Whenever we think of the best sources of protein there is, we often think of several kinds of meals, but most of them include meats, or eggs but the only source of protein food is not animal-based foods.
There are several other plant-based protein sources that are healthy for us, and we are not going to include soya here.
For a healthy life and consistent growth and functioning of the human body, a balanced diet is mandatory, and protein is an essential source that provides vital energy for the basic functioning of our body.
While not consuming enough protein regularly might lead to several health-related problems such as breakdown of tissues and a loss of muscle mass which then leads to loss of strength along with difficulty in maintaining balance.
In the formation of antigens that fight against any infection or illness in the body, protein plays an important role.
Today we are going to share with you several sources of protein which are purely plant-based foods, in order to increase your protein intake, which would help you to lead a healthy lifestyle.
1. Beans
Not only soybean provides a good quantity of protein, but other beans such as green peas, lima beans, chickpeas, black beans, and kidney beans provide a considerable amount of protein. Also, almost all of them are a part of Indian cuisine and are readily available in the local market.
2. Grains
Apart from being a source of carbohydrates, grains are a good source of protein. Grains are some of the best plant-based protein sources for a vegetarian such as amaranth, quinoa, millets, oats, and barley.
3. Nuts
Nuts are also a great source of protein; some of them are almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts, cashews, and walnuts. When it comes to snacking some extra protein for you, these are your go-to options.
4. Lentils
These are the most basic and protein-rich food which is a part of almost every Indian’s kitchen. In order to increase the intake of protein, lentils such as ‘urad’ and ‘moong’ should be increased.
5. Seeds
Pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, sunflower, and sesame seeds are good sources of protein. Seeds can be consumed as a snack, and also, to make your meals protein-rich, they could be consumed with oatmeal.
Increasing protein intake is your first step towards self-care, and not taking enough protein necessary for you regularly might not lead to a physical loss, but it also leads to deterioration of one’s mental health.