create an account

Create an account to track orders, manage your meal plan, and update your delivery preferences.

Already have an account with us?

pinterest Save

Why plant protein is better for you

We know protein is essential for our body and good health. But did you know the food source of protein is just as essential? 

A scientific paper on protein intake relating to protein sources—led by author Dr. Mingyang Song, a researcher at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health—in JAMA Internal Medicine casts new light. The study proves that plant proteins are superior to animal proteins for our long-term health.

Isn’t it the amount that counts?

The proper amount of protein in our diet is important, true. Fortunately, the U.S. government’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015–2020 reports that Americans’ protein intake is close to the recommended amount. However, the guidelines recommend a shift toward consuming a wider variety of protein sources that include nuts, seeds, and vegetables. Because most of us consume both animal and plant proteins, making a direct scientific comparison between the effects of both is tricky. Even so, the study’s findings, based on two Harvard protein-intake studies over a 32-year period, point in favor of plant sources. 

Why is plant protein better?

First, it’s no secret that meat-eating has long been linked to such chronic illnesses as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. The study reveals that meat (especially red processed meat) actually increases the risk for disease and death. A 10% increase in animal-protein intake was associated with a 2% increase in overall mortality, with an 8% increased risk for cardiovascular-related death. Contributing factors may include meat’s higher levels of “insulin-like growth factor 1” (a protein-based hormone), sodium, nitrites, and nitrates—all linked to poorer health.  

Compare plant protein: Even just a 3% increase in its intake was associated with a 10% decrease in overall mortality, with a 12% decrease in cardiovascular mortality. Add to that its links to the benefits of lower blood pressure and, as Song says, “insulin sensitivity.”

Won’t it take tons of veggies to get enough?

No need to drown in a sea of salads! You might be surprised how many plant sources provide high levels of protein, not to mention vitamins and minerals. Spinach, peas, collard greens, kale, and broccoli are five protein-packed veggies. Veestro incorporates these and other plant-protein-rich foods into menu items. Check out our meals. So, getting enough protein from the best sources is easy. And it’s nice to know that science continues to support our belief in a plant-based diet.

Read more about Vegan Fitness Nutrition with Vegan Liftz.

 

*Sources:

Jacqueline Howard, CNN
Meat-Eaters May Have a Higher Risk of Death, but Plants Are the Answer

JAMA Internal Medicine
Association of Animal and Plant Protein Intake with All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality

Veestro.com

Related Blog Posts

6 tasty swaps for your favorite comfort foods

5 veggies you didn’t know had protein

the best ways to stick to your resolutions

5 tips for plant-based eating while traveling

4 reasons plants are the true superfood

how long do vegetables last?

4 reasons why a plant-based diet will give you healthy, vibrant skin

what are food deserts and food justice?

the surprising benefits of chocolate for health and well-being

deaths linked to heart disease are on the rise: here’s how a plant-based diet can help

microwaves and nutrition: do microwaves kill our food?

what's the deal with intermittent fasting?

why plant protein is better for you

don't like what you see in the mirror? these 3 things are ruining your skin.

bad diets are responsible for more deaths than smoking

top 5 benefits of a detox diet to reset yourself

war on waste: are fresh veggies healthier than frozen?

got milk? the dairy industry’s mass deception

5 ways you save the world by eating vegan for lent

what happens to your body when you go vegan?

eating your way through diabetes

debunked: 5 myths about veganism

7 ways to beat allergies naturally

mushrooms—the vegetable that never was

how to trick your kids out of treats

good carbs vs. bad carbs

why participate in meatless monday?

american classics redux

3 plant-based bbq tips for july 4th

5 tips for a plant-based memorial day bbq

7 tips for eating less meat

10 tips for going plant-based

how to: make winter eating your healthiest

best of 2016: meals

four reasons to go organic

how to have a mindful and happy thanksgiving with 7 easy tips

5 simple ways to cut out dairy

21 days with kathy patalsky: the full review

5 easy ways to dip your foot in the (vegetarian) pool, without jumping in head first

5 things you might not know about meatless monday, but should.

this september, let yourself go nuts!

this memorial day rock the meatless bbq

5 easy greens to add to your diet

dining out on a plant-based diet

leaders in plant-based nutrition

noodles, pasta, spaghetti, hoorah!

celebrating national frozen food month

why be meatless?

jane esselstyn on women's heart health

how to survive the super bowl binge

5 ways to eat less and feel full

new usda nutrition guidelines

how to eat smart at the office

movember, prostate cancer, and your diet

meet the esselstyns-they're a plant-based family

lower your cholesterol the easy way. eat more fiber.

losing your mind? try these memory boosting superfoods!