be sure it says grass fed beef, not grain fed.
Photo credit: bigstock
14. Greek Yogurt and Cottage Cheese
Plain cottage cheese and Greek yogurt are a great addition to your diet, as long as you don’t have sensitivity to dairy products.
These two powerhouses have a good amount of protein, healthy, all natural fats, and are fairly low in sugar. Always choose organic products from grass fed cows to avoid antibiotics, hormones, and chemicals.
If you aren’t sure if you are lactose intolerant, do an elimination diet test or ask your doctor about a blood test.
