Plant Protein is Better
Where Will You Get Your Protein?
Tell someone that you have taken up a vegan diet and you are likely to hear this response: “Where will you get your protein?” We certainly do need protein in our diets, but this phrase so commonly heard assumes that the vegan diet will not supply what we need. This just isn’t true. In fact, protein from a vegan diet that eliminates all animal food sources is actually the better way to go.
It's the Amino Acids!
Protein is made up of amino acids. Eight amino acids have been labeled as essential, meaning they must be found in our diet since our bodies will not make them. It’s not well known, but the fact is, all foods have all the essential amino acids.1 The bigger problem from amino acids composition comes from the abundance of acid-forming amino acids found in meats and animal products. Compare the urinary pH of a vegan to that of a meat-eating omnivore and you will find the omnivore urine is more acidic.2 To buffer the acidity the body extracts calcium from the bones and muscles, thus weakening both.3,4
The Consequences Can be Serious
Here is a list of some serious health conditions with elevated risk when a diet high in animal protein is consumed. As you can see, protein from the diet is a serious subject, just not exactly in the way that the majority of the world believes. Plant protein is better!
1. Osteoporosis/Hip Fracture
2. Kidney stones
3. Cancer
4. Kidney disease
5. Weight gain/Obesity
6. Accelerated aging
7. Stress Hormones
8. Heart Disease
9. Elevated cholesterol
10. Early onset of menstruation
References
1 Nedley N. Proof Positive. 1999. P. 150
2 Ausman L, et al. Journal of Renal Nutrition. 2008
3 Heaney, Robert P., The American journal of clinical nutrition, 2008
4 Dawson-Hughes, The American journal of clinical nutrition, 2008
