Episode 435:  Is Protein from Vegetables Enough?

This week, Stacy and Sarah explore the science behind protein to determine whether getting protein for vegetables is enough to meet dietary requirements.

Listener Question:

"I have been listening to you two ladies since way back when you first started in 2012. Geez I was 15?! But I feel very lucky to have had such wonderful role models as I grew up in a not-so healthy (food and body image-wise) environment. And am thankful that I could count on you two to encourage a healthier perspective both inside and out!

I was wondering if you could discuss the myth of protein combining. I feel like maybe the reason people new to the "whole" lifestyle (new word for 'paleo' a la your podcast name change) become meatheads is because of this myth that if we don't eat meat we will not get all the amino acids we need.

However, as a biochemist and researcher, I have done the math using USDA nutritional guidelines. (2000 calories at 10-15% protein is only 50-75 g of protein with varying requirements for each individual amino acid) and their food database and found that as long as one eats ENOUGH PROTEIN PERIOD. It is literally impossible to not meet individual amino acid requirements – even consuming no meat, fish or eggs, as vegetables also have a significant protein-to-calorie ratio!

I understand that the digestibility of plant proteins is much lower than that of animal. But I thought you ladies would love another excuse to tout the benefits of increasing veggie intake. Plus, it make anti-inflammatory diets look more affordable when one understands that we don’t have to hulk out on proteins. Love you two and hope you are safe and well in the epic times of COVID we are experiencing"

You can find the full show notes with links to the products and articles discussed on this episode here.

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