Do Vegetarians Get Enough Protein?

A balanced vegetarian diet provides ample protein for good health. Vegetarian foods actually contain a higher quality of protein than meat, due to their easy digestibility, high fibre, vitamin and mineral and antioxidant content. One of the many problems with meat is that it is extremely difficult to digest, contains many toxic chemicals and hormones, and greatest of all, an animal had to give its life for it.

How is Protein Digested?

When protein is ingested into the body, it cannot be used as it is and has be be broken down into amino acids. The amino acids are then reconstructed back into proteins that can be used in the human body. The proteins are essentially chains of amino acids that have been constructed into a necklace of beads. In the human body there is a total of 20 aminao acids, 11 of which can be synthesized by the body and 9 which much be acquired from food.

Essential amino acids: Histidine, isoleucine, Leucine, lysine, methionine phenylalanine, threonine tryptophan, and valine

Nonessential amino acids: Alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, cystine, glutamic acid, glycine, proline, serine, and tyrosine

Can a person obtain all the 9 essential amino acids from a vegetarian diet?

Yes, a balanced vegetarian diet will provide better health than a meat based diet. Proteins are abundant in all food sources, and all 9 essential amino acids can be obtained from vegetable sources. The most optimal vegetarian protein source is probably soya, since it contains excellent levels of all 9 essential amino acids, plus others. Soy protein is available in many forms including forms that resemble animal meats (for those who like that) in texture and flavour, without the loss of animal life and environmental problems that go with raising livestock. Although soy products are highly acid forming and should not be over-consumed, and especially should not be a part of any colon cleanse or detox diet. A small part of soy in the regular diet is advisable. Tofu and Tempeh are especially suitable due to their abundance of nutrients and the lack of processing they have been through. It is best to stick with organic soy, as with all food products.

High Protein Vegetarian Foods