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Is Plant Protein Better For You Than Animal Protein?
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Meanings of “protein”
Protein is a macronutrient, a family of molecules made of amino acids. It is found in many different food items like meat and legumes. Even grains and leafy vegetables have some. Plant-based or animal-based proteins have varying amounts of protein and are not an even swap.
Protein is also colloquially referred to like food that used to be known as the "meat group" like fish or beef.
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Protein-rich foods from animals
- They may have more saturated fatty acids (beef and dairy especially)
- They may have more omega-3 fatty acids (fish especially)
- They don’t contain any fiber or carbohydrates.
- They tend to be very high in protein.
If you need a lot of protein in your diet, meat is a great way to satisfy that need.
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“Plant protein”
Plant-based protein sources don't have as much protein. You can get enough protein through a plant-based diet, as long as it is well balanced. Plant-based protein sources:
- They often contain fiber (especially legumes and whole grains).
- If they contain fat, they are often rich in “good” fats (for example, the omega-3’s in nuts).
- They contain plenty of starch as well, so it’s impossible to follow a low-carb diet if that’s a priority for you.
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Your overall diet
If your diet consists of the same narrow food groups, it will not be a proper diet, regardless if you eat a plant or animal-based protein. If you eat a strict vegan diet, you will need to supplement Vitamin B12.
Look at the entire meal you end up with, and how that affects everything else you eat.
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The Mediterranean Diet
The diet is abundant in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and olive oil.
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Research suggests these benefits:
- Improved weight loss
- Better control of blood glucose (sugar) levels
- Reduced risk of depression
- Associated with reduced levels of inflammation, a risk factor for heart attack, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease
How to change over to a Mediterranean Diet
Start small. Follow the strategies below, and make it a habit.
- Switch up your oil to extra-virgin olive oil, which is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids. Drizzle it on finished dishes like fish or chicken to boost flavor.
- Eat More fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel.
- Eat veggies all day long.
- Phase in "real" whole grains that are still in their “whole” form and haven’t been refined.
- Snack on nuts, like almonds, cashews, or pistachios.
- Enjoy Fruit for dessert. Also keep fresh fruit visible at home to snack on.
- Sip (a little) wine.
- Instead of gobbling your meal in front of the TV, slow down and sit down at the table with your family and friends to savor what you’re eating.
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Plant-based protein menus
Plant-based protein sources are not the same as animal protein sources. Proteins are made up of amino acids which are the building blocks of every cell and hormone in our body. Meat protein contains all nine essential amino acids, whereas plant-based protein usually lacks at least one of the nine essential amino acids our body needs.
Unripe jackfruit makes a convincing choice for pulled pork alternatives, curries and burgers. But it is almost valueless if you needed protein since jackfruit consists of carbohydrates. Vegan burgers are made up of beans, but this is not a complete protein source.
Iron content
One study found that 25% of vegans (mainly women) had very low blood iron levels, compared to 0% of omnivores.
Plants like whole grains, legumes and spinach are high in iron but is not always the best type. Animal sources contain haem iron. Non-haem iron, found in plants, is not as well absorbed by the body.