It's been 15 years since I've eaten meat, but the "Do you get enough protein?!?" question has never ceased. Even with the popularity of the vegan and vegetarian lifestyles, there are still those that believe that protein comes only from meat and eggs. This is so not true! In fact, it's this belief that has lead to so many health problems for so many Americans (heart disease, high blood pressure, etc.).
As babies, our mother's milk provides the protein we need to grow healthy and strong. Once solid foods are introduced into our diets, vegans can find many non-animal based sources of protein. There is no need to worry about vegans getting enough protein, as long as they eat a varied and nutritious diet.
Soy contains all of the essential amino acids a body needs and surpasses all other plant sources when it comes to protein.
Other great sources of non-animal proteins:
Legumes like lentils, garbanzo beans, kidney beans, split peas, etc.
Grains like barley, brown rice, millet, quinoa, rye, and wheat germ.
Vegetables like artichokes, beets, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumbers, eggplant, green peas, green pepper, kale, lettuce, mushrooms, mustard green, onions, potatoes, spinach, tomatoes, turnip greens, watercress, yams, and zucchini
Fruits like apples, bananas, cantaloupe, grapes, grapefruit, honeydew melon, oranges, papaya, peaches ,pears, pineapple, strawberries, tangerines,and watermelon.
Nuts and Seeds like almonds, cashews, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and walnuts.
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