The Surprising Benefits of Plant Proteins
By Sara Butler
When most people think of protein, they think of a fat, juicy steak or even a delicious roasted chicken – perhaps even some nuts as a nice snack. But protein isn’t simply limited to meat and nuts, it can be found in a lot of other places too. In fact, some of these protein-packed foods are so good for you in so many ways, they need to be made a part of your diet pronto! Here are a few benefits of plant proteins you may find surprising and how you can work them effortlessly into your diet.
The Problem with Meat
It’s not that meat is bad for you. In fact, it can be really good for you if you just enjoy it in moderation. That’s because aside from being a great source of protein, it’s also a great source of saturated fat – which isn’t so great for your heart. A diet high in saturated fats can set you up for some serious complications down the road, such as heart disease and high cholesterol. It can put a strain on your liver too. That’s why plant-based protein has been on the rise in recent years.
The Power of Plant Protein
Your body isn’t made to store protein, which is why you should eat it each day. Your body breaks down the proteins you eat into amino acids to help each and every cell in your body grow and repair. You need amino acids to stay healthy, but you’re not better off by eating more than your body needs because they’ll simply be burned off or stored as fat.
One of the benefits of plant protein is that it’s easier to digest and full of fiber that will keep your digestive system happy. Plant proteins are also:
- Better for the environment
- Help to maintain a healthy weight
- Keep your gut bacteria healthy
How to Eat Them
You may be under the impression that the more protein, the better. But eating more protein won’t make you build muscle since that can only be done through exercise. If you add plant proteins to your diet after a workout, it can help you to get to and maintain a healthy weight while helping to support healthy, strong, and growing muscles.
A few great sources of plant protein include:
- Lentils
- Buckwheat
- Tofu
- Nutritional yeast
- Quinoa
- Chia seeds
There is a wonderful world plant protein out there for you to explore!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Shiloh, Ill.
