We all know nutrition is a key component of a healthy lifestyle, but it can be hard to keep track of what certain foods are providing for your body. Here is a list of 5 foods you should be eating to help build muscle!
1. Eggs
Eggs contain high-quality protein, healthy fats and other important nutrients like B vitamins and choline. Proteins are made up of amino acids, and eggs contain large amounts of the amino acid leucine, which is particularly important for muscle gain. Also, B vitamins are critically important for a variety of processes in your body, including energy production.
2. Salmon
Salmon is a great choice for muscle building and overall health. Each 3-ounce (85-gram) serving of salmon contains about 17 grams of protein, almost 2 grams of omega-3 fatty acids and several important B vitamins. Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in muscular health and may even increase muscle gain during exercise programs.
3. Chicken Breast
There’s a good reason why chicken breasts are considered a staple for gaining muscle. They are packed with protein, with each 3-ounce (85-gram) serving containing about 26 grams of high-quality protein. They also contain generous amounts of the B vitamins niacin and B6, which may be particularly important if you are active. These vitamins help your body function properly during the physical activity and exercise that’s necessary for optimal muscle gain.
4. Greek Yogurt
Dairy not only contains high-quality protein, but also a mixture of fast-digesting whey protein and slow-digesting casein protein. Some research has shown that people experience increases in lean mass when they consume a combination of fast- and slow-digesting dairy proteins.
5. Tuna
In addition to 20 grams of protein per 3-ounce (85-gram) serving, tuna contains high amounts of vitamin A and several B vitamins, including B12, niacin and B6. These nutrients are important for optimal health, energy and exercise performance. Additionally, tuna provides large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which may support muscle health. This may be particularly important for older adults. Research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids can slow the loss of muscle mass and strength that occurs with age.