When you think protein, what do you think? Probably chicken, beef, eggs, turkey all of which create big ripped muscles.... While these are SOME protein options they are certainly not the ONLY protein options, and they certainly aren't the most quality protein options. In America we are very stuck on the concept of only being able to get high quality protein from animal meat, this mind set is heavily influenced by the Big Factory Farm Animal Industries. The truth is, animal meat is not a superior protein.
Protein is a very necessary nutrient for the body, in fact 25% of the body is made up of protein. Protein is the building blocks of all cells. But protein is not what your body uses or needs, it uses amino acids. There are about 25 amino acids, which are pieced together to make different kinds of proteins, which make cells, muscles, hormones and every thing else in your body. There are eight amino acids that are essential (meaning we must get them through our diet), all the others our body makes from the essential amino acids we eat. Whatever the protein eaten, your body must break it down into the individual amino acids then rebuild these animo acids into whatever is needed by your body.
Animal meat contains all 8 of the essential amino acids, so you can get all amino acids by eating animal meat, which is the basis for the claim that animal meat is a far superior protein. What is neglected and overlooked in this view point is that animal meat is assembled into very complicated and complex protein chains. Our body must break down these complicated protein chains to extract the amino acids, which is what is really needed. Because animal meat is constructed using very complex protein chains, it is much more difficult for the body to digest and break these down into individual amino acids.
Digestion
The process of digestion, and how quickly and effectively it works, is directly related to how much energy and health we experience. Traditional carnivores have very short digestive tracts. When they eat dense, complex animal meat protein their body is able to break down, extract the nutrients and then get the rest out of the body quickly. This is important because the longer animal meat stays in the body, the more it begins to putrefy and rot. It is fairly easy to understand this concept. If you leave a steak out in 98 degree weather what will happen? The high heat will cause the meat to quickly putrify. Your body is a hot and humid 98 degrees. When this process of purification begins inside of the body it causes internal detoxification and an overgrowth of unhealthy bacteria especially in the colon.
There is a direct link between diets high in animal protein and colon cancer, and the length of time animal protein stays in the digestive tract is the reason why. Unlike carnivores, humans have very long digestive tracts. This means animal meat stays in our digestive tract a very long time as it winds its way through 20 feet of intestines. According to Lisa Cicciarello Andrews, College of Nursing, University of Cincinnati, red meats on average take from 1 to 3 days to be completely digested and eliminated from the body. Red meats take much longer to digest than other foods because of their high protein and fat content. Imagine what condition a steak would be in after even 1 day in 98 degree weather. Can that in any way be healthy inside of your body?
Beyond animo acids there is little to nothing beneficial for the human body in animal meat in terms of nutrients, in fact most of it is harmful. Animal meat is extremely high in saturated fat and is in fact one of the only sources of saturated fat in the diet. Saturated fat is the biggest dietary cause of high LDL levels or bad cholesterol. Saturated fat also decreases insulin sensitivity, which causes the body to store food more often as fat, rather than other uses. You can read more about the 5 Problems with a High Protein Diet in my previous blog post. We eat animal meat for protein but what if there was an equally high quality source of protein that didn't contain anything harmful, was easy to digest and came along with many other beneficial nutrients? Sounds like the perfect combination! That is exactly what plant based proteins offer.
There are many plant based foods that have just as many amino acids, including many with all 8 of the essential amino acids, and come with added beneficial nutrients including fiber, complex carbs, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and many other beneficial nutrients. Protein is abundant in fruits, vegetables, seeds, sprouts, nuts and sea vegetables. Plant based proteins are not acidic, in fact most are highly alkalizing for the human body. It is sometimes shocking to learn just how much protein can be found in plant based foods. For instance spinach has a whopping 50% protein, pumpkin seeds contain 21% protein and quinoa contains 16% protein. Broccoli has 11.2 grams of protein and romaine lettuce 11.6. Compared that to steak which only has 5.4 grams of protein. Calorie for calorie plant foods have almost twice as much protein as animal meat!
Problems with Animal Protein
Beyond animo acids there is little to nothing beneficial for the human body in animal meat in terms of nutrients, in fact most of it is harmful. Animal meat is extremely high in saturated fat and is in fact one of the only sources of saturated fat in the diet. Saturated fat is the biggest dietary cause of high LDL levels or bad cholesterol. Saturated fat also decreases insulin sensitivity, which causes the body to store food more often as fat, rather than other uses. You can read more about the 5 Problems with a High Protein Diet in my previous blog post. We eat animal meat for protein but what if there was an equally high quality source of protein that didn't contain anything harmful, was easy to digest and came along with many other beneficial nutrients? Sounds like the perfect combination! That is exactly what plant based proteins offer.
Plant Based Proteins
There are many plant based foods that have just as many amino acids, including many with all 8 of the essential amino acids, and come with added beneficial nutrients including fiber, complex carbs, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and many other beneficial nutrients. Protein is abundant in fruits, vegetables, seeds, sprouts, nuts and sea vegetables. Plant based proteins are not acidic, in fact most are highly alkalizing for the human body. It is sometimes shocking to learn just how much protein can be found in plant based foods. For instance spinach has a whopping 50% protein, pumpkin seeds contain 21% protein and quinoa contains 16% protein. Broccoli has 11.2 grams of protein and romaine lettuce 11.6. Compared that to steak which only has 5.4 grams of protein. Calorie for calorie plant foods have almost twice as much protein as animal meat!
Some of the best sources of plant based proteins are greens, quinoa, hemp, chia and sea veggies such as Chlorella and Spirulina. All of these are far superior proteins to animal meat in terms of their effect on the human body. Quinoa, hemp and chia are all complete proteins, having all 8 of the essential amino acids, and are also high in other beneficial nutrients include Omega 3 fatty acids and fiber.
Quinoa
Hemp
Chia
Chia not only contains all eight amino acids it is one of the world's healthiest superfoods. Chia seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids and ALA, as well as fiber, antioxidants, minerals and other nutrients.The essential fatty acids increase HDL (good cholesterol) while decreasing LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides. Chia seeds were consumed by the ancient Aztecs, who called it the “running food” due to the energy boost and hydrophilic properties that help regulate electrolytes. The complex carbohydrates found in chia break down slowly to maintain energy levels for improved stamina and endurance. The Omega-3s boost mental energy and increase your mood. 
Other high quality proteins include nuts and nut butters, lentils, seeds and most all veggies, especially dark green veggies. Some of the highest amounts of proteins are found in the following plant foods:
Food Protein %
Tomato 19%
Buckwheat 15%
Oatmeal 17%
Wheat germ 26%
Kidney beans 58%
Almonds 15%
Artichokes 28%
Kale 26%
Spinach 50%
Watercress 84%
Making the switch from animal based proteins to plant based ones increases energy, mental alertness, vitality and your health in every way!
Holistic Health Practitioner, Holistic Nutritionist, Master Herbalist & Wellness Coach
www.alignholistichealth.com
www.rawvitalitycleanse.com
THANK YOU!!!! Great post, Candice :)
ReplyDeleteDue to Monsanto soy is not a good option, highly filled with GMOs. Stay away from corn also another vegetable Monsanto has messed with. That is unless you have a source that can verify they are GMO free.
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right about GMO's, which is why it is important to always choose organic. That way you are ensured you are GMO free. Soy is a good option if it is Organic and eaten in balance. Organic eliminates GMO's. Thank you for your comment!
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