With many consumers opting to ditch meat and dairy products for the sake of the environment, their health, or for the animals, “where do vegans get their protein from?” is one of the most asked questions of the moment. This often is closely followed by “can they get enough of it?” and “is it the same quality as animal-based protein?”
What Is Protein?
According to the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF), protein is a macronutrient made up of amino acids. It is essential for the growth and repair of the body, allowing for the maintenance of good health. Protein helps to keep us feeling fit, healthy, and full, providing us with energy to get us through the day.
How Much Protein Do We Need?
According to the dietician and nutritional advisor Reed Mangels, American consumers are “obsessed” with protein – somewhat unnecessarily. Only around one calorie out of every 10 we consume needs to come from protein to meet the body’s needs. The nutritional expert notes that for a male vegan, roughly 63 grams of protein should be consumed daily, and for a female, it’s roughly 52. The exact amount can also vary by weight, muscle mass, and other factors.
Is Vegan Protein Of The Same Quality As Animal Protein?
Proteins are made up of amino acids, of which there are nine that human adults need in their diet. These are leucine, isoleucine, histidine, valine, threonine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, and lysine.
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