5 Protein Rich Foods

1. Adzuki Beans: Hawaiians like to eat Adzuki beans nestled in the bottom of a paper cone, topped with ice cream, shave ice, and sweet syrup.  I’m not sure this is what the authors of Encyclopedia of Healing Foods had in mind when they hailed their nutritional value; but let me tell you the Hawaiian way is totally ‘ono (yummy).
Adzuki beans are  an excellent source of fiber and protein, as well as being rich in B vitamins.  They also contain trace minerals: molybdenum, copper, manganese, and zinc.

2. Quinoa: Not only is it fun to say repeatedly, but it’s also a nutritional powerhouse. This little seed contains all the heavy hitters: all the amino acids, magnesium, manganese, protein, vitamin B2, vitamin E, and fiber.  It also contains iron, phosphorous, copper, and zinc. This Latin American dynamo is the least allergenic of all the grain, making this a perfect choice for those with wheat and gluten sensitivities. Confirming the old adage, good things do come in small packages.

3. Geoduck:  Never would I eat this giant, phallic, clam (even if it is indigenous to one of my favorite places on the planet—Seattle, Washington); however, when I saw that it was mentioned in our book I had to find out what it had to offer—besides serving as fodder for numerous jokes in  my pupule(crazy) home. Geoducks (pronounced gooey-duck) are an excellent source of low-calorie, low-fat, complete protein, and contain myriad other nutrients such as: B vitamins (especially B12),

4. Crab: Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? Spongebob Squarepants. He, however, is not the one I want to throw into a pot of boiling water, and devour. It’s his boss, Mr. Krabs.  Mr Krabs’ (although spelled with a K, in this case, he’s the real deal) succulent, sweet, pink-white flesh is low in fat, high in protein, and is a moderate source of omega-3 fatty acids (300-400 ml. per 3.5 oz. serving). Krabby patty, anyone?

5.  Pistachio:  Holy nuts!  No, I’m not speaking of the crazies that go door to door selling religion, but of one of the two nuts mentioned in the bible: the pistachio.  Pistachios contain protein, heart-healthy fats, a bevy of B vitamins,  vitamin E, folic acid, potassium, and myriad minerals.