What Is Plant-Based Protein and How to Add More to Your Diet

The Best Vegan Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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The plant-based protein obsession

In the past, only vegetarians and vegans cared all that much about plant protein. That’s not the case anymore. In the first four months of 2020, sales of plant-based meat spiked 148 percent over the year before, according to the Plant Based Foods Association.

The plant-based food trend shows no signs of slowing down. By 2027, plant-based protein sales in the United States are projected to rake in 17 million dollars, more than triple today’s revenues, according to a report by Research and Markets.

So, what’s driving the plant-based protein craze and should you be getting more protein from plant sources versus traditional sources of protein, like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy? Here’s everything you need to know about plant-based protein.

What is a plant-based diet?

A whole food plant-based diet focuses on eating foods mainly derived from plants. These include a variety of fruits and veggies, whole grains (oats, brown rice, and quinoa), pulses (beans, lentils, peas, and chickpeas), nuts and seeds, herbs and spices, and occasional animal-based foods.

Those who follow a plant-based diet aren’t necessarily vegan or vegetarian. Rather, they’re opting to add more plant foods to their diets, and eating less processed foods and meat.

How it is different from vegan and vegetarian diets?

There are many similarities between a plant-based diet and a vegetarian or vegan diet. The main difference is that those following a plant-based diet might occasionally eat some animal-based foods.

One follower of this diet may opt to eat one non-plant ingredient, such as fish. Another plant-based dieter may choose to occasionally eat meat.

Meanwhile, a vegan diet primarily consists of veggies, fruits, whole grains, pulses, nuts, and seeds (ideally), although any foods free of animal products or ingredients qualifies as vegan. Vegans avoid all animal-sourced foods and ingredients, even honey, gelatin, and collagen.

Similar to vegans, those who follow a vegetarian diet will have no meat, poultry, or seafood. But vegetarians, like some plant-based eaters, can consume dairy and eggs. People who follow other forms of vegetarianism may eat fish and seafood.

(Learn more about plant-based vs. vegan diets.)

What is plant-based protein, anyway?

Protein does lots of great things for our bodies. In addition to building muscle and keeping us full between meals, protein helps build bones, hormones, antibodies, and more.

Some of the best sources of protein include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy. But plants like beans, soy, nuts, seeds, and even whole grains pack surprising amounts of this nutrient.

Plant protein vs. animal protein

Animal foods offer complete protein. That means they contain all the essential amino acids the body needs to manufacture its own protein supply.

Plants, on the other hand, often contain incomplete protein, which lacks one or more essential amino acids. There are exceptions, though. Both soy and quinoa are complete proteins.

For years, nutrition experts believed the only way to obtain enough essential amino acids from a plant-based diet was to combine plant proteins at meals, like eating rice with beans. In doing that, the theory went, you’d get certain amino acids from the rice and other amino acids from the beans.

Now, the thinking has changed.

“Our bodies are quite sophisticated, and we now know that as long as we eat a variety of foods throughout the day, we can get the right proportions of amino acids from plants,” says dietitian Vandana R. Sheth, RDN, author of My Indian Table: Quick & Tasty Vegetarian Recipes.



many different types of food on a table: With limited meat availability and concerns related to health and the environment due to Covid-19, more consumers are embracing plant-based protein sources. And if you're trying to cut back on meat, and you have a food allergy, you need to steer clear of common allergens, such as milk, fish, shell fish, tree nuts, eggs, fish, wheat, and soy. (Learn more about the challenge of living with a food allergy.) According to a 2019 survey from the International Food Information Council, one in six consumers report having a food allergy in the household, with 34% stating that the allergy is either very severe or extremely severe. Allergies may be an issue for those going meatless as faux meat products are commonly made with soy, wheat, and nuts. Fortunately, there are also plenty of allergen-free options, and they're healthful for everyone. In other words, even if you can safely consume allergens, there are options you can add to your eating routine as a smart way to expand your nutrient intake and variety. Here is a list of seven foods that are free of the "big eight" allergenic foods. They are protein-rich, healthful, and more eco-friendly than meat. I've highlighted their nutritional benefits and simple, balanced ways to enjoy them as part of meatless meals. One important caveat: If you or someone in your home has a food allergy, it's important to always read food labels. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that food labels must clearly identify the eight major food allergens, or any protein derived from those ingredients. For example, a label may state "Contains Wheat, Milk, and Soy." But products are often reformulated, so double check even if you purchase it regularly. You'll also want to look for statements about trace ingredients or manufacturing, such as, "May contain traces of milk," or "Manufactured in a facility that also processes peanuts."


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With limited meat availability and concerns related to health and the environment due to Covid-19, more consumers are embracing plant-based protein sources. And if you’re trying to cut back on meat, and you have a food allergy, you need to steer clear of common allergens, such as milk, fish, shell fish, tree nuts, eggs, fish, wheat, and soy. (Learn more about the challenge of living with a food allergy.)

According to a 2019 survey from the International Food Information Council, one in six consumers report having a food allergy in the household, with 34% stating that the allergy is either very severe or extremely severe. Allergies may be an issue for those going meatless as faux meat products are commonly made with soy, wheat, and nuts. Fortunately, there are also plenty of allergen-free options, and they’re healthful for everyone. In other words, even if you can safely consume allergens, there are options you can add to your eating routine as a smart way to expand your nutrient intake and variety.

