Plant Protein: The Science They Never Tell You

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Oct 23, 2025

Darin debunks the myth that plant proteins are inferior, explaining how they provide all essential amino acids. He emphasizes the importance of dietary variety for optimal health and shares insights from studies linking plant-based diets to heart health and longevity. The discussion also covers how easily athletes can meet their protein needs with plants and critiques the carnivore diet for its long-term health risks. Personal anecdotes highlight the benefits of whole plant foods for wellness.

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ANECDOTE

Seventeen Years Plant-Based Personal Report

Darin has been plant-based for 17 years and reports sustained strength and activity without animal products.
He states his personal health, longevity, and performance needs have been met by plants.

INSIGHT

Plants Contain Every Essential Amino Acid

Plants contain all 20 amino acids, including the 9 essential ones, contrary to common belief.
Eating a variety of whole plant foods over days easily supplies required amino acids.

ADVICE

Prioritize Variety Over Single-Meal Completeness

Eat a diverse mix of legumes, nuts, seeds, grains, fruits, and vegetables across the week.
Don’t stress about getting every amino acid in one meal; variety over time covers needs.

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In this solo episode, Darin dismantles one of the most persistent myths in nutrition: that plant proteins are incomplete or inferior. Drawing from decades of peer-reviewed research and his own 17-year plant-based journey, he breaks down how plants contain all essential amino acids, how digestibility differs from bioavailability, and why variety — not animal flesh — is the key to optimal health and longevity.

This is part one of a two-part deep dive into protein, performance, and ethics — separating science from marketing and helping you understand where real nourishment begins.

What You'll Learn

00:00:00 - Intro and Sponsor: Fatty15

00:04:13 - Welcome to the Super Life Podcast

00:04:26 - Plant-Based Living and the Protein Question

00:06:24 - Protein Basics: Amino Acids in Plants

00:07:20 - Dr. Christopher Gardner and the Diversity of Plant Protein

00:09:52 - Protein Quality, Digestibility, and Flesh

00:11:12 - Heart Health: Stanford Twin Trial Results

00:12:02 - Saturated Fat, Polyunsaturated Fat, and Heart Disease

00:13:01 - Stanford Swap Meat Trial: Plant-Based Alternatives vs. Red Meat

00:14:14 - Sponsor: Our Place Cookware

00:17:01 - Longevity and Mortality Data

00:17:49 - Performance and Strength: Protein Requirements

00:20:47 - Easily Hitting Plant Protein Requirements

00:21:43 - Debunking the Carnivore Diet

00:23:02 - Closing Thoughts and Personal Point of View

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

Our Place: Toxic-free, durable cookware that supports healthy cooking. Use code DARIN for 10% off at fromourplace.com.

Fatty15: Get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to fatty15.com/DARIN and using code DARIN at checkout.

Connect with Darin Olien:

Website: darinolien.com
Instagram: @darinolien
Book: Fatal Conveniences
Platform & Products: superlife.com

Key Takeaway

"Living food creates life. Every amino acid, every cell, every act of nourishment begins with plants — not because of belief, but because that's where all protein begins."