90% of Lucknow Suffers from Protein Deficiency: 5 Best Sources of Protein

Protein deficiency seems to have become a serious concern in the country. According to a new study, conducted by an International research firm Kantar IMRB, Lucknow is the most protein deficient city in India with 90 per cent of its population suffering from protein deficiency. 

The study also reveals that Ahmedabad and Chennai with 84 per cent each have the second largest protein deficient people while Vijaywada with 72 per cent and Mumbai with 70 per cent are at the third and the fourth position. Delhi is at the fifth position with 60 per cent of its population suffering from protein deficiency.

The study involved analysing the diet patterns of respondents with the help of a survey. It involved 1800 people across all of India and found that Indian suffer from significant protein inadequacy, with 73 per cent of the total population consuming protein deficient diets. The study also indicates that, contrary to popular belief, not all non-vegetarian diets provided adequate protein. 65 per cent of Indians who follow a non-vegetarian diet were also found to be deficient in protein. 

There was a general lack of understanding among the respondents regarding protein deficiency. For instance, 73 per cent of them believed that green leafy vegetables are good sources of protein, which is not sufficient and about 1/5th of them believed that high protein diet is bad for their health. Earlier, the Indian Dietetic Association (IDA) had revealed that the Indian diet, in general, follows a 50 per cent inadequate protein pattern. Here are the five best sources of protein you must include in your daily diet.

1. Eggs: Eggs are a good source of complete protein. According to the USDA, one boiled egg has about 13 grams of protein in an easily digestible form. 

2. Milk: Milk is a complete food packed with protein, carbohydrates and fats. Along with three types of proteins casein, albumin and globulin, milk is also rich in calcium and Vitamin B12. 

3. Soy: As per a scientific paper, Protein - Which is Best?, which is available at the U.S. National Institutes of Health's National Library of Medicine, soy is a source of complete protein that has blood-pressure lowering and LDL-cholesterol oxidising benefits.

4. Quinoa: Quinoa is a complete protein source which contains all nine essential amino acids which is considered to be quite rare for a plant source. 

5. Fish and seafood: Fish and seafood is full of protein and also low in calories that makes it very healthy. They also provide Omega-3 fatty acids that are good for your heart and brain. 

With inputs from IANS