Protein is an essential building block of life. There are hundreds of thousands of different types of proteins, functioning as enzymes, hormones, transport molecules, and structural tissues (in hair, muscle, collagen, and more). Protein can generally be divided into three categories: globular proteins (soluble), fibrous proteins (insoluble), and membrane proteins. They are each organic compounds made of long chains of amino acids, containing carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and other atoms.

Our bodies are always using proteins and we must continually replenish our amino acid supply by eating – to create new tissues our bodies need 21 different types of amino acids.  Most of these are created within the body, but there are eight 'essential amino acids' which we must obtain by eating food. Protein production will slow or stop unless we consume the necessary amino acids.

So-called “high quality” or “complete proteins” contain every one of the essential amino acids and are therefore said to replenish our bodies' needs with the greatest efficiency. Animal proteins are often recommended as “high quality,” as well as some plant proteins like hemp seed. Most other vegetables are “incomplete,” which simply means that they contain some but not all of the necessary amino acids.

Plant-based diets can easily provide abundant proteins and amino acids, while reducing our consumption of cholesterol, fat, and pesticides.

PLANTS ARE LOADED WITH PROTEIN! Think about elephants: these are the largest land mammals on earth, yet they are strict vegetarians. The primate whose anatomy perhaps most closely resembles our own, gorillas, are also strict vegetarians. Numerous world-class athletes have been vegetarians, including tennis great Martina Navratilova, four-time Mr. Universe winner Bill Pearl, NFL legend Joe Namath, and current NFL star Tony Gonzalez.

The human body has a remarkably complex metabolic system, capable of deriving all the essential amino acids from common plant proteins we encounter every day. It is not necessary to meticulously plan meals in order to achieve good health or optimal levels of protein. Our bodies store some amino acids and activate protein construction once the necessary amino acids have been ingested.  Some people may require more protein then others – again, hemp seed is a great source of “complete” protein, holding about 9 grams per serving.

• Hemp seeds (hulled) [10g]...3.4g (complete protein)
• Lentils (sprouted) [1/2 Cup]...27g (complete protein)
• Peanut butter [2 Tablespoons]...8g
• Chickpeas (sprouted) [1 Cup]...47g (complete protein)
• Sunflower seeds  (sprouted)[1 oz]...8g (complete protein)
• Pumpkin seeds (sprouted) [1oz]...9g (complete protein)
• Broccoli [1 Cup]...5.7g
• Oatmeal  [1 Cup]...5.4g
• Brown rice (cooked) [1 Cup]...5g
• Walnuts [1/2 oz]...4.3g
• Almonds [12g]...5g
• Tempeh (heat very low) [4 oz]...20g
• 10 pecans [30 grams]...4g

Fact: Sprouting nuts & seeds increases protein levels, and quality, wile washing away enzyme inhibitors.  

It stands to reason that the best proteins to eat are those that lead to good health. In this light, the term “high quality protein” may be misleading. Beef is a source of “high quality protein,” but it is widely accepted that avoiding or minimizing the amount of red meat we consume is advantageous for good health.

Scientific research has empirically shown that animal protein is a leading promoter of heart disease, cancer, and a host of other diseases. Dr. Colin Campbell and other researchers have found that animal protein experimentally turned on cancer in 100% of test animals, while its relative absence limited cancer to 0% of  test animals. Plant protein did not promote cancer, where gluten and soy protein were both tested.

Scientists have even been able to stop the spread of cancer, stop diabetes, and alleviate heart disease simply by discontinuing the ingestion of animal protein. These findings were confirmed through extensive human diet and lifestyle research projects, including the exhaustive China Study. “The China Study,” written by T. Colin Campbell, PhD, and Thomas M. Campbell, is a must read.

Perhaps the biggest proponent for an animal-based diet (outside of the beef, fish, chicken and pork industries) is the Weston A. Price Foundation (WAPF). The WAPF believes that an unprocessed vegetable-based diet is good as long it is supplemented with raw dairy, eggs, cod liver oil, and other whole foods. They cite not only the “high quality” nature of animal protein, but more importantly the high levels of nutrients (vitamins and minerals) in animal fat.

It must be noted that the WAPF believes that ingesting high amounts of “processed” food is dangerous.  Dairy products heated above the host animal's natural body temperature is considered 'processed'. The WAPF suggests that as long as people eat an unprocessed diet (for instance, grass-fed cows instead of seed-fed cow), animal proteins are an essential part of a healthy diet.

The WAPF  feels it is unsafe, however, to consume genetically-modified foods or cows given RBGH (Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone).