When people hear about protein, most of them bat an eye because protein is mostly associated with fat. But the right amount of protein from the right source should actually be taken at a regular rate because protein is one of the most essential health component needed by the body.
Protein is a very vital building block of muscles, bones and even in the circulation of blood. It is also much needed in breaking down enzymes, minerals and other important body chemicals for our overall functioning. Our hair and nails are also made of protein and should be constantly nourished with it. That is the reason why shampoos and conditioners have high protein component.
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Eating a protein-rich diet supplies your body with the nine essential amino acids it needs for everyday functioning. These amino acids are phenylalanine, valine, threonine, tryptophan, methionine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine and histidine. With the right amount of protein, we can be assured that when we age, our muscles will remain lean not sagging.
As a dietary tool, protein is need in repairing worn tissues and in strengthening muscles, bones and the cartilage. It also contributes in boosting our energy especially when doing strenuous tasks like working out.
Plant-Based vs. Animal-Based Proteins
Comparing plant-based proteins to animal-based proteins is a delicate debate. The most frequent question is which protein source supplies the body with the right and healthy amount of protein in the body. And the most immediate answer to that depends on who you ask.
Plant-based proteins are commonly found in beans, legumes, nuts and broccoli while animal-based proteins can be generated from meat, fish, eggs, milk and other dairy products.
It must be very important to note however, that people have different body types which connote that we also have different ways of digesting protein. Consequently, different ways of protein digestion also leads to different protein breakdown.
There are stark differences between plant-based and animal-based protein. The most observable of which would be amino acid profiles. An example of this would be comparing the amino acid profile of a steak and broccoli at 300 grams each. In a comparison made by the World Public Health Nutrition Association (WPHNA), a 300 gram steak contains a total of 11.51 units of the nine essential amino acids the body needs while a 300 gram broccoli has 5.23 units.
Using a more graphical comparison, to get 3 grams of leucine (just one of the nine essential amino acids), a plant-based protein diet must include either thirteen slices of whole wheat bread, eleven pounds of peas or one pound of spinach. On the other hand, to get the same amount of leucine, an animal-based protein diet must include either five ounces of chicken or beef, four eggs or one cup of Greek yoghurt.
Another point of comparison is their percentage of protein digestibility. The term protein digestibility refers to the protein percentage in a food that our body actually absorbs and uses. Researches establish that plants have a lower protein digestibility than animal-based plants at a margin of only 10 percent.
This is not to say that being vegan is not okay. Medical and nutritional researches reveal why being an omnivore or eating both plant-based and animal-based protein at a good balance is most recommended for building muscles. While animal-based proteins largely win in terms of supplying the right amount of protein, plant-based protein compensate for their deficiency in terms of aiding the body with micronutrients which we often cannot get when we only depend on animal-based protein.
Hemp Protein: what is it and why is it different from other proteins?
Hemp protein comes from hemp seeds or hemp hearts and can also be consumed through hemp powder. Hemp seeds are considered as super foods because they contain various vitamins and minerals for a well-rounded health. This includes dietary fibers and more than the nine essential amino acids which the body needs for full-functioning.
Hemp protein powder is widely used as a source of vegan protein or plant-based protein. It contains twenty amino acids including the nine EAAs that our bodies cannot produce. Not only does hemp protein include EEAs but also other dietary proteins like Omega 6 and Omega 3. In terms of our body functioning and physique, the nutrition profile of hemp protein powder is known to lessen fatigue and strengthens the immune system to prevent common diseases and other more serious diseases like cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
In comparison with plant-based protein and animal-based protein, hemp protein already contains the balance between the two most common protein sources. According to empirical data, 30 grams of hemp protein either from hemp seeds or hemp powder contains at least 120 calories, 11 grams carbohydrates, 5 grams fiber, and 12 grams protein. It also includes significant units of calcium, minerals and antioxidants without any saturated fat or sodium.
This goes to say that hemp protein evens the debate between which protein-source is better over the other. The good thing about hemp protein is that it is easy to find since hemp seeds and hemp powder are now widely sold in the market which you can sprinkle on your salad or add as food ingredient in your pastries and bread. Hemp protein powders and hemp seeds also come in flavors like the Natera Himalayan Salted Hemp Seeds . Their nutty flavor really complement well with any recipe from breakfast to lunch to dinner and even snacks. And because you can incorporate hemp protein in your everyday cooking through hemp seeds and hemp powder, you can enjoy eating this super food in the company of friends and family.
The most important thing to be reminded of however is to always choose all-organic and high quality products whose main nutritional profile includes hemp protein. Check the ingredient background and make sure that the product is all-natural.
With hemp protein, you no longer have to weigh which protein-source is the best. Using hemp protein is basically good for any body type and it can surely be broken down and absorbed by the body to be put into use regardless of any body type.
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Originally published at https://www.vitactivate.com on December 24, 2019.