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Recommended vegetarian protein sources

Added: 02/07/2006

There has been a popular misconception that argued that meat is the only source of protein, and therefore vegetarian diet has been considered by some as unhealthy due to the lack of real protein in it. However, according to recent researches there are lots of vegetarian protein sources (including whole grains, seeds, sea vegetables, etc.). But the only problem about them is that they don`t contain complete proteins (except for soybeans).

Speaking about vegetarian protein sources it?s necessary to mention that proteins are made up of very small molecules known as amino acids. In the process of proteins digestion they are being broken down into the mentioned amino acids before being absorbed into the human bloodstream. Then the human body uses amino acids for building various kind of protein necessary for grow and maintenance of body tissues including body organs and muscles.
As a matter of fact there are twenty amino acids known in modern medical practice. The eight of them are considered to be indispensable or essential. These are amino acids which cannot be produced by the human body and that?s why ? should be absorbed from food. It?s worthy mentioning that plant foods are considered to be the best vegetarian protein sources because they contain all the essential amino acids. By eating variety of plant food the person is able to get all the required amino acids. By the way the protein of soy (one of the well-known vegetarian protein sources) is equivalent in value to the protein of animal origin. Therefore, soy is often used as the only source of protein by most of vegetarians.
Thus, plant protein is known to provide a well-balanced and complete source of amino acids. As a matter of fact 65% of protein eaten all over the world is provided by plant food.
So, it?s clear that being a vegetarian doesn?t mean having leak of protein. It?s necessary to mention that almost any combination of foods can meet adult needs in protein. In case food contains not enough calories dietary protein can be used for energy rather than repair or growth. So, this cannot be a real problem for vegetarians because plant food contains not only protein, but also carbohydrates for providing people with energy.
Thus, in spite of the fact that plant food is often lower in protein that animal food nowadays it?s evident that vegetarian diets are able to meet or even exceed all the protein requirements. It?s worthy admitting that lower protein intake is considered to be better that higher one, because the least has been associated with poor kidney function and osteoporosis. The minimal requirements for essential amino acids usually vary. For example, Western vegetarian diet used to provide people with more than enough essential amino aids (in some case even more than needed).
I can?t but mention that among the well-known recommended sources of protein are seeds, nuts, legumes (including various soy products), free-range eggs, whole grains, sea vegetables and a couple of dairy products such as cheese and milk. It?s a common knowledge that all the plant food contains some protein and therefore ? everything the person eats will contribute to his or her total carbohydrate intake and fat, plus minerals, vitamins, etc.
When the person explores a wide variety of vegetarian foods he or she will realize all the ways to be extremely well-nourished! Thus, vegetarian protein sources play an important role in the health of both vegetarian and meat-eaters.

Speaking about vegetarian protein sources, it is necessary to mention that proteins are made up of very small molecules known as amino acids. In the process of proteins digestion they are being broken down into the mentioned amino acids before being absorbed into the bloodstream. Then the human body uses amino acids for building various kind of protein necessary for the growth and maintenance of body tissues, including body organs and muscles.

 

As a matter of fact, there are twenty amino acids known in modern medical practice. Eight of them are considered to be indispensable or absolutely essential. These are amino acids which cannot be produced by the human body and that is why should be consumed with food. It is worthy mentioning that plant foods are considered to be the best vegetarian protein sources because they contain all the essential amino acids. Only through consuming different plant foods the person is able to get all the required amino acids. By the way, the protein of soy (one of the well-known vegetarian protein sources) is equivalent in value to the protein of animal origin. Therefore, soy is often used as the only source of protein by most of vegetarians.

 

Thus, plant protein is known to provide a well-balanced and complete source of amino acids. In fact 65% of protein eaten all over the world is provided by plant food.

 

So, it is clear that being a vegetarian doesn?t mean suffering from the lack of protein. It is necessary to mention that almost any combination of foods can meet adult needs in protein. In case food contains not enough calories dietary protein can be used for energy rather than repair or growth. So, this cannot be a real problem for vegetarians because plant food contains not only protein, but also carbohydrates for providing people with energy.

 

Thus, in spite of the fact that plant food is often lower in protein that animal food, nowadays it is evident that vegetarian diets are able to meet or even exceed all the protein requirements. It is worthy admitting that lower protein intake is considered to be better that higher one, because the latter has been associated with poor kidney function and osteoporosis. The minimal requirements for essential amino acids usually vary. For example, the Western vegetarian diet used to provide people with more than enough essential amino aids (in some case even more than needed).

 

I cannot but mention that among the well-known recommended sources of protein are seeds, nuts, legumes (including various soy products), free-range eggs, whole grains, sea vegetables and a couple of dairy products such as cheese and milk. It is a common knowledge that all the plant food contains some protein and therefore everything the person eats will contribute to his or her total carbohydrate intake and fat, plus minerals, vitamins, etc.

 

When the person explores a wide variety of vegetarian foods he or she will realize all the ways to be extremely well-nourished! Thus, vegetarian protein sources play an important role in the health of both vegetarian and meat-eaters.




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