Proteins are essential in the body and are made up of around 20 amino acids, eight of which are a must in the diet. There are two types of proteins, one being plant proteins and the second being animal proteins.

The plant proteins do not necessarily contain all of the amino acids whereas the animal proteins do contain the amino acids. In the case of vegetarians a mix of proteins are advisable as one type of amino acid may provide nutrients that another is lacking.

Diets for Vegetarians are normally high in protein, but not excessive due to the fact of the amount of plant food proteins available. Too much protein in the diet can lead to Kidney growth, but this is very rare.

The requirements for proteins in the body are firstly for growth and development and body repairs, secondly they are required for skin and bone structural support. Ensure that you are getting enough proteins into your daily diet

Proteins Food Groups and Sources

Bread Cereal and Pulse

There are very good sources of Proteins found within these fruits in the Bread, Cereal and Pulse food group. Proteins can be incorporated into a healthy and well balanced diet with ease because Bread, Cereal and Pulses have such a wide range and variety in the local supermarkets.

• Almonds
• Bagels
• Baked Beans
• Brown Rice
• Corn
• Crackers
• Lentils
• Macaroni
• Muesli
• Oatmeal
• Peanuts
• Whole Wheat Bread

Fresh Fruits

There are no sources of Proteins found within the Fresh Fruits food group. Proteins can still be incorporated into a healthy and well balanced diet though due to the other food groups having a wide range of Proteins sources available.

Fresh Vegetables

There are very good sources of Proteins found within these vegetables in the Fresh Vegetables food group. Proteins can be incorporated into a healthy and well balanced diet with ease due to the amount of choices and availability with vegetables nowadays.

• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Patatoes

Meat and Poultry

There are extremely rich sources of Proteins found within these meats in the Meat and Poultry food group. Proteins can be incorporated into a healthy and well balanced diet with ease nowadays to to the wide range of meat and poultry available to us through supermarkets.

• Lean Beef
• Chicken

Fish and Seafood

There are extremely good sources of Proteins found within the Fish and Seafood food group. Proteins can be incorporated into a healthy and well balanced diet with ease due to having a wide range of Fish and Seafood being available in the local supermarkets nowadays.

• Mackerel
• salmon
• Sardines
• Trout

Dairy Produce

There are very good sources of Proteins found within the Dairy Produce food group. Proteins can be incorporated into a healthy and well balanced diet with ease due to the amount of choices and availability with Dairy Produce nowadays.

• Cows Milk
• Cheddar Cheese
• Eggs
• Soy Milk
• Soy Yoghurts

Proteins are essential to a healthy, well balanced diet and has a wide range of choices in all of the main food groups except for Fresh Fruit.