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50 Protein Rich Foods, Fruits & Vegetables to Include in your Diet

Proteins are called building blocks and are made up of tiny amino acids that help maintain the body's muscles and weight, enhancing immunity and bone health. Incorporating Protein Rich food, fruits and vegetables in your diet is essential for maintaining overall health.

The most common way to increase protein intake is to diversify the diet with a range of protein sources so that it is consumed in a balanced proportion.

Discover how to promote a sufficient protein intake. Whether you are a meat lover or follow a plant-based diet, there are various options to cater for your needs.

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What is Protein?

Proteins are the important macronutrients necessary for our bodies to build and fix tissues. Our muscles develop, the immune system strengthens, and this element produces hormones. Obtaining adequate protein is crucial to maintain good health and well-being.

At its core, a protein molecule consists of amino acids, often termed the building blocks of life. Twenty amino acids are included; however, nine are essential since the body cannot synthesise them alone. Therefore, we need various types of protein in our menu so that our bodies get enough essential amino acids for proper functioning.

What are the Sources of Protein?

Protein comes from both animal and plant foods. Animal proteins include lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products. They fall within the category of complete proteins because all 10 essential amino acids must always be present in them.

On the other hand, vegetarians relying on plant-based diets have a wide range of plant-based protein sources including beans, lentils tofu tempeh quinoa nuts seeds etcetera While these sources may not provide all nutrients necessary for growth by themselves; you can combine different sources throughout your day to ensure that you receive enough proteins.

Top 50 Food Items High in Protein

Find a wide range of food items with high proteins for your body’s requirements and satisfaction with the taste. From low-fat meats to vegetarian options, these are the top 50 products that will heighten your protein level and help you maintain good health and overall fitness.

List of Protein Rich Vegetables

Consume vegetables that are rich in nutrients and proteins. From green leafy vegetables to cruciferous favourites, these include all such vegetables that contain high levels of proteins and can be consumed with meals or taken on their own for satiety and a boost in energy during workouts.

SNo. Vegetable Description
1 Spinach Highly rich in protein, containing 2.9 grams per 100 grams
2 Broccoli Rich in protein, providing 2.8 grams per 100 grams.
3 Brussels sprouts A protein powerhouse with 3.4 grams per 100 grams.
4 Green peas Exceptionally rich in protein, boasting 5.4 grams per 100 grams.
5 Asparagus Contains 2.2 grams of protein per 100 grams.
6 Mushrooms A great source of protein with 3.1 grams per 100 grams.
7 Cauliflower Provides 1.9 grams of protein per 100 grams.
8 Artichokes Rich in protein, offering 3.3 grams per 100 grams.

List of Fruits Rich in Protein

Explore this amazing selection of fruits to contribute to your protein. With options ranging from creamy avocados to juicy guavas, these Protein Rich fruits are a delicious addition to your diet.

SNo. Fruit Description
9 Avocado Contains 2.0 grams of protein per 100 grams.
10 Guava Provides 2.6 grams of protein per 100 grams.
11 Kiwi Contains 1.1 grams of protein per 100 grams.
12 Jackfruit Offers 2.5 grams of protein per 100 grams.
13 Blackberries Boast 2.0 grams of protein per 100 grams.
14 Apricots Provide 1.4 grams of protein per 100 grams.
15 Raspberries Contains 1.5 grams of protein per 100 grams.
16 Mulberries Offer 2.1 grams of protein per 100 grams.

List of Cereals and Dairy Products Containing Protein

Explore a variety of protein-packed cereals and dairy products catering to your daily protein intake. From Greek yoghurt to quinoa, find nutritious options to contribute to your balanced diet.

SNo. Food Description
17 Milk (whole) 3.3 grams per 1 cup (240 ml); a staple dairy product highly rich in protein
18 Greek yoghurt 10 grams per 1 cup (245 grams); a creamy delight known for its high protein content
19 Cottage cheese 11 grams per 1/2 cup (113 grams); a versatile cheese, highly rich in protein
20 Cheddar cheese 25 grams per 1 ounce (28 grams); a classic cheese with a high protein content
21 Mozzarella cheese 22 grams per 1 ounce (28 grams); a favourite cheese choice, rich in protein
22 Swiss cheese 27 grams per 1 slice (28 grams); a flavorful cheese renowned for its protein content
23 Parmesan cheese 32 grams per 1 ounce (28 grams); a bold cheese option packed with protein
24 Plain yoghurt 5 grams per 1 cup (245 grams); a versatile dairy option with a decent protein content
25 Oats (cooked) 26 grams per 1 cup; a wholesome grain choice, offering protein
26 Quinoa (cooked) 4.4 grams per 1 cup (185 grams); a complete protein source, perfect for a nutritious meal
27 Brown rice (cooked) 2.6 grams per 1 cup (195 grams); a nutritious whole grain with protein content
28 Barley (cooked) 2.3 grams per 1 cup (157 grams); a hearty grain option, providing protein
29 Whole wheat pasta (cooked) 5.8 grams per 1 cup (140 grams); a fibre-rich pasta choice with protein content
30 Skim milk 3.4 grams per 1 cup (240 ml); a low-fat dairy option, rich in protein

