10 Foods High In Arginine
Proteins are very important for us because they help make the building blocks for our bodies. Proteins themselves are made from amino acids, of which there are numerous varieties. When we eat proteins, we are able to break them down and use the amino acids they are made from to construct other proteins.
Amino acids can be placed into 3 different categories: essential, nonessential, and semi-essential. Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid, and it is in this category because it is essential for kids but not for adults.
It is easy to find food with sufficient arginine, and here’s a look at some of the best sources of all.
Food #1: Chicken
Chicken is among the most popular of foods on the planet, and for very good reasons. It is very flexible and is popular in health foods, as well as a lot of dishes that are not so healthy. It is relatively low in fat and high in protein. Plus, of course, chicken is simply delicious.
Chicken is also a very good source of arginine. Just a single chicken breast contains around 9 grams of arginine, as well as around 70 percent of your recommended daily protein intake. Chicken’s flexibility means you can cook it along with other ingredients that help to make for a nutrition-packed meal.
Food #2: Turkey
Turkey is often found on the table for Christmas, or for Thanksgiving, but there is no reason why it cannot be enjoyed for the rest of the year as well. Turkeys are large birds, offering plenty of meat for a whole family. Turkey also tastes great and can be used in a variety of dishes.
Turkey is also very nutritious, with around 16 grams of arginine in a single turkey breast. It is also a very good source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B. Turkey is also fairly low in fat, making it suitable for people that like to eat a low fat, healthy diet.
Food #3: Peanuts
Did you know that peanuts are not nuts at all? Rather, they are legumes, which makes them a member of the pea family. They are a good source of protein as well as other important vitamins and minerals. They can be used in a variety of dishes, while they are also very popular as a quick and easy snack.
Peanuts are also a good source of arginine, with one cup containing around 4.6 grams of the compound. In addition, peanuts are also a good source of folate, niacin, Vitamin B2, and Vitamin E. While peanuts do make for a nutritious contribution to healthy diets, don’t forget that they contain a lot of fat and, thus, have a high calorie content.
Food #4: Chickpeas
As the name suggests, chickpeas are members of the legume family, making them a type of pea. They are also sometimes called garbanzo beans. Chickpeas are popular in healthy dishes around the world and are a good source of various nutrients.
Chickpeas are high in fiber, meaning they can help encourage a healthy digestive system. They are also a good source of vitamins, protein, and also contain around 1.3 grams of arginine for every cup. They are also delicious, and you will easily find a wide range of recipes for healthy chickpea dishes.
Food #5: Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin pie is irresistible, while pumpkins are also great for making lanterns at Halloween. But did you know that pumpkin seeds are also tasty and nutritious? They are a very good source of vitamins and minerals and are also a good source of antioxidants. All this means that pumpkin seeds offer a variety of health benefits.
Another benefit of pumpkin seeds is that they are a good source of arginine. They can also be used in a wide range of dishes from salads to soups. So, when you are making a pumpkin pie next time, don’t throw the seeds away.
Food #6: Soybeans
Soybeans are often associated with Asian dishes and they are also used to make tofu. As a very good source of protein, they are often eaten by vegetarians who are looking to replace the lost protein from their meat-free diets. Soybeans are also a good source of vitamins, minerals, and arginine.
You will find around 4.6 grams of arginine in a single cup of roasted soybeans, while you will also find magnesium and potassium. Soybeans can be used in a variety of ways, while you can also try out soya milk and tofu, both of which are made from the bean.
Food #7: Dairy
It is recommended to get plenty of dairy in your diet, and this applies to young people especially. Dairy is packed full of goodness such as calcium that will help the skeleton grow strong and healthy, and protein that will help your muscles to grow and repair. It is eaten all over the world, and it is easy to see why.
Dairy comes in forms such as eggs, cheese, milk, and yogurt. In addition to the nutrients already mentioned, dairy is also a good source of arginine. Dairy can be used in a huge variety of meals from breakfast to desserts, while you can also easily enjoy a glass of milk just as it is.
Food #8: Pork Loin
If you will be enjoying roast pork with a roast dinner, there’s a good chance that you will be tucking into a pork loin. These are one of the least fatty of all pork cuts and are just delicious and succulent when roasted. It gets even better because pork loin is also very nutritious and is a good source of arginine.
Of course, roasting is not the only way to prepare a pork loin, although it is certainly one of the favorites. Remember that it can get a little dry, but you can avoid this if you cook it just right. When served as part of a roast, it will often be accompanied alongside a range of other delicious and nutritious food.
Food #9: Lentils
Lentils are another type of food that is very popular among people on healthy living diets, and also for people on vegetarian diets. They originated from the Indian subcontinent where they are common in a range of dishes, while they have also found popularity elsewhere in the world.
Not only are lentils tasty, but they are also very nutritious with lots of protein, fiber, and minerals. They are also a good source of arginine, with one cup containing around 1.3 grams of the compound. Have a look for recipes online and you will find that they are very flexible to work with.
Food #10: Spirulina
Not many people would find the thought of eating algae to be appealing, but one type of algae is very popular when it comes to healthy living diets. Spirulina is a type of algae that is found growing naturally in the sea, while it is also grown commercially to be sold worldwide.
One reason for spirulina’s popularity is that it is very high in nutrients. It is a good source of iron, calcium potassium, and niacin. Plus, of course, spirulina is also a good source of arginine with around 0.28 grams found in a single tablespoon. Spirulina is most often used as an ingredient in smoothies.
