Which Foods Are Best For Building Muscle?

February 9th, 2011

There are a lot of choices available in order to get the proper amount of nutrition each day, but of course you can only eat so much at each meal. Because of this it is important to choose the best bodybuilding foods.

For protein, eggs are known to provide 12.6 grams per 100 grams. It is one of the most easily digested and absorbed foods in its raw form. As long as you can get the nutrients absorbed into your body, the proteins can be utilized to build muscle and maintain your body. When you’re eating eggs, eat the yolk as well. Despite the fact that raw egg yolk contains cholesterol, new studies have shown that the cholesterol found in raw eggs is not a contributor to heart disease. At the same time, the cholesterol will oxidize if you cook the egg yolk. Oxidized cholesterol is what clogs up our blood vessels and contributes to heart disease.

This is why it is important to eat the eggs uncooked whenever possible. It is the form that is most easily digested and absorbed by the body. It can be difficult to get over the texture and the taste of raw eggs, but there are ways to overcome it. Just put it in a protein shake or smoothie, and you can down it with no issue whatsoever.

Eggs are also a very affordable source of protein compared to other common sources of protein. Whether or not eggs is the best bodybuilding food, it’s definitely one of the best sources of protein and should be a staple in your diet.

Another great protein source is quinoa, which in its uncooked state contains 14 grams of protein for every 100 grams of product. Quinoa is rich in vitamins and minerals and is a gluten free source of complete protein, so it offers many other nutritional benefits outside of bodybuilding. All you need to do is soak it in water and rinse it before you cook it for proper preparation. Quinoa has a coating of saponin, which irritates your digestive system, so make sure you wash this off. Its mild taste makes it a great substitute for oatmeal or rice in cooking. Quinoa tastes amazing in a stir fry. Pastas and breads could also be constructed with quinoa flour.

Another excellent source of protein is beef, which boasts 26 grams of protein per 100 grams. Carnatine is found in higher levels in beef than any other food. With carnatine, you can break down fats, and make energy that is used for your metabolism to operate your body functions. Beef helps to increase strength as it provides a natural source of creatine. Beef is also filled with other nutrients that support muscle growth, recovery, and function. If you were to ask me, you have to include beef if you intend on bodybuilding.

Whey protein is another popular source of protein, containing between 25-95% per serving. You can get it in concentrated and isolated forms. Concentrate typically contains between 25-89% protein, and isolate typically contains between 90-95%. Check the container label to find out how much protein content there is. For weight gainer products, the protein powders contain more lactase (a form of sugar) and less protein. However, for the best bodybuilding results, a higher protein content product is the best option you can choose. You can digest whey at a fast rate, and it will quickly become available to synthesize proteins in your body. Be sure to take whey protein close to your workout, as you can get more energy in your muscles. Whey protein is a rich source of amino acids. BCAA is one of those amino acids, which works in the body by increasing the synthesis of the protein to help build and energize muscles. This is probably the best bodybuilding food of them all.

Tuna contains 26 grams of protein for each 100 grams, just like beef does. However, with tuna, you can find twice as much creatine. Proven to increase strength gains, particularly in resistance training, creatine is a very beneficial nutrient.

All of the foods outlined here are an excellent source of muscle building protein, but you should always remember to keep your diet nutritionally balanced. If you have a proper diet, you will be able to treat and repair your body correctly. Try to verify that your diet contains plenty of greens and fruit. However, focus on the best bodybuilding food.