Protein is an essential macronutrient that helps with muscle development, cell growth, and many other important bodily functions. Protein sources are essential for a healthy diet. One of the most common misconceptions about protein is that meat is the only way to get it.
This couldn’t be further from the truth! There are many plant-based proteins that offer all of the benefits of animal proteins, without any of the downsides! Here, are 5 plants rich in protein you should add to your daily diet.
Protein is Important for Your Diet
We’re constantly told that if we want to get a good workout in, we should eat meat. This is one of the greatest misconceptions about nutrition. Protein is an essential macronutrient that helps with muscle development, cell growth, and many other important bodily functions.
Protein sources are essential for a healthy diet. One of the most common misconceptions about protein is that meat is the only way to get it. This couldn’t be further from the truth! There are many plant-based proteins that offer all of the benefits of animal proteins, without any of the downsides!
Best 5 Plant-Based Protein
1. Black Beans
A 4.6 ounce serving of black beans provides 16 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber, and only 15 grams of sugar.
It also offers a wide variety of antioxidants that can help in healing inflammation.
2. Quinoa
Quinoa is a great source of protein and fiber. It’s high in both, with a 6 ounce serving providing 12 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber.
3. Tempeh
A serving of tempeh provides 9 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber. Tempeh is one of the most nutrient-dense foods, with only 5 grams of sugar.
The healthy fats found in tempeh may have potential benefits for digestive issues, joint pain, and blood sugar management.
4. Broccoli
A 4.5 ounce serving of broccoli contains 5 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber.
It is high in manganese, vitamin C, and potassium.
5. Peanuts
Making a peanut butter sandwich is a healthy complete protein snack. Peanut butter is also rich in protein, with 3.6 grams per tablespoon.
Why are plant-based proteins better?
The primary difference between plant and animal proteins is the presence of amino acids (not necessarily in the right proportions). Animals are on the whole more diverse in their amino acid makeup than plants.
The human body is only able to produce a limited number of amino acids, as the number of amino acids present in a particular foodstuff (or species) is dependent on its ancestral diet, nature of its lifecycle (i.e., growing, or hibernating), and genetic make-up.
Plant-based proteins, such as legumes, seeds, and whole grains, have an abundance of amino acids due to their high-quality protein and the natural diets and environments in which they were grown.
Why should you eat these 5 plants?
Proteins from plants are known to have a number of benefits to health and well-being, including weight loss, and optimizing longevity. There are three types of proteins commonly found in plants: Zinc: Plant-based zinc has strong antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties.
Plant-based zinc has strong antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties. Iron: As part of an antioxidant complex, iron helps to prevent damage to cells and tissues. As part of an antioxidant complex, iron helps to prevent damage to cells and tissues.
Zinc: Studies show that plant-based zinc may help prevent the oxidation of fat. Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are basic nutrients used in the body for energy, to transport nutrients, and to build tissues and cells.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that meat is not the only way to get protein. In fact, the benefits of plant-based protein have been proven time and time again!
Now that you know more about plant-based protein and how to use it in your everyday diet, you are ready to improve your health and maximize your body’s ability to naturally make the protein it needs.