Here is a list of seven foods that are free of the “big eight” allergenic foods. They are protein-rich, healthful, and more eco-friendly than meat. I’ve highlighted their nutritional benefits and simple, balanced ways to enjoy them as part of meatless meals.

One important caveat: If you or someone in your home has a food allergy, it’s important to always read food labels. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that food labels must clearly identify the eight major food allergens, or any protein derived from those ingredients.

For example, a label may state “Contains Wheat, Milk, and Soy.” But products are often reformulated, so double check even if you purchase it regularly. You’ll also want to look for statements about trace ingredients or manufacturing, such as, “May contain traces of milk,” or “Manufactured in a facility that also processes peanuts.”


Can you really get enough protein from plants?

Yes, but it might take a little extra work.

“Lean meat, low-fat dairy, and eggs have a higher protein density, making an omnivorous diet ideal when targeting protein needs,” says Heather J. Leidy, an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Texas at Austin and member of the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. “It’s extremely difficult to meet the dietary reference intakes for protein when eating plant-based protein only with no supplements.”

That doesn’t mean it can’t be done. The key to getting enough protein when following a plant-based diet is to eat a wide variety of protein-rich foods.

“While meat may be a more concentrated source of protein, it doesn’t mean there aren’t plant-based foods that are also protein rich,” says Angela Wortley, RDN, a nutritionist and certified intuitive eating counselor in Ann Arbor, Michigan. “The word is slowly spreading that foods such as tofu, lentils, and seitan are also great sources of protein and consuming them has health benefits.”

(Try these plant-based fast food options with protein.)

What makes plant-based protein so healthy?

“The biggest benefit of whole, plant-based protein is that it’s coupled with a blend of healthy fats and fiber,” says Wesley McWhorter, RDN, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

At the same time, it’s low in saturated fat and has zero cholesterol. This type of eating pattern has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia, overweight, and obesity.

It’s so powerful that a 2020 meta-analysis of 32 studies in the British Medical Journal found that for every additional 3 percent of calories a person consumed from plant protein, their risk of early death decreased by 5 percent.

Compare that to animal protein. Depending on the food, it can be high in saturated fat. And it’s been linked to high cholesterol and heart disease.

Of course, just because a food is rich in plant protein doesn’t automatically mean it’s better for you.

“There are also plenty of processed plant-based foods that lack fiber and contain excessive sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats,” says McWhorter. That’s why it’s extra important to read the nutrition label and ingredient list and to stick with minimally processed sources whenever possible.

Risks and side effects of plant-based protein

Fiber-rich plant proteins like beans and lentils can do great things for your health. But they can also cause gas and bloating, especially if you’re not used to eating them on a regular basis, explains Sheth. Ditto for plant-based meats that are often made with pea protein.

The good news is you can still eat them.

The trick is to add them to your diet slowly to give your digestive system time to adjust, she advises. However, if you’re allergic to soy or nuts, you’ll definitely want to avoid these foods.

(If you have food allergies, try these allergy-friendly meat-based plant alternatives.)

What are the best sources of plant protein?

If you’d like to add more plant-based protein to your diet but aren’t sure where to start, try these foods:

  • Soy milk: Soy’s complete protein makes soy milk a great plant-based alternative to cow’s milk. For comparable nutrition, look for brands fortified with calcium and vitamin D (and vitamin B12, if you’re a vegan).
  • Quinoa: This high-fiber grain (it has 5 grams per cooked cup) also has a low glycemic index, making it a win for blood sugar control. Plus, it contains all the essential amino acids your body needs.
  • TofuMade from solidified soy milk, tofu is perfect for smoothies, stir fries, and sandwiches. Some brands offer as much calcium as a glass of cow’s milk, so check out the nutrition label.
  • Tempeh: This fermented soybean cake is packed with iron, and it’s a good source of zinc. Use it for veggie burgers, or crumble it into tacos or pasta sauce.
  • SeitanMade from wheat gluten, seitan’s meaty texture makes it a smart replacement for meat (unless, of course, you have celiac disease or a gluten intolerance). Try it pan fried or grilled.
  • Sorghum: In addition to protein, you’ll net iron, magnesium, and B vitamins from this grain. Serve it as a side dish or pop it like popcorn for a snack.
  • Amaranth: This gluten-free grain is also full of inflammation-fighting antioxidants. Try it as a higher-protein alternative to oatmeal.
  • Pulses: Along with plenty of protein (roughly 15 grams per cup), these little guys are loaded with soluble fiber and potassium for heart health.
  • Bean-based pasta: Whether it’s made from chickpeas, lentils, edamame, or black beans, these noodles are a genius way to give your pasta bowl a protein boost.
  • Sprouted grain bread: Made from a mix of beans and high-protein grains, each slice packs 5 grams of plant protein and 3 grams of fiber.
  • Nuts: Thanks to a trifecta of plant protein, fiber, and healthy fats, nuts are practically guaranteed to keep you full between meals.
  • Plant-based protein powder: If you’re finding it difficult to get enough protein from plants, “either soy or pea protein isolates are a great way to meet protein needs,” says Leidy. (Check out these plant-based protein substitutes for common ingredients.)

One-day plant-based protein meal plan

Breakfast

Lunch

Snack

  • Handful of nuts (any kind)

Dinner

Next, for more ways to work healthy plant-based protein into your diet try these high-protein plant-based meals nutritionists love.

The post What Is Plant-Based Protein and How to Add More to Your Diet appeared first on The Healthy.

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