The Fruits And Vegetables Blog

Egg Plant

Are Plant Based Proteins Better For You Than Animal Based Proteins?

The natural health researchers at Institute for Vibrant Living (IVL) have investigated the differences between animal vs. plant based proteins. Here is their report:

 

Animal Based Proteins Favored?

Oftentimes people lean towards animal protein, as they don't believe that grains, legumes and vegetables can provide adequate amounts of protein to meet daily requirements.

However, the truth is that if a vegan consumes food with enough variety and focuses on eating vegetables, beans, nut and seeds, he or she can actually meet the recommended allotment for protein.

Both plants and animal proteins contain essential amino acids that are essential to the body.

 

How Much Is Enough?

Of course, an adequate intake of protein is needed for the body to function properly. Getting enough protein is important for every cell in the body. This contributes to the creation of the body's RNA and DNA and creates tissues and membranes.

However, the fact of the matter is that most people eat far more protein than their bodies actually need. In fact, the allotment of daily protein that we actually need is really rather small. This is even true for athletes who often mistakenly think that they need to load up on animal proteins.

As mentioned above, there are a wide variety of plant sources from where people can derive protein.

 

Below is a short list of some common plant based foods and their accompanying protein levels:

1-cup hazelnuts 32 grams protein

1-cup tempeh 41 grams protein

1 cup of lentils 18 grams protein

4 ounces of tofu 11 grams protein

1-cup lima beans 10 grams protein

1-cup peas 9 grams protein

½ cup cashews 10 grams protein

1-cup spinach 5 grams protein

1-cup broccoli 4 grams protein

 

Plant Protein Benefits

Plant based proteins typically provide a higher density of vitamins and minerals required by the body. Plus, plant proteins have lower levels of calories than animal proteins and usually no saturated fats.

Additionally, you will save money by eating high quality plant proteins. By contrast, high quality animal proteins can be quite costly.

Some people consider plant based proteins inferior because they are "incomplete proteins." However, soy protein and whey proteins are indeed complete proteins. Plus, by ensuring that you eat a diverse group of plant proteins, you will indeed consume levels that make up a complete protein.

 

The Risks Of Too Much Protein

On the other hand, diets that are too high in protein can put people at risk for various ailments including osteoporosis and kidney disease. For example, diets that are too high in protein can cause loss of calcium through the urine.

This can lead to issues like bone fractures. Plus, animal proteins often provide the body with unhealthy animal fats and cholesterol. Not to mention, with most animal proteins, you have to worry about issues with steroids and other unhealthy treatments of animals like antibiotics.

Heart disease is the most fatal disease in America, but people can greatly reduce their risk of this ailment by taking meat, dairy and eggs out of their diet.

 

The Envelope Please...

Through analysis, it is clear that overall plant proteins are indeed better for you than animal proteins. However, if you are committed to eating meat, be sure to limit your consumption of red meat and try to opt for organic choices whenever possible.

Amongst the best animal protein choices are wild Alaskan salmon, skinless turkey, eggs and low-fat milk.

 

About the Author

David Flores is a natural health researcher for Institute for Vibrant Living, a leading source for all-natural supplements, vitamins, and minerals for many health and nutrition challenges.  To learn more about the products offered by the Institute for Vibrant Living visit http://www.ivlproducts.com

 

If you found this helpful you might like to visit http://www.theivl.org where you'll find more free healthy living articles to help improve your health today.

 

What is egg plant?Is there any use of egg plant in stream of health ?

Egg plant is an egg-shaped vegetable that is not eaten raw, but can be stewed with tomatoes, grilled, roasted, battered and deep-fried, or stuffed and baked. Take a look:

http://www.egmontseeds.co.nz/pic_cat/egg_plant_5690.htm

The eggplant is an important food crop grown for its large, pendulous purple or white fruit.
Here's more info:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egg-plant

The eggplant, native to Sri Lanka and southern India, is believed to have appeared in the West sometime during the sixteenth century, likely as a result of Arabic influence. It is now a favorite of home gardeners in many regions globally. On a commercial scale, China currently leads the world in eggplant production, with India coming in second. Japan, Turkey, and Egypt also produce a significant percentage of the world’s eggplant crop.

Eggplant contains antioxidants such as chlorogenic acid, which may help to reduce the risk of colon and liver cancer.

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-an-eggplant.htm

Egg plant contains terpenes, phytonutrients that may help deactivate hormones that can cause tumors and may prevent free radicals from damaging healthy cells.

Eggplant appears to help reduce plaque buildup in the arteries, which can lead to atherosclerosis and heart disease.

The potassium in eggplant also protects the heart by regulating blood pressure and heartbeat.

http://dwp.bigplanet.com/tonyhere/eggplant/

The U. of Main Extension says: "Like most vegetables, eggplant is naturally low in calories and has no fat. It is a fair source of potassium, iron and protein. A cup has only 38 calories (without added fat). A main benefit of eggplant is its high fiber content."

http://www.umext.maine.edu/onlinepubs/htmpubs/4307.htm

There's a lot of and Potassium &Phosphorus.
Nutrition Facts (1 cup cooked, cubed )
Calories 27.7
Protein .82 gram
Carbohydrates 6.57 grams
Dietary Fiber 2.48 grams
Phosphorus 21.78 mg
Potassium 245.52 mg
Folate 14.26 mcg
This U. of Illinois Extension site says, "unpeeled, they provide some fiber"... (but I don't know anyone who would eat this unpeeled.)

http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/veggies/eggplant1.html

Good Luck! Hope this is helpful.