Plant based protein is superior to meat based protein for these reasons:
- None to very little Saturated fat and cholesterol. It is also loaded with a good source of Fibers & Antioxidants. Being a Vegetarian/ Vegan helps us live longer, feel/look younger and also improve our quality of health.
- Moreover, Plant based protein/diet often contains a great source of phytochemicals and antioxidants, which helps keep our organs healthy and also fights free radicals of degeneration. Free radicals can occur naturally by our body and also through the environments we encounter, so it’s unavoidable, but having a variety of different colors from a plant based diet and proteins helps increase our recovery from those free radical attacks, then in turn, our cells and us stay ‘younger’ longer.
- Also, different colors of antioxidants are not replacement by other color so that’s why, again, a Vegetarian/Vegan tends to look younger and are healthier than meat eaters since veggies take away the “negative” foods and replace with more “positive food”.
- A plant based diet decreases the chance for cardio-vascular diseases and cancers.Protein: Has many important functions for the body and it is essential for growth and maintenance.
- Plant Based Proteins are: Bean, Lentils, Pea, Soy Products (Tofu, Tempeh, and Veggie Burgers), seitan, Nuts (be sure to buy the unsalted, raw, organic ones because it’s healthier), seeds, hummus, avocado (more as healthy fat and protein). Veggie meat (tends to be bit high in sodium so be sure to use sparingly)How much protein do we need?
(This amount is different for pregnant and lactating women, children and infants)Generally, we humans need about 0.8 to 1 gram of protein per kilogram. To calculate your protein need based on your healthy weight go to http://www.veganhealth.org/articles/protein#table3
(It also provides great tables of source amino acid provided by different plants foods)IMPORTANT: OBTAIN ADEQUATE AMINO ACIDS WHICH ARE ESSENTIAL FOR OUR HEALTH: Please eat a variety of unrefined grains, legumes, seeds, nuts, and vegetables throughout the day.
From Nutritionmd.org: “There are 20 different amino acids in the foods we eat, but our body can make only 11 of them. The nine essential amino acids that cannot be produced by the body must be obtained from the diet. A healthy diet based on a variety of grains, legumes, and vegetables easily provides all of the essential amino acids.It was once thought that various plant foods had to be eaten together to get their full protein value. This method was known as “protein combining” or “complementing.” We now know that intentional combining is not necessary to obtain all of the essential amino acids. Instead, simply consume a variety of nutrient–dense plant foods to meet your energy requirements and you’ll also meet your protein needs.”
Please read more about the plant based source of amino acids at
http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/protein.htm and
http://www.nutritionmd.org/nutrition_tips/nutrition_tips_athletes/protein_amino.html
Veggie Tips: Soy or rice milk, quinoa (a grain), and spinach are good sources of protein too.
