"Where do you get your protein?"

Animal protein is harmful to your health!  According to the World Health Organization, our protein requirement is 5-15% of total calorie consumption.  The US recommends 10% protein of total calorie intake.  However, the meat industry dangerously recommends 30% of protein from calories.  But get this, “Kwashiorkor” is the leading disease caused from inadequate protein intake.  Never heard of it?  Well that's because the number of Kwashiorkor cases in the US is ZERO (0).  More importantly, the primary diseases from eating too much protein are osteoporosis and kidney disease – which claims tens of millions of cases in the US.   Why are we so insistent on purposely inflicting diseases on ourselves in the name of health? Because the meat industry spends billions of dollars per year in advertising and releasing bogus health (marketing) reports with no actual scientific backing.  The name of the game for the meat industry is making money (billions) and not public health.

Essential Amino Acids.  To get a little more technical, the protein needed for human consumption is comprised of amino acids.  There are 9 essential amino acids that many people are concerned about getting enough of in order to maintain and build lean muscle mass. Vegetables, grains, and legumes proficiently provide all 9 essential amino acids.  Also, according to the American Dietetic Association, it is a myth that vegetarians must make specific combinations in order to build a “complete protein”.  This is a myth because scientific research has shown that combining certain foods are in fact not necessary at all, as long as vegetables, grains, and legumes are in your diet on a daily basis.

Protect against disease!  Keep in mind that all animal proteins are completely void of fiber! Whereas vegetables, legumes, and grains are loaded with not only fiber but protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants! Fiber is a powerhouse when it comes to fighting against certain cancers and other chronic illnesses. Not only are all animal proteins void of fiber, they are loaded with cholesterol and saturated fat when plant-based foods have ZERO cholesterol and rarely any saturated fat.

If you’re still concerned about protein, here are some excellent sources of protein-packed plant-based foods:

• Seitan – 4 oz = 24 grams of Protein

• Tofu – ½ cup = 20 grams of Protein

• Lentils – 1 cup = 18 grams of Protein

• Black beans – 1 cup = 15.2 grams of Protein

• Chickpeas – 1 cup = 14.5 grams of Protein

Think about how much protein is indicated above…now think about how an ounce of meat contains approximately 7 grams of protein but has zero fiber and about 50 mg of cholesterol! That is a recipe for cancer, heart/vascular disease, diabetes, and other chronic diseases.

An interesting fact: It is a fact that human DNA is more closely related to chimpanzees than the DNA of horses and donkeys (who can have offspring together).  Chimpanzees eat a 99% vegetarian diet.  The 1% is mostly comprised of insects.

- Kimberly Garrett

References:    
Campbell, T. C. (2006). The China Study. Dallas: BenBella Books
Robbins, J. (2011). The Food Revolution. San Francisco: Conari Press
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM)
United States Department of Agriculture

Still concerned about protein? Check this short video out coming from a bodybuilder!

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