6 Ways to Increase Protein for Plasma Donation
What is plasma?
Did you know that more than half of your blood is made up of plasma and that plasma is 92% water? Although it is largely comprised of water, plasma also contains the essential proteins like antibodies and coagulation proteins as well as others. Because of this, it’s important for donors to maintain a high level of protein when donating plasma. There are things you can do to boost your protein levels. Disclaimer: The following high-protein sources may not be appropriate for all individuals. Please speak with your health care provider before making changes to your diet.
6 easy ways to get more protein:
1. Indulge in a little red meat
Feel free to indulge in that steak! Eating red meat is a great way to increase the protein levels in your blood. Just make sure to enjoy a leaner cut. Compare the nutritional value of a 3-ounce serving of each of these steaks: a sirloin contains 26 grams of protein, 150 calories and 5 grams of fat vs. a ribeye, which contains 15 grams of protein, 200 calories and 15 grams of fat. Consider the same when choosing ground beef: A 3-ounce serving of 93% lean ground beef contains 24 grams of protein, 170 calories and 8 grams of fat. The same size serving of 80% lean ground beef has 19 grams of protein, 200 calories and 17 grams of fat.
2. Eat pork
Pork is also an excellent source of protein, providing 26 grams in a 3.5-ounce serving. Here are some tasty recipes to try that might also be a little kinder to your budget than the steak above: 23 Budget-Friendly Pork Chop Recipes (tasty.co)
3. Enjoy some poultry
Arguably one of the most versatile foods to plan a meal around, poultry is also very high in protein. A 4-ounce roasted chicken breast contain 26 grams of protein. Try these delicious chicken recipes for your next meal: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/photos/easy-chicken-dinner-recipes
