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Vegan Protein

Recent studies show that vegan protein is healthier than animal protein. However, in general people have believed that plant proteins were always considered inferior. This article will help clear up any misconceptions you may have about protein and where you can get it from, especially if you are a vegetarian.

Is vegan protein sufficient for humans?

The assumption that plant proteins are inferior, was based on certain tests done on rats. Protein requirements of rats and humans are not similar. Because of this, plant proteins were found insufficient for the proper growth of rats.

However, for humans, plant proteins are sufficient for optimum growth and the required percentage of proteins per day is easily met with a vegan diets.

Proteins are made up of about 20 amino acids, of which 8 are said to be essential for humans. These 8 essential amino acids should be included in the diet in sufficient amounts, for proper growth and smooth functioning of the body.

Soy protein is considered to be equivalent to animal protein as it has all the essential amino acids present, like animal protein.

Other vegan food items rich in proteins like legumes, nuts, whole grains and beans, do not contain all of the essential amino acids. However, this deficiency can be rectified by including a variety of protein-rich vegan foods in your daily diet.

Is food combining necessary?

Studies have proved that all plant-based foods contain different amino acids at variable concentrations. Combining different plant proteins is enough to meet the desired protein requirements of the body.

A person eating a healthy balanced diet will not experience any shortfall in the protein intake. In a balanced diet, an assortment of proteins are eaten – the amino acids of one food compensating for the deficiency of others.

Vegan protein is better

Recent findings point to the harmful effects of excess protein intake in the body. Due to the higher concentrations of fat in animal proteins, this may contribute to weight gain and obesity.

Plant-based protein foods solve this problem easily, as they contain the right amount of protein for the human body.

Animal proteins are also found to raise your cholesterol level and fat content in the blood. This again will lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, and other high cholesterol-related diseases. Animal proteins are also linked to higher risk rates for breast cancer.

Is a vegan diet enough for growing children?

Growing children need more protein, as proteins are the building blocks that help form new cells, enabling growth. A proper balanced vegan diet can meet the protein needs of growing children. Proteins are important for growing children. However, their diet should be planned with equal importance given to all nutrients.

A vegan diet, which supplies the right amount of proteins, can help prevent childhood obesity. A child consuming animal protein on a regular basis is at a higher risk of obesity.

This is considered to be a significant health problem. Obese children have a higher risk for becoming obese adults with a host of long term associated health problems.

Sources of Vegan Protein

A balanced diet should consist of an adequate amount of protein. This is easily met by including protein-rich plant foods in the diet. Some of the high-protein vegan food sources are:
  • Soy, which is the most complete plant protein.
  • Other pulses like beans, lentils and peas.
  • Whole grain products such as whole wheat bread and brown rice.
  • Nuts such as peanuts, Brazil nuts, almond and hazel nuts.
  • Seeds such as pumpkin, sunflower and sesame seeds.
  • Green leafy vegetables.
Fruits are the only vegan food that is very low in protein. So eating a fruit-only diet may cause protein deficiency.

A balanced vegan diet is perfect for humans. It provides the right amount of nutrients, including essential amino acids. It is ideal for proper growth and maintenance of your body. Furthermore, it will also help prevent a certain number of disease you may get from eating a meat based diet.



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