Top 10 Plant Based Protein Sources

Awesome Plant Based Proteins

One of the most common misconceptions about adopting and/or living a vegan lifestyle is that your intake of protein will vastly diminish, leading to a host of possible negative side effects including weight loss, lethargy, muscle soreness and deterioration, heart problems and stomach pain. It is frequently assumed that one’s most potent source of protein exists in meat and other animal products considering that ground beef is roughly 24% protein, with pork at around 27% and chicken breast at 35%. Interestingly enough, however, cooked animal proteins also prove to be difficult on the kidneys, produces inflammation in tissues, generally saturated in hormones and antibiotics if it’s not organic, is generally clotted and actually very hard to digest. On the bright and leafy side, there are many plant-based sources of protein that are absolutely free of any negative side-effects!

Powerful Vegan Protein Packers

In comparison to the previously mentioned protein percentages present in various animal meats, get ready to meet the plant powerhouses of protein – Spinach at 30% protein, broccoli at 45% and Spirulina , a micro-algae taken as a nutritional supplement, offers a whopping 68%! What are the other percentages made of, you might ask? Primarily the remaining matter consists of phyto-nutrients which battle diseases, including cancer, and vitamins and minerals. The residual percentages of the animal-based sources of protein are comprised of saturated fat, clearly recognized as health hazardous.

The Ten Titans of Plant Based Protein

So, let’s cut to the chase! We’ve established the facts about plant-based proteins, and now it’s time to be introduced to your new daily food staples:
– Quinoa
– Tempeh
– Almonds
– Blue-Green Algae
– Hemp seeds
– Sprouts
– Pumpkin seeds
– Dark leafy greens, i.e. kale, cabbage, parsley and spinach
– Maca
– Spirulina/Chlorella
Each of these sources offer varying amounts of high-potency protein, and are completely animal product-free. Some of these items may be less recognizable than others, such as Chlorella and blue-green algae. Chlorella is single-celled green algae which grows in fresh water under direct sunlight, optimizing high levels of chlorophyll, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, carotenoids, vitamin C, B-12 and protein! Blue-green algae refers to a vast group of simple, plant-like organisms which are high in protein, B-vitamins, and iron, and are cultivated in salt water and large fresh water lakes. Blue-green algae has also shown to help increase energy, improve memory, boost the immune system, lower cholesterol and help heal wounds.

The Proof is in the Plant

Of course, there are even more plant-based sources of protein that are not on this list. In fact, there are even plant-based protein powders, such as Vega, that are principally made of hemp, rice and pea-based protein. So, when you’re faced with the tediously common question of where you obtain your protein by living a vegan lifestyle, the response should be pretty lengthy. With a whole world of healthier, leaner and cleaner sources of plant-based protein, you should be sharing this gift of knowledge to those who simply have not yet seen the leafy light! On the Holistic Holiday at Sea in 2013, your exploration into botanical benefits during your vegan travel will have you aware and prepared for a healthy, successful plant-policy, not simply in sourcing protein, but on expanding your ability to cook effectively and in creating unbelievably tasty dishes, all without the need to utilize or harm another living being!