Proteins, specifically plant proteins are essential nutrients for the human body. Next to water, protein is the most abundant molecule in the body. Protein is found in every cell, tissues, and organs of the body and is therefore the body’s major structural component. Proteins are constantly being broken down and replaced to replenish the body. The protein in the foods we eat is digested into amino acids that are later used to replace broken down proteins in our bodies.
Sunwarrior‘s video explains what proteins are and why we need plant protein.
There are three categories of amino acids: essential amino acids, non-essential amino acids and conditional amino acids.
Essential amino acids cannot be made by the body, and are only supplied by the foods we eat.
Non-essential amino acids are made by the body from essential amino acids or in the normal breakdown of proteins.
Conditional amino acids are usually not essential, except in times of illness, stress or for someone challenged with a lifelong medical condition.
Amino acids are found in animal sources such as meats, milk, fish and eggs, as well as in plant sources such as whole grains, pulses, legumes, fruits, nuts and seeds. Vegans and vegetarians gets plenty of essential amino acids by eating a variety of plant proteins. Some green leafy plants like Kale and Watercress are powerful alkaline foods that provide healthy alkalizing protein.
Animal Protein or Plant Protein?
(Phyto)Plant-based foods are free from cholesterol, high in fiber, and alkalize the body. however animal proteins lack enough fiber, and are acid-forming in the body. Acidity depletes vital minerals like calcium from your bones, and decreases oxygen levels in the blood. furthermore animal proteins negatively affect the digestive/lymphatic system.
Read this article to learn about Phyto-nutrients…
Sources:
CDC
Wikipedia
Sunwarrior
Comments