Myth # 17 : " But I need to eat meat to get my protein ."
Myth # 17 : " But I need to eat meat to get my protein ."
While protein is indeed one of the three macronutrients that humans need to maintain good health ( the other two being carbohydrates & fats ), almost all of the world ’ s humans ( especially those of you capable of reading this article ) actually eat too much protein , not too little . Especially in the United States , it has been estimated that humans ingest 2-6 times more protein than is healthy for them . And , unlike plant-based proteins , ingesting animal proteins has been clearly linked to kidney disease , osteoporosis , several types of cancer , type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease . As such , at least as far as we humans are concerned , plant-based sources of protein * are definitely far superior to those found in animal products .
Besides , from where do you think cows and pigs and chickens get the protein in their flesh ? That ’ s right – from plants ! Getting your protein from plant sources simply cuts out the “ middle man ” – and cuts out cancer , diabetes , heart disease & unethical callousness while you ’ re at it !
Current status of this Myth : Exposed Justification it provides for eating animals : NONE
“ We ’ ve never treated a single patient with protein deficiency ; yet the majority of patients we do see are suffering from heart disease , diabetes , and other chronic illnesses that are the direct result of trying to get enough protein .”
~ Dr . Matthew Lederman
* A standard 50g beef burger contains 10.2 grams of protein and three 90g fish sticks contain 12 . l grams ... In comparison , one cup of kidney beans contains 13 grams of protein , an average serving of pasta ( 190g cooked ) contains 8.5 grams of protein , a few handfuls of almonds ( 50g ) contain 11 grams pf protein , a large handful of pumpkin seeds ( 50g ) contains over 16 grams of protein , one cup of buckwheat contains 24 grams of protein , one cup of tofu contains 11 grams of protein , one cup of wild rice contains 7 grams of protein , one cup of lentils contains 18 grams of protein , and one cup of quinoa contains 9 grams of protein … And , while it is true that – with the exception of soy products & quinoa – animal products are the only foods containing all nine essential amino acids , combining plant-based alternatives ( two or more different legumes , grains , vegetables , nuts or seeds ) easily provides all the amino acids a healthy human needs .
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