Why is Plant Protein Better Than Animal Protein?

1. Humans need .8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight.

This is not difficult to do, as the average American consumes anywhere between 70 to 120 grams per person. To put this into perspective, 70 grams of protein would be the appropriate amount for a 200 pound person, while 120 grams would be appropriate for someone weighing 330 pounds. Theaverage American man and woman weigh 196 pounds and 156 pounds, respectively. Basically, everyone is getting more than enough.

2. Protein deficiency in America is, basically, unheard of.

Malnutrition as a result of inadequate protein happens, almost without exception, in developing countries alone. With approximately 16 million (or 5 percent) of the U.S. population known to be vegetarian, and half of those eating entirely plant-based, protein needs are obviously being met just fine.

3. Pretty much all plant foods have protein. 

Here’s the facts. We need to eat foods that supply us with the nine essential amino acids that our bodies can’t make on their own. Some plant-based foods have all of them (quinoa, buckwheat, soy, chia and hempseed) while others have a mix of some and not others. As long as foods like legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, fruits and vegetables are consumed daily, you’re getting everything you need and more.

4. Animal protein comes with fancy “gifts with purchase” like saturated fat, cholesterol, added hormones and antibiotics.

Diets that rely heavily on animal protein are typically also much higher in compounds that contribute to cardiovascular disease, such as saturated fat and cholesterol. Even lean sources are still filled with additional hormones and antibiotics, as well as bacteria, parasites and carcinogens.

5. Plant proteins offer a “Buy one, get these free” special with antioxidants, fiber, minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals.

Using quinoa as an example, 100 grams provides 14 grams of protein along with 25 percent of the RDA for both iron and vitamin B6 and almost 50 percent of the RDA for magnesium. It also packs 563 mg of potassium. The same measure of beef comes in at 26 grams of protein, and only 14 percent iron, 20 percent B6, a paltry 5 percent magnesium and 318 mg of potassium. It’s also double the fat at 15 grams with 90 mg of cholesterol, while quinoa has just 6 grams of fat and zero cholesterol.

http://www.onegreenplanet.org/natural-health/explain-like-im-five-why-is-plant-protein-better-than-animal-protein/?utm_source=Green+Monster+Mailing+List&utm_campaign=8e94da985f-NEWSLETTER_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bbf62ddf34-8e94da985f-106919241