List of Seeds and Nuts Rich in Protein

Explore an extensive range of seeds and nuts that are sources of high protein. From soothing almonds to enriching hemp seeds, these nutritious options are a great way to add some extra protein and boost your health goals.

SNo. Seed/Nut Description
31 Almonds 21 grams per 100 grams; highly rich in protein.
32 Peanuts 25 grams per 100 grams; packed with protein and essential nutrients for energy
33 Walnuts 15 grams per 100 grams; a nutritious nut choice, known for its protein and omega-3s
34 Cashews 18 grams per 100 grams; a creamy nut option, rich in protein and healthy fats
35 Pistachios 20 grams per 100 grams; highly rich in protein, fibre, and antioxidants
36 Sunflower seeds 21 grams per 100 grams; a crunchy seed option loaded with protein and vitamins
37 Pumpkin seeds 19 grams per 100 grams; a nutrient-packed seed choice, rich in protein and minerals
38 Chia seeds 17 grams per 100 grams; tiny seeds with a high protein content.
39 Flaxseeds 18 grams per 100 grams; a powerhouse of protein.
40 Hemp seeds 31 grams per 100 grams; a superfood seed, rich in protein. 

List of Animal Proteins and Seafood High in Protein

Discover a range of animal proteins and seafood renowned for their high protein content. From chicken breast to salmon, here is the list of delicious Protein Rich options for your body.

SNo. Food Description
41 Chicken breast A lean source of protein, with approximately 31 grams per 100 grams
42 Turkey  Low-fat protein option, providing around 29 grams of protein per 100 grams
43 Beef (lean cuts) Rich in protein and essential nutrients, offering about 26 grams per 100 grams
44 Pork loin Provides a significant amount of protein, with approximately 27 grams per 100 grams
45 Salmon Heart-healthy seafood choice, packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids
46 Tuna Excellent source of protein, boasting around 30 grams per 100 grams
47 Shrimp Low-calorie, high-protein option, with approximately 24 grams per 100 grams
48 Cod Lean white fish packed with protein, containing about 18 grams per 100 grams
49 Lobster Delicacy Rich in protein, offering around 25 grams per 100 grams
50 Crab Nutrient-dense seafood option, providing about 19 grams of protein per 100 grams

How Much Protein Should You Intake?

According to the National Institutes of Health, determining the appropriate daily intake of Protein is essential for maintaining optimal health. The recommended amount varies depending on factors such as age, sex, and life stage.

The table given below outlines the recommended daily intake of Protein for different demographics:

Age Group

Recommended Protein Intake (grams per day)
Infants 0-6 months 9.1 g 
Infants 7-12 months 11 g
Children 1-3 years 13 g
Children 4-8 years 19 g
Children 9-13 years 34 g
Teens 14-18 years 52 g
Male Adults 19+ years 56 g
Female Adults 19+ years 46 g
Pregnant Adults 71 g
Lactating Adults 71 g
Adults 25-51 years 48 g
Adults 51-65 years 47 grams
Adults 65 and older 57 grams 

Health Benefits of Including Protein Rich Foods in Your Diet

According to the National Institute of Health, incorporating enough protein ensures the numerous health benefits that support overall health. Here are some of the noted benefits of including protein in your diet.

  • Muscle Growth and Repair: Protein Rich foods contain essential amino acids for muscle growth and repair, enhancing recovery following exercise or any physical activity.
  • Satiety and Weight Management: The intake of proteins that reduce hunger can promote long-term satiety and lead to body weight loss or maintenance.
  • Bone Health: Protein is essential in maintaining bone density and strength to prevent osteoporosis and fractures.
  • Improved Metabolism: Protein-enriched diets can escalate metabolism levels thus leading to an improved fat-burning process that might burn more calories.
  • Blood Sugar Control: This macronutrient regulates blood sugar, thus preventing diabetes by protecting against high glucose spikes and low blood sugar events.
  • Heart Health: A protein rich diet reduces blood pressure and cholesterol, thereby lowering the chances of heart disease and stroke.
  • Enhanced Immunity: Proteins bolster the immune system by producing antibodies and enzymes that combat pathogens, protecting against chronic infections.
  • Improved Brain Function: Foods rich in protein contain neurotransmitters necessary for neural transmission, which enhance brain performance and cognitive health.
  • Healthy Skin, Hair, and Nails: Protein is a nutrient that is necessary for collagen, elastin, and keratin formation, which is necessary for skin, hair, and nail health.

