Derek Wilson
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What protein actually is?
Protein plays a crucial role in growth and development by building and repairing the body’s various cells and tissues (including your muscles, bones, organs, and skin).
So while, say, a chicken breast and bowl of lentils might look (and taste) very different, the protein they each provide is made of the same exact basic units.
The deal with complete vs. incomplete proteins.
All animal proteins like chicken breast, eggs, fish, are complete proteins containing 20 essential amino acids. Plant proteins, on the other hand—including beans, legumes (lentils, peas), nuts, seeds, and whole grains—are almost all incomplete, but eating them in wholesome quantities does ensure that you sufficient protein as required.
The total amount of protein consumed and the variety of sources throughout the day is much more important than the timing of those foods.
How much protein you’re actually getting and using?
Animal proteins generally offer a greater concentration of protein, but not always. For eg a 100 g serving of chicken breast meat has 20 grams of protein; a 100 g serving of eggs (a little more than two eggs) has 13.6 grams; a 100 g serving (½ cup) of black beans has 22 grams; and a 100 g (½ cup) serving of lentils has 9 grams of protein.
How much protein actually gets used for growth by the body? “The rate of body protein synthesis appears to be lower in plant-based proteins versus animal-based proteins. This means that animal protein may have a slight edge when it comes to muscle repair and growth.
So if your only dietary goal, desire, or requirement is to make sure you’re hitting your protein needs as efficiently as possible, animal proteins are the way to go. Thanks!
Protein plays a crucial role in growth and development by building and repairing the body’s various cells and tissues (including your muscles, bones, organs, and skin).
So while, say, a chicken breast and bowl of lentils might look (and taste) very different, the protein they each provide is made of the same exact basic units.
The deal with complete vs. incomplete proteins.
All animal proteins like chicken breast, eggs, fish, are complete proteins containing 20 essential amino acids. Plant proteins, on the other hand—including beans, legumes (lentils, peas), nuts, seeds, and whole grains—are almost all incomplete, but eating them in wholesome quantities does ensure that you sufficient protein as required.
The total amount of protein consumed and the variety of sources throughout the day is much more important than the timing of those foods.
How much protein you’re actually getting and using?
Animal proteins generally offer a greater concentration of protein, but not always. For eg a 100 g serving of chicken breast meat has 20 grams of protein; a 100 g serving of eggs (a little more than two eggs) has 13.6 grams; a 100 g serving (½ cup) of black beans has 22 grams; and a 100 g (½ cup) serving of lentils has 9 grams of protein.
How much protein actually gets used for growth by the body? “The rate of body protein synthesis appears to be lower in plant-based proteins versus animal-based proteins. This means that animal protein may have a slight edge when it comes to muscle repair and growth.
So if your only dietary goal, desire, or requirement is to make sure you’re hitting your protein needs as efficiently as possible, animal proteins are the way to go. Thanks!
