When it comes to improving your heart health, one of the most important things you can do is to make sure you’re eating a diet that’s high in protein.

While many people believe that plant-based proteins are the way to go, there’s also a case to be made for animal proteins. Here, we’ll explore how animal proteins can promote heart health and share some tips for incorporating them into your diet.

Why Animal Proteins are Good for Your Heart

Animal proteins are an excellent source of nutrients that are crucial for heart health. For example, they contain essential amino acids, which can help to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

In addition, animal proteins are rich in important vitamins and minerals like B12, iron, and zinc, which can help to improve overall heart health and function.

Research has also shown that animal proteins can be beneficial for people who are at risk for heart disease.

For example, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that eating red meat was associated with a lower risk of heart disease in women who had high levels of inflammation in their bodies. Another study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology found that consuming poultry was associated with a lower risk of heart disease in men.

The Best Animal Proteins for Your Heart

It’s important to note that not all animal proteins are created equal when it comes to heart health. The following are some of the best animal proteins to include in your diet:.

Fatty Fish

Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body and improve heart health. In addition, these types of fish contain high-quality protein, vitamin D, and B vitamins.

Lean Meats and Poultry

Lean meats like chicken and turkey are excellent sources of protein without the added saturated fat found in red meats. Poultry is also rich in vitamins and minerals that are important for heart health, such as B6, niacin, and selenium.

Eggs

Eggs are an affordable and versatile source of animal protein. They’re also rich in vitamins and minerals like B12, choline, and selenium.

Despite their previous reputation for being high in cholesterol, more recent research has shown that eating eggs in moderation does not increase the risk of heart disease.

Tips for Incorporating Animal Proteins into Your Diet

If you want to improve your heart health by incorporating more animal proteins into your diet, here are some tips to get you started:.

Choose Lean Cuts of Meat

When selecting red meats, opt for lean cuts like sirloin steak rather than fatty cuts like ribeye or T-bone. Trim any visible fat before cooking to reduce the amount of saturated fat in the meat.

Cook with Healthy Fats

When cooking animal proteins, use healthier fats like olive oil or avocado oil rather than butter or lard. These oils are high in monounsaturated fats, which can help to lower your LDL cholesterol levels.

Experiment with New Recipes

Try out new recipes that incorporate animal proteins like fish, chicken, or eggs. Look for recipes that use heart-healthy ingredients like fresh herbs, spices, and vegetables.

Consider Supplements

If you’re not able to get enough animal proteins in your diet, consider taking supplements like omega-3 fish oil capsules or vitamin B12 supplements.

These can help to ensure that you’re getting enough of the nutrients that are important for heart health.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to improving your heart health, animal proteins can be an important part of your diet.

However, it’s important to choose the right kinds of animal proteins, like fatty fish, lean meats, and eggs, and to prepare them in a way that’s healthy for your heart. Incorporating more animal proteins into your diet can be a delicious and effective way to promote heart health.