All Protein Isn't Alike

Most people think that protein can only be found in meat, eggs, and milk. Proteins found in these foods are called animal proteins and are considered complete proteins because they contain all nine essential amino acids required by the body. But vegetarians need not worry about where they can get their needed protein because it may also be found in several vegetables. Although vegetable proteins are incomplete proteins, vegetables and other non-animal proteins like fruits, nuts, and grains can still fuel the body's protein needs. They simply have to be consumed in the right amounts and combinations.

In choosing which protein to consume, most people are confronted by questions on the health benefits. Several studies have already been made on how these two kinds of protein can produce different results due to their differences in chemical and physical properties. Animal protein contains high amounts of fat, which makes it the common culprit behind heart diseases and high blood pressure. Studies revealed that vegetable protein causes low blood pressure and low cholesterol levels because it has less fat, especially saturated fat. But then, vegetable protein is found to be incomplete because it lacks the essential amino acids. Hence, most health experts suggest that people consume animal and vegetable protein in equal amounts. They should also remember that they should not be after the food's protein content only.

Animal Protein

Some people find meat less natural than vegetables, which has long been a misconception. Meat can actually be good for the body. Together with egg, poultry, fish, milk and other dairy products, meat is high in animal protein. Foods rich in animal protein offer complete protein because of their nine essential amino acids, but these should be consumed in moderation due to their high fat content.

Some excellent sources of animal protein include cooked or braised veal, preferably a leg, which has separable fat and lean; cooked or braised lamb, preferably a lean, domestic shoulder or arm; cooked or braised lean beef, preferably round or bottom round; cooked or braised turkey; cooked or roasted tuna; fried, cooked, roasted, or stewed chicken meat; and cooked or braised lean pork. These meat products have protein content ranging from 29 to 36 grams of protein for every 100 grams of food.

Vegetable Protein

Unlike animal protein, vegetable protein has incomplete protein and low fat content, but vegetable protein-rich foods give the body its needed dietary fiber, which flushes out toxins. Legumes, beans, peas, fruits, and nuts are popular sources of vegetable protein. Vegetable protein has also been associated with lower risks of hypertension, stroke, atherosclerosis, obesity, heart diseases and high blood pressure because of its low fat content.

Among vegetable protein-rich foods, asparagus contains the highest amount of protein. Other foods which are high in vegetable protein include peanuts, broccoli, cauliflower, bread, noodles, walnuts, potato, beans and bread. These have to be consumed in various combinations through particular diets to complement each other and acquire the required amount of essential amino acids.