Slaying the Protein Myths

Slaying the protein myths

Things you should know about plant-based protein

9.3.2022

Protein is the building block of life.

It is an important component of every cell in the body and our body needs it for pretty much everything: to build and repair tissues, make enzymes and hormones, build our muscles, skin, bones hair and nails, triggers neurotransmitters in the brain to improve our moods, lower our blood sugar, and even help us focus. Because our body doesn´t store protein, it´s is important to get enough of it during the day, however you don’t need to eat rice or beans with every meal to get your fill.

Proteins can be gained from many food sources, including plants and animals. Many assume that one can only fulfill their bodies’ needs if animal products like meat, eggs, cheese or milk are consumed and that one can't get enough proteins from plant-based food sources. Did you ever wonder why some important figures – even those from childhood characters like Popeye would eat spinach to stay strong and grow his muscles instead of munching on a steak? There was some truth to that!

Many plant-based foods like almonds, legumes such as beans, soybeans, peas, chickpeas, peanuts, lentils or lupins, quinoa, oats, whole-grain bread, broccoli, potatoes, spinach, brussels sprouts, corn (just to mention a few), are high in protein. Despite knowing that protein can be obtained from plant-based sources, there are still many myths surrounding the topic, which we hope to clear up once and for all.

Plant-based protein Myths:

  • Myth #1: Plant-based proteins don’t contain all the necessary amino-acids.

Many plant-based foods are filled with all the essential amino acids (like hemp, chia, sprouted brown rice, soy beans, quinoa – to name some). However, it is important to make sure to "eat the rainbow" of veggies and grains to ensure you're getting a variety of amino acids – so don’t only focus on broccoli or spinach but make the best out of it and try out a variety of food sources. This is key!

  • Myth #2: They don’t build up muscles as well as animal proteins.

Why not? Think about strong and fierce animals like gorillas, rhinos or elephants who are all plant-powered herbivores! There are many vegan bodybuilders and athletes who demonstrate that you can stay fit and strong when you focus on plant-based proteins. It’s interesting that people would say to stay strong as an Ox one needs to consume meat-when in reality Oxen eat almost any vegetation including grass, leafy plants, mosses, herbs, and shrubs!

  • Myth #3: Plant-based proteins are high in carbohydrates and thus higher in calories.

Not necessarily. The right plant-based foods can be an excellent source, often with fewer calories than animal products. For example, chia seeds are rich in fiber and contain healthy Omega-3 fatty acids and are low-calorie foods like many other vegetables (broccoli, spinach, kale, mushrooms, asparagus, hemp seeds, etc.). It is also known that high-protein diets help reduce body weight.

  • Myth #4: You can't get enough proteins from plant-based sources.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends a minimum daily protein intake of 0.8 grams (g) of protein per kilogram of body weight. It's a fact that nearly all of us consume more protein than needed. Everyone who eats an eight-ounce steak typically served in restaurants already exceeds the recommended protein intake. Plant-based foods provide enough protein when your diet comprises a variety of different foods like legumes, nuts, vegetables and grains.

  • Myth #5: Eating plant-based proteins is worse for the environment than consuming animal derived ones.

Not so. Nutritionally valuable food is being fed to animals to produce meat, but by not using animals as meat-producing machines, this food could be freed to help those that need it most. Vegetarian (and more so, vegan) diets use up far less of the world’s resources of food, land, water and energy.

  • Myth #6: Consuming a lot of plant proteins is bad for one's health.

Plant protein can do a better job of meeting your protein needs than animal products, both because they are less concentrated sources of protein (making it less likely that you’ll get too much) and because they are more likely to be present with other nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and healthy fats. Excess animal protein is linked to kidney disease, osteoporosis, cancers, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Overview of plant-based protein sources

Avocado 4,2 grams /cup
Asparagus 2,1 grams /cup
Broccoli 5 grams / cup
Spinach 1,8 grams / cup
Kale 5 grams / cup
Mushrooms 2 grams / cup
Soybeans 28 grams /cup
Lentils 18 grams / cup
Kidney beans 13-15 grams / cup
Quinoa 8 grams /cup
Brown rice 7 grams / cup
Sesame seeds 6,5 grams / 1 oz
Hemp seeds 11 grams / 1 oz
Walnuts 5 grams / ¼ cups
Cashews 4,4 grams / 1 oz

 

Not only are vegetables great protein bombs, they are good for our health, the environment and certainly the best choice in regards to helping animals! There are thousands of ways to meet your daily protein needs with plant-based alternatives and varied meals. The 3R’s principle (Reduce, Refine, Replace) can help you with a step-by-step change towards a more animal-friendly diet.

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