Vegetarians get asked all the time, ”where do you get your protein from?”
A lot of people think that they can only get enough protein if they eat meat. The truth is plants can be a GREAT source of protein and are ideal if you want to lose weight.
You may think it's complicated to combine proteins from different foods to make the protein complete. This was a concern back in the 80's and 90's. A decade ago, research proved that the idea of protein combining is a myth.
”Plant proteins can provide all essential amino acids and protein combining or the concept of complementing proteins is not necessary.” The American Heart Association
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There are a TON of studies saying that plant proteins are the safest and best form of protein to eat.
Here are just 4 reasons you should be eating more plant based proteins:
1. Anti-inflammatory: Plant proteins are rich in anti-inflammatory compounds. They fight off heart diseases, tumors, certain types of cancer, arthritis and auto-immune conditions.
2. Alkaline forming: Plant proteins are alkaline formers and less of acid formers. Alkalinity of plant proteins protect from kidney stones, kidney cancer and nephrosis. It also reduces the risk of osteoporosis or bone loss.
3. Lower cholesterol: Plant proteins like nuts, seeds, legumes and beans are rich in protein. Plus, they are full of fiber and phytosterols which help lower total cholesterol levels.
4. Antioxidants: Plants provide a range of antioxidants like vitamins C, E, and bioflavonoids. These help lower the risk of a lot of degenerative diseases.
Dietary fiber, antioxidants and phytonutrients are the freebies you get with plant proteins. Another bonus is that plant proteins help to fight off inflammation and depression.
A study of a group of employees found that a plant-based diet improved mood & productivity. The study found that the group that ate plant-based meals reported positive results. Compared to the control group that did not have a specific diet, the test group showed improved mood and productivity.
Researchers noted the following at the end of the study:
- measurable improvements in depression, anxiety, and fatigue.
- an average of 10 pounds weight loss
- lowered LDL cholesterol by 13 points and
- diabetics showed improved blood sugar.
Not sure which plants yous should eat to get the most protein? No worries, I got this covered!
7 High protein plant foods
1. 2 Tablespoon hemp seed butter ( 30 g) = 9 grams protein
This is 3 grams more than an ounce of beef. Use it as spread on Ezekiel or gluten free bread.
2. An ounce of nuts ( 28 g) = 6 grams protein
This is about a fistful of nuts. Nuts like almonds or pistachios are a convenient snack food. Also add to salads & stir fry.
3. A cup of cooked millets = 6 g protein
Use in place of regular pasta, or in soups.
4. 2 Tablespoon peanut butter = 8 g protein
That's about 3 grams more protein than an ounce of chicken.
Besides use in sandwiches, peanut butter is tasty on celery sticks and other veggies. And who could forget peanut butter cups!
5. An ounce of chia seeds ( 28 g) = 4 g protein
Best on oatmeal or in puddings and desserts.
6. An ounce of pumpkin seeds (a fistful) = 7 g protein
Snack, stir fry, salads.
7. Half a cup cooked dried beans gives 7 g protein
Chili recipes, stir fry, salad, soups, as hummus,
in wraps. Examples include black bean, black eyed peas, chick pea etc.
Some beans with highest protein content are adzuki and lentils
½ cup adzuki beans (cooked) = 8.65 g protein
½ cup lentils ( cooked) = 9 g protein
I'm not saying you have to become a vegetarian but make do sure you have plenty of plant proteins in your meal plan. Your health will reap the rewards!
Yours in Health,
Danette
P.S. I hope you'll share this with your friends and leave me a comment below.