Proteins are often called the building block of life. On consuming protein, our body breaks these large molecules down into smaller units called amino acids. These amino acids are used for many critical functions such as building muscles, connective tissues and skin. Proteins also play a crucial role in weight loss. It increases levels of appetite-reducing hormones like GLP-1, PYY and CCK, and reduces levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin, making you crave less, thereby aiding weight loss. Meat, fish, lentils and eggs are considered to be the best protein sources. Including some fruits as part of your high protein weight-loss diet is not a bad idea either. It makes your diet more wholesome and varied. Fruits are mostly consumed for their rich fibre content. Fibre makes you feel full and check cravings, however some of these fruits have their decent share of protein too, which makes them the ideal weight loss food. Losing weight is not an easy task. It requires a lot of efforts in terms of eating healthy and in right quantity.
Weight Loss: Here are some fruits with a good quantum of protein that could aid weight loss
1. Guavas: About 100 grams of guavas have 2.6 g protein. Guavas are extraordinarily rich in vitamin C, lycopene and antioxidants that are beneficial for skin and immunity. The potassium in guavas helps normalise blood pressure levels. Guavas also have low GI and is packed with fibres which makes it an ideal bet for diabetics.
2. Apricots: Low in calories and high in fibre, apricots make for an excellent weight loss friendly fruit. They can be eaten fresh or dried. They are famous for promoting digestive health . It's high beta-carotene levels are also fruitful for healthy eyesight and skin. Hundred grams of apricots have 140 mg of protein.
3. Prunes: A prune is a dried plum. 100 grams of prunes contain 220 mg protein. Prunes are a great source of vitamin A, a vitamin that is essential for healthy vision. It is powerhouse of antioxidants which are good for heart. Prunes are also beneficial for bone health and skin.
4. Avocados: Packed with healthy unsaturated fats, avocados are known to keep joints supple and blood pressures stable. Its high anti-inflammatory properties are especially beneficial for a healthy heart. Avocados are also rich in fibres that are essential for weight loss.
5. Jackfruit: Jackfruit is high in vitamin B6, a nutrient required for the metabolism of protein. Jackfruit contains significant amounts of dietary fiber, vitamin A, and many different antioxidants. The fibre present in jackfruit helps keep you satiated for longer, making you skip bingeing on junk unnecessarily.