Safe Sources of Protein

Dietary protein provides many amino-acids and other nutrients that are essential for our health. Some sources of protein are not safe. Fried foods are unsafe even when the fried item is a source of protein, because fried foods contain cholesterol and other dangerous substances that lack nutritional value and clog arterial passages. This leads to various cardiovascular health risks. Other unsafe proteins are fatty meats that contain high levels of saturated fat that eventually clogs arteries after prolonged regular consumption. Safe sources of protein are lean meats, some vegetables and dairy products. Safe sources of protein also include beans, seafood, white chicken, lean beef and protein shakes.

Beans

• Beans are safe sources of protein. According to WebMD, beans have beneficial water content that promotes hydration and may promote weight loss by helping consumers feel fuller. Beans have higher fiber content that is beneficial for cardiovascular health. The digestive system processes beans slower than other sources of protein, and provide nutrients to the body for extended periods of time.

Seafood

• Fish and other seafood that is not fried is a safe source of protein. According to Flex Online, seafood contains amino acids and minerals that are easy to digest, promote thyroid health and testosterone production. The digestive system processes some fish faster than others. Consumers should eat seafood that is metabolized slowly toward the end of the day, and seafood that is metabolized quickly after exercise to promote muscular recovery. Some seafood that is digested quickly includes scallops, shrimp, crab, haddock, doc, pollack, snapper, halibut and white tuna. Seafood that is digested slowly includes salmon, sardines, orange roughy, trout and other seafood that produces oil during cooking.

White Chicken

• White-meat, skinless poultry is a safe and lean source of protein. Chicken contains amino-acids, selenium, vitamin B3 or niacin and vitamin B6 or pyridoxine. Four ounces of skinless and boneless white poultry provides more than 67 percent of the daily value for protein. The safest source of protein for white poultry is the breast cut, because the breast has the least amount of saturated fat. Overall chicken has less saturated fat than lean beef, and comparable saturated to some fish.

Organic Lean Beef

• Lean, organic beef is a safe source of protein that provides vitamin B12, selenium, zinc, iron phosphorus and other B vitamins. Organic beef from grass-fed cows reduces the risk of pesticides, hormone and antibiotic residue, cardiovascular problems and may reduce the risk of colon cancer. Four ounces of lean beef provides 64 percent of the daily value for protein. The safest cuts of beef include the eye of round, top round and bottom round.

Protein Shakes

• Protein shakes are a safe source of protein for people who are healthy and in shape, such as athletes or other individuals who exercise regularly. Protein shakes include various types of natural proteins such as milk, whey, casein, egg and soy. According to the International Society of Sports Nutrition, protein shakes are a safe source of protein if the shakes are consumed with an overall balanced diet. Protein shakes provide nutrients that help repair muscle tissue damage after fitness activities, such as weightlifting, sprinting and power or stamina-based sports.