Different Ways to Include Protein Rich Foods in Your Diet

Ensuring an adequate intake of protein rich foods is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. Here are some research-backed tips to help you incorporate more Protein into your diet:

  • Snack Smart: You can choose protein rich snacks such as cheese, seeds, or nuts in between meals to benefit your health.
  • Prioritise Lean Protein Sources: You can opt for lean protein sources like chicken breast, tofu, fish or legumes to maximise protein intake.
  • Include Protein in Every Meal: Something is better than nothing; include some amount of protein in every meal, whether grilled chicken or a simple green veggie salad. 
  • Experiment with Plant-Based Proteins: Incorporate plant-based protein sources like lentils, chickpeas, and quinoa into your diet for an additional nutritional benefit.
  • Try Protein Supplements: Various protein supplements, such as protein powders, bars, and biscuits, are available in the market. On your busy days, you can opt out of these options.
  • Explore New Recipes: Get in the kitchen and experiment with new, interesting recipes that ensure adequate protein in your diet.

What are the Symptoms of Protein Deficiency?

It should be noted that protein deficiency is rare in developed countries, but one can develop several health problems when he or she does not consume enough protein or it’s poorly absorbed. Here are a few signs of low levels of proteins:

  • Edema: Fluid retention causes swelling in various parts of the body, as proteins regulate the fluid movement between blood vessels and other tissues.
  • Muscle Weakness: When people do not take sufficient protein nutrition, their muscles may become weak and deteriorate.
  • Fatigue: An individual always feels tired and lacking energy, as deficient protein impairs the flow of oxygen, leading to fatigue and lethargy.
  • Hair, Skin, and Nail Problems: These symptoms show protein insufficiency in the form of brittle hair, dry skin, and brittle/ridged nails.
  • Frequent Infections: Protein–deficient persons might have weakened immune systems; thus they may often succumb to infections more than others.
  • Slow Wound Healing: If proteins are not readily available, the healing process will be sluggish, and wounds will not mend as quickly as our bodies require.
  • Difficulty Concentrating: Low neurotransmitter neurotransmitter levels resulting from inadequate protein can impair cognitive ability.
  • Stunted Growth in Children: Children with growth issues lack adequate amounts of proteins suitable for their development.
  • Frequent Hunger: A lack of proteins makes you feel hungry because protein rich foods help in slowing down the process of emptying the stomach.
  • Changes in Hair Color: This normally denotes lightening or greying which comes about due to a severe lack of proteins.

What are the Health Risks of Not Getting Enough Protein?

Inadequate protein intake leads to numerous health hazards due to its multiple roles in body functions. Here are some potential health risks of not getting enough protein:

  • Muscle Loss: The maintenance of muscle requires protein. When there is inadequate intake, muscles break down and become weak.
  • Weakened Immune System: Proteins are needed for the production of antibodies and immune cells. If you lack enough proteins, your immunity can be impaired, predisposing you to infections.
  • Slow Wound Healing: Protein is crucial for tissue repair, but wounds that lack enough protein may take longer to heal and are more prone to infections.
  • Nutritional Deficiencies: Many protein rich foods are also a source of essential vitamins and minerals. Therefore, a lack of proteins in one’s diet can also lead to deficiencies in these nutrients.
  • Edema: Protein helps maintain fluid balance in the body such that insufficient proteins can cause an accumulation of fluids, leading to swelling or oedema.
  • Hair, Skin, and Nail Problems: Proteins are necessary for hair growth and repair and good skin and nail health. Inadequate protein intake may result in brittle hair, dry skin, and weak nails because sufficient amounts have not been obtained.
  • Fatigue and Weakness: Protein provides energy for the body and aids in regulating blood sugar levels. If you do not get enough protein, your body will tend to exhaust, experience excessive fatigue, and feel weak and low in power.
  • Poor Growth in Children: Proteins are important during childhood, helping children grow healthy. A lack of enough proteins can cause failed growth and developmental problems.

What are the Side Effects of Excessive Protein Intake?

Consuming too much protein can also lead to various side effects. Here are some noticed issues associated with higher intake of protein.

