How much plant protein do you eat?
This week, a new report by US researchers, published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine, found that people should aim to get more protein from vegetable sources rather than meat. The research found that eating more plant protein could boost your life expectancy.
More research is needed into the subject, but the initial study sample looked at 30 years of diet data for 130,000 people.
3 Sources of Plant Protein:
Nuts
Nuts are rich in protein, healthy fats, minerals and vitamin E. Try to eat a handful of almonds daily to give your body a rich nutrient boost.
Cashew nuts are one of the most versatile types of nuts as they’re great for your health and taste lovely in both sweet and savoury dishes!
Lentils
Lentils are an excellent all-rounder, providing protein, carbohydrates and fibre. They’re also great ingredients to add to curries, chillis, salads and stews.
If you’re thinking about going vegetarian with your diet, lentils are also useful to make veggie burgers and meatballs. Any type of sauce or meal can benefit from adding hearty lentils!
Soy
Soybeans or soya as it’s most commonly called in the mainstream media is one of the original vegetarian foods. Try adding edamame to salads or try some tofu for dinner one day.
You could also incorporate soy milk or yoghurt into your breakfast routine for a nutrient rich morning that will keep you going until lunchtime!
Whilst this research suggests that their is a reduced risk of early death in people who eat more plant protein, it’s important to note that protein is essential for physical health and muscle growth. Strength training is all about protein, no matter how you eat it.
To find out which snacks you can eat to increase your daily protein intake, take a look at our blog: ‘5 Protein Snacks That Really Pack A Punch!’.
Do you eat more plant proteins than meat proteins? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.
