Published By: K.D Cameron

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Supplying the body with proteins is particularly important for people who have excluded meat from their diet for one reason or another. It turns out that several foods can deliver the amount of proteins commensurate with that found in beef for example.

Grammes are not so important. What we should heed when measuring protein

It is important to know that grammes are not the most important item we should consider when we measure proteins in food. Calories and where they come from also counts. For instance, beef is rich in both calories and proteins but it also contains a lot of animal fats which leads to higher cholesterol levels which are actually the culprits of the higher calorie levels. Foods of plant origin on the other hand contain fewer calories and are high in amino acids which build the protein in the human body and overall, the percentage of proteins compared to the total amount of calories turns out to be high.

Some plant-based foods have higher protein content than others. Nevertheless, do not limit your diet to only protein-rich plant-foods.

1. Spirulina

One ounce of spirulina delivers 65% of protein. Spirulina is the most protein-rich plant.

Just a teaspoon of this plant supplies your organism with 4 grammes. This high protein content ranks spirulina into the group of super foods and the plant already enjoys great popularity worldwide, especially amongst lovers of vegan culture. Furthermore, spirulina is rich in iron, vitamins and vital trace elements. Thanks to its alkalising action spirulina enhances the anti-inflammatory properties of the body.

2. Spinach

Spinach contains 51% of protein (about 5 grammes per cup containing only 30 calories). Spinach is also high in Vitamin C and folic acid – an essential vitamin for every woman contributing to female reproductive health.

3. Hemp seed

Hemp is one of the best and easiest to use foods, which is rich in all essential amino acids. Two spoonfuls deliver about 10 grammes. In addition, hemp seed is rich in fibres and the beneficial omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which help lower cholesterol levels.

4. Broccoli

Calorie-wise, broccoli has more proteins than beef since 30 calories contain 4.5 grammes of protein. Broccoli is also rich in Vitamin В6 and amino acids.

5. Almonds 

Both almonds and almond oil deliver 7 grammes of protein in one ounce together with the vitamin which has huge health benefits, namely Vitamin Е.

Veggie culture has already become part and parcel of our daily lives. It turns out that those who have chosen to live without meat can easily find an alternative. Eat broccoli and spinach often and rest assured that you provide sufficient proteins to your body. What’s more, there are already dietary supplements which are tasty and can be added to your healthy diet easily. Swanson has developed a special plant-based protein for all veggie culture lovers. Find out more about it here...