  • Dehydration: Insufficient water intake can cause the body to be unable to balance its water levels.
  • Kidney Strain: Consuming too much protein can cause harm to the kidneys and also worsen existing kidney problems.
  • Digestive Issues: Taking in so much protein may lead to digestive upset such as bloating, gas and constipation.
  • Nutritional Imbalance: Concentrating only on proteins could decrease other nutrients like vitamins, minerals and fibres.
  • Weight Gain: More calorie consumption results in weight gain if there is no physical activity or overall caloric burn.
  • Increased Risk of Chronic Diseases: Backed by research, long-term protein consumption leads to increased risk of heart disease, cancer and osteoporosis.
  • Bad Breath: The breakdown of excess protein produces ammonia by-products, which causes bad breath in people.
  • Liver Issues: High protein consumption strains the liver thereby increasing chances for liver malfunctioning among some individuals.
  • Potential Impact on Bone Health: High-protein intake from animal sources may result in calcium deficiency in bones as a result of weakening them.
  • Increased Risk of Gout: High protein diets may sometimes increase the uric acid in the blood, ultimately leading to an increased risk of gout.

Should You Take a Protein Supplement?

Your lifestyle, eating habits, and exercise goals determine Whether you should use a protein supplement. Whenever it becomes difficult to consume enough protein through usual foods such as fish, meat, eggs or plant-based sources, supplements can be very handy in meeting these needs.

Are you constantly finding yourself on the move? Or maybe you are into gym sessions and want your muscles to grow and recover faster. For such cases, protein supplements would come in handy.

But remember that these are just supplements. They do not replace real food. So if you don’t look at drinking shakes all the time without thinking about things that you may be missing or missing out on, feeling like having enough proteins from breakfasts and other meals then perhaps you don’t need a supplement.

Also important is quality assurance. Some brands of protein supplements are not as safe as others; hence, thorough cross-checking is necessary before deciding on any product that one might want to buy for themselves.

Diversifying your diet with various protein rich foods, including colourful vegetables, delicious meat, juicy fruits, and essential nutritious power-packed foods, ensures the amount of valuable nutrients in your body. To keep energy levels high and illness at bay, incorporate these protein rich foods into your lively living and enjoy a body full of vigour.

FAQs about Protein Rich Foods

Do fruits and vegetables have more protein?

No, many vegetables and fruits contain some protein level but are generally in smaller amounts.

Which fruit is highest in protein?

Avocado and Guava are fruits highest in protein content of all fruits.

Which vegetable has the highest protein?

Chickpeas, corn, artichoke, spinach and edamame are a few vegetables with higher protein content than others.

What fruits are low in protein?

Apples, pears, bananas, berries and grapefruit are fruits which are highly low in protein.

Why is protein important?

Protein is an energy source for the body and acts as a building block of amino acids to repair muscles and bones.

Which food is richest in protein?

Lean beef, chicken, salmon and eggs are foods richest in protein.

How much protein is required per day?

The values differ according to age and body weight, but the average value is 0.8 grams per kilogram.

When to eat protein?

The best time to consume protein is in the morning to get the most out of it.

What is the healthiest protein to eat?

Lean meats like chicken, turkey and pork are excellent healthiest protein sources.

Which food is not high in protein?

Vegetable products like breads and cereals. Pasta and rice are low in protein.

How do you get proteins from fruits and vegetables?

Any type of beans, sprouts, green peas, brussels, quinoa and potatoes, are rich sources of protein from fruits and vegetables.

Which juice is rich in protein?

Orange juice is rich in protein with 2 grams in 1 glass of juice.

What snacks are high in protein?

Greek Yoghurt, Tuna, Roasted Chickpeas and Cottage Cheese are a few snacks high in protein.

What is the cheapest source of protein?

Eggs are the cheapest source of protein. Adding eggs to your diet is a great way to increase protein intake.

How much protein is in oats?

There are 26 grams of protein in 1 cup of oats.

How much protein is in spinach?

Spinach is highly rich in protein, containing 2.9 grams of protein in 100 grams of the veggie.

How much protein is in milk?

Milk is the cheapest and most easily accessible dairy product that contains 3.3 grams of protein in 1 cup i.e. 240 ml of milk.

How much protein is in quinoa?

Quinoa is a highly-rich protein source containing 4.4 grams of protein in 1 cup of serving.

How much protein is in cashews?

Cashews are a creamy, nutty option for protein intake, containing 20 grams of protein in 100 grams.

What are the best animal sources of protein?

Chicken breast, beef, turkey and salmon are the best animal protein sources.