Hi folks,
I want to go veggy sooner or later, but want to educate my self first before i do.
Ive been reading a lot about protein lately and it seems really confusing.
While its obvious that you can get enough protein from non-animal sources, what confusing is all the stuff about amino acids.
As i can see there are foods called complete protein foods which contain all the amino acids your body needs, and foods which only contain lesser amounts.
Also ive read that you dont have to combine certain veggyfoods to complete these amino acids in your diet, and on other sites that you DO have to combinecertain veggyfoods.
AGGGGHHHHHHHHH
So whats the truth -
What do you have to eat to make 100% sure that you get all your bodys needed amino acids?
Many thanks
Hamster :o)
RE: PROTEIN HELP
I was under the impression that seeds, nuts and soya all contain protein. I don't know how much you have to eat in order to match your previous protein intake. I started climbing and realised my intake wasn't good enough for this heavy muscular work, so started drinking soya milk with added soya protein powder - energy for the muscles.
RE: PROTEIN HELP
beansprouts are also a really good source of protein and water 😉
RE: PROTEIN HELP
ohhhh yeah!
stuff like mung beans (which sprout into bean sprouts), chick peas, lentils.
RE: PROTEIN HELP
Hi hamster,
Firstly, you are correct. It has been shown that vegetarians are perfectly capable of getting enough protein from their diet, and also the correct balance of amino acids.
You ask:
What do you have to eat to make 100% sure that you get all your bodys needed amino acids?
Eat varied sources of protein!:D
To expand on my answer, I'll explain. Protein contains amino acids. Meat protein contains all the essential aminoacids, and what's more, in perfect balance. When you're vegetarian, youhave to work harder and find your protein in lots of different sources to ensure you get enoughamino acids, and in the correct proportions. You don't have to start getting out your chemistryset andexamining everything you're about to eat though. Through the laws of nature, if you eat a varied enough diet,even ifyou consume something that's missing a particular amino acid, or doesn't contain enough, then something you eat later that day is bound to correct that deficiency. Also, trials have been conductedthat have shown that this 'balancing' process of nutrients actually takes place over a fortnight, so it's much less onerous than first thought.
BTW, what protein sources have you been thinking of so far? Some of the best sources of protein with great amino acid ratios are found in grains- namely quinoa and millet.
Darren and CHegarty mentioned sprouted beans which are of course excellent sources of protein (and of course enzymes give them the edge over the cooked ones)although I can't comment on the amino acid ratio.
Hope that helps?
RE: PROTEIN HELP
Yes many thanks for the reply.
That clears things up very nicely. I was getting confused because there was tons of ambiguous information regarding amino acids.
It seems logical that the body is able to spread its needs out over time, in order to complete its amino acid intake.
Cheers all [sm=1syellow1.gif]
RE: PROTEIN HELP
No problemo, Hamster:D
Glad to be of help.