When you think of protein, do you automatically picture meat? Well, meat is definitely protein, but there are also vegetarian sources of protein with a valuable supply of nutrients that your body craves. I’m talking tofu, whole grains, edamame, quinoa, beans, nuts, seeds, etc.
A recent study published in the journal Circulation found that the nutrient glutamic acid can help reduce blood pressure and risk of heart disease and stroke (Ref: Women’s Health Mag, Dec. ’09, p. 30). This amino acid is found in those vegetarian protein sources I mentioned above (as well as meats and cheeses).
Try to add more vegetarian protein sources to your weekly diet. Edamame are a great snack to have after work when you’re really hungry and need something to munch on before dinner. You can buy packages of them frozen in most grocery stores (look in the organic/natural section if you can’t find them next to the other veggies).
Organic tofu and tempeh are high-quality soy foods that you can add to your diet as a substitution for meat. While studies are inconclusive about whether soy foods may reduce your risk of heart disease and/or lower cholesterol levels, you can certainly take a step closer to reaching these health benefits by swapping out meat and dairy for these plant-based protein sources more often. Simply cutting out animal foods will help improve your cholesterol levels and drastically reduce your risk of heart disease.
Also, I found a wonderful Three-Bean Salad recipe with quinoa on the Whole Foods site. You don’t even need their store brand salad dressing (although it’s probably delish), just mix together some olive oil, vinegar, and cracked pepper for an easy substitution.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
I love snacking on Edamame. Also really happy at how much cheaper they are frozen rather than going to Japanese restaurants to get my fix!