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Health & Fitness

Blog: Benefits of Plant Based Proteins

Why plant based protein will give you all the protein you need!

There are many health benefits to consuming plant based proteins. There are several reasons you want to choose a plant based protein over an animal protein. Below we will explore what benefits plant based proteins have and why you want to consume them over animal proteins.

High in Fiber:
Plant based proteins are much higher in fiber. Foods like beans and lentils offer protein with the added benefit of fiber. Fiber contributes to heart health and helps to regulate your digestive system which is essential for good health.

Low in bad Fat:
Plant based proteins are lower in saturated fats and trans fats. Fats that come from plants tend to be much healthier and necessary for optimal health.

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Plant based proteins have many other benefits:
- they are easy to digest where as animal protein is very hard for the digestive system to break down and absorb
- they are alkaline-forming foods where as animal protein is very acid-forming (diseases thrive in acidic environments)
- they include many other nutrients such vitamins, minerals, phyto-nutrients, fiber, water and essential fatty acids that are all critical for optimal health
- free of antibiotics, growth hormones and steroids found in animal proteins and free of heavy metals found in farmed fish

There is a misconception that has been sold to the public that it is in our best interest to consume tons of animal protein. Well, this is just a myth! By consuming high amounts of animal protein you are exposing yourself to host of deadly and degenerative diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, gallstones, kidney stones, depression, Crohn’s disease, constipation and obesity.

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Protein is made up of amino acids. There are 10 essential amino acids you need to consume from outside sources. They are called “essential” because our bodies cannot produce them on its own. By getting a variety of plant-based proteins in your diet you will guarantee you get all 10 essential amino acids to give your body complete proteins.

Our bodies are very smart and will hold onto amino acids in the liver. If you in-take an incomplete protein your liver will store the amino acids. Then, when you consume another food with the missing amino acids your body needs your liver will use the stored amino acids to make a complete protein for your body to utilize. This is one major reason it is important to have variety in your diet.

There are several complete plant-based protein sources:
- Hemp protein (one of the most complete amino acid profiles of any plant-based protein)
- Yellow pea protein
- Brown rice protein
- Flaxseed (also high in Omega-3s)
- Chlorella (a microscopic, freshwater green algae from Japan)
- Almonds, other nuts and seeds (preferably sprouted, since sprouting pre-digests the proteins in seeds, making the amino acids more available to your body)
- Legumes
- Pseudograins (including quinoa and buckwheat)

The FDA recommends the average adult gets 50 grams of protein a day. People who consume animal protein will easily in take almost 5 times that amount. This will over burden the body and over time cause many health issues. Not to say someone can never eat meat again, but we need to take a step back and really look at the amount of meat people are consuming.

Animal protein has a slew of issues. Not only is it hard on our bodies and not great for our health, but the impact the production of animal protein is having on the environment is potentially devastating. When purchasing animal protein buy USDA Organic, 100% Natural grass fed, free range meats and poultry. It may cost more, but by eating less meat your cost will be the same.

Focus on getting foods from sources that are from plant origin. Plants are natural for the human body and our bodies recognize these sources of food. Minimize your in take of processed foods, drink lots of water, exercise regularly and you will see a big increase in your health and your body will thank you.

Jessica Unbewust
co-owner
ferrum fitness

Sources:
The Plant-Based Diet And Protein
The Whole(food) Truth About Protein, Fat and Carbs
The Advantages of Using Plant Sources of Protein in Your Diet

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