THE DISH: Mango Mandarin Sesame Shrimp Salad with avocado and edamame

WHY EAT LEAN PROTIENS?

IS SHRIMP A LEAN PROTIEN??? YES !!!!

Getting adequate protein in your diet can offer myriad health benefits. Studies have shown protein can help whether you are looking to lose weight, bulk up, improve heart health or boost your energy. Incorporating lean protein into your diet is a critical component of a healthy eating plan. Muscle-Building Power Protein can help you bulk up and retain muscle mass. Proteins are the body’s building blocks: bones, muscles, skin and blood are all made up of protein. After a tough workout, muscles are rebuilt and repaired by the proteins you eat. Because of this, the American Dietetic Association, Dietitians of Canada and the American College of Sports Medicine in a joint statement recommended athletes get 0.5 to 0.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight. Weight Loss Aid Weight loss goals will be more easily acheived when you incorporate lean protein in your diet. When trying to lose weight, protein foods help you feel full longer, likely reducing the total number of calories eaten per day. A 2008 study in the “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition” showed that protein increases satiety, and may increase metabolism. Consuming protein will also help the body maintain lean muscle mass, which is critical for a healthy weight loss plan. Heart Healthy A reduction in blood pressure is just one of many benefits of a protein-rich diet. A 2005 Johns Hopkins Medicine study indicated that a diet higher in protein may provide heart benefits. When study participants shifted 10 percent of their calories from carbohydrates to protein, they experienced a 21 percent reduction in their risk for cardiovascular disease. Their cholesterol levels improved and blood pressure lowered. The higher protein diet provided even greater health benefits than a traditionally healthy diet with higher consumption of carbohydrates. Why Lean is Important To get positive heart benefits, be mindful of choosing protein foods that are lower in fat. Though protein offers heart health benefits, many protein-rich foods are high in saturated fat, raising cholesterol and increasing the risk of coronary heart disease, ChooseMyPlate.gov warns. Higher fat protein foods to avoid include fatty cuts of meat, full-fat dairy, regular ground beef, hot dogs, bacon and processed luncheon meat. Turkey, skinless chicken breasts, fish, shrimp and beans are good lean protein options. Select beef cuts such as round steak or top sirloin, and ground beef that is at least 90 percent lean to get the protein benefits without the fat