Protein is an essential nutrient that the body needs. Which is healthier between vegetable and animal protein? Check out the following explanation. Protein is more than just a nutrient for muscles. Protein is also needed by the body to maintain and maintain healthy bones, hormones and to maintain body functions to control hunger.
In the human body, 20% of its parts are composed of protein. Starting from the muscles, internal organs, skin, hair to circulating oxygen into the blood. The trend of high protein foods is also increasing in line with the increasing awareness of the public to live healthier. But between animal and vegetable protein which is healthier?
As reported by Body + Soul protein comes from two sources. Namely animal and vegetable sources. Both of them certainly have significant differences. Animal protein can come from animal products such as fish, meat, chicken eggs, milk, cheese, whey, and yogurt. Everything that is produced either directly from animals or from animal products is called animal protein.
Meanwhile, vegetable protein comes from nuts, seeds, lentils, soy milk, tofu, whole wheat to whole wheat bread. All products derived from plants and their various preparations that contain the protein are known as vegetable proteins.
The controversy between the health benefits of animal protein and vegetable protein has been going on for decades. Research after study has been done a lot to find out the benefits of both. Based on the results of research that has been carried out for the past 20 years, there is consistent evidence that eating more protein derived from plants has better health benefits.
Vegetable protein is even associated with increased good cholesterol, heart health, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes to a longer life expectancy. There is no need to reduce the portion of animal protein from the daily menu. Simply adding more plant sources than animals is a good way to benefit from plant protein.
In particular, a protein obtained from nuts and seeds has been shown to reduce the risk of death from heart disease by 40% – 60%. This research was conducted by simply replacing 3% animal protein with vegetable protein.
This is due to the content of amino acids and other nutrients found in plant protein, which have many health benefits. For example, nuts contain healthy unsaturated fats, fiber which is good for digestion, and vitamin E which acts as an antioxidant for skin and heart health.
Here are 5 simple ways you can increase your intake of vegetable protein:
- Add almonds, nuts and replace animal milk with vegetable milk in a smoothies blend.
- Add peas, or lentils, which can also be used as a spread or dip for sandwiches.
- Try vegetarian recipes that use lots of nuts. Like salads, nachos, or soups.
- Make a snack of one of them made from nuts. For example, green bean porridge, roasted peanuts, boiled beans, edamame, and others.
- Choose a dinner menu with lots of vegetables such as nuts, edamame, whole grains, or other vegetables.
