For a healthy body, it is important to include essential nutrients into our diet each day. One of the most essential nutrients the body requires is protein. Protein helps our body with a number of important functions and helps maintain muscle mass.
Proteins are large, complex molecules that play crucial role in the body. It helps keep our muscles strong and healthy. Basically, it takes care of our bones, blood skin, hair, fingernails, and cartilage etc. If you’re a vegetarian, you have limited options to make sure you get the recommended amount of protein that your body needs. Don’t worry because there are plenty of protein-rich vegetables available year-round in our country.
Why Do We Need Proteins?
Protein is useful in the transportation of Haemoglobin as it carries oxygen to all the cells of our body, or specialized proteins that carry vitamins and minerals to the cells that need them.
7 Amazing Protein-Rich Vegetables:
Below the list of some amazing protein-rich vegetables:
1. Broccoli:
Broccoli has a fair amount of protein and zero fat and fewer calories. It makes broccoli a great food full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote a healthy body. It is a good source of protein and fiber and contains iron, calcium, potassium, selenium and magnesium as well as the vitamins A, C, E, K, and a good array of B vitamins including folic acid.
2. Mushrooms:
Mushrooms contain a good amount of protein, however, they do not have entire protein molecules. They lack the amino acids that our bodies cannot make themselves. Mushrooms can be made of complete proteins when they are combined with foods that make up the missing amino acids. So you can mix mushrooms with corn or even with broccoli to make it complete protein and healthy.
3. Peas:
Peas are a rich source of vegetable protein along with having a good amount of fiber. In fact, these tiny balls are low in fat and have zero cholesterol. If you haven't added peas in your diet, it's time you do. You can also add peas to salads, curries, and all things good.
4. Spinach:
Spinach is believed to be one of the most nutrient-dense leafy green vegetables. It is said that protein accounts for thirty percent of its calories along with essential amino acids. Leafy and dark greens like spinach are important for skin, hair, and bone health.
5. Kale:
Kale is a great source of plant-based protein. It contains phenolic compounds that provide them antioxidant properties. You can easily steam, boil or saute kale and consume it on regular basis for maximum benefits.
6. Asparagus:
This is a popular vegetable with high nutrient- content, asparagus is one rich source of protein along with phosphorus, copper, magnesium, manganese and B vitamins. Asparagus can be boiled, grilled, steamed or even pan-fried.
7. Sweet Corns:
Sweet Corns are pretty low in fat, it is a great source of protein and meets about nine percent of our daily protein requirement. You can make sandwiches using corns, add them to your salads to ensure a healthy you.