Protein is a macro nutrient composed of amino acids that is necessary
for the proper growth and function of the human body. While the body can
manufacture several amino acids required for protein production, a set
of essential amino acids needs to be obtained from animal and/or
vegetable protein sources. Animal protein sources contain the complete
set of essential amino acids, while all the essential amino acids can be
obtained by eating a wide variety of plant foods. There is considerable
debate over the amount of protein a person needs to consume per day,
the current recommended daily intake (RDI) of protein is 46 grams for
women aged 19-70 and 56 grams for men aged 19-70. Any excess protein
consumed is turned into energy by the body, and it is controversial
whether this excess protein causes a strain on the liver. A deficiency
in protein leads to muscle atrophy, and impaired functioning of the
human body in general.
Below is a list of common foods with the highest protein to calorie ratio.
#1: Turkey Breast (and Chicken Breast)
Protein in 100g | Half-Breast (306g) | Protein to Calorie Ratio |
30g | 92g | 1g protein per 4.5 calories |
Chicken: Chicken Breast (58g) provides 17g protein. Chicken Leg (69g) provides 18g protein. Chicken Thigh (37g) provides 9g protein.
#2: Fish (Tuna, Salmon, Halibut)
Protein in 100g | 3oz Fillet (85g) | Protein to Calorie Ratio |
26g | 22g | 1g protein per 4.5 calories |
Other fish high in protein per fillet(3oz or 85g): Tuna (22g), Salmon (22g), Halibut (22g), Snapper (22g), Perch(21g), Flounder and Sole (21g), Cod (20g), Tilapia (17g).
#3: Cheese (Low-fat Mozzarella and Cottage Cheese)
Protein in 100g | 1oz Slice (28g) | Protein to Calorie Ratio |
32g | 9g | 1g protein per 4.7 calories |
Other cheese high in protein per ounce(28g): Low-fat Cottage Cheese (5g), Low-fat Swiss Cheese (8g), Low-fat Cheddar (6g),
Parmesan (10g), Romano (9g).
*Low fat Mozzarella and Cottage cheese provide the most protein per calorie.
#4: Pork Loin (Chops)
Protein in 100g | 1 Chop (134g,~5oz) | Protein to Calorie Ratio |
25g | 33g | 1g protein per 5.2 calories |
Sirloin Roast 3oz (28g) provides 23g of protein, Ham 3oz
(28g) provides 18g of protein, 1 slice of bacon (8g) provides 3g of
protein.
#5: Lean Beef and Veal (Low Fat)
Protein in 100g | 3oz Slice (85g) | Protein to Calorie Ratio |
36g | 31g | 1g protein per 5.3 calories |
T-Bone Steak 3oz (28g) provides 19g of protein, 1 Piece of Beef Jerky (20g) provides 7g of protein.
#6: Tofu
Protein in 100g | 3oz Slice (85g) | Protein to Calorie Ratio |
7g | 6g | 1g protein per 7.4 calories |
#7: Beans (Mature Soy Beans)
Protein in 100g | 1 cup (172g) | Protein to Calorie Ratio |
17g | 29g | 1g protein per 10.4 calories |
Other beans high in protein per cup cooked: Kidney Beans (17g), White Beans (17g), Lima Beans (15g),
Fava Beans (14g), Black Beans (15g), Mung Beans (14g)
.
#8: Eggs (Especially Egg Whites)
Protein in 100g | 1 Large Egg (50g) | Protein to Calorie Ratio |
13g | 14g | 1g protein per 12 calories |
1 Egg White (33g) provides 4g protein, 1g protein to 4.4 calories.
#9: Yogurt, Milk, and Soymilk
Protein in 100g | 1 cup (245g) | Protein to Calorie Ratio |
6g | 14g | 1g protein per 18 calories |
1 cup skim milk (245g) provides 8g protein, 1 cup soymilk (243g) provides 8g protein.
#10: Nuts and Seeds (Pumpkin, Squash, and Watermelon Seeds, Peanuts, Almonds)
Protein in 100g | 1 Ounce (28g) | Protein to Calorie Ratio |
33g | 9g | 1g protein per 15.8 calories |
Other nuts and seeds high in protein (grams proten per ounce (28g)): Peanuts (7g), Almonds (6g), Pistachios (6g), Sunflower Seeds (6g),
Flaxseed (5g), Mixed Nuts (4g).
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