The Protein Conundrum
"Protein...protein...protein...gotta have that protein...". We have created an unfounded obsession over protein without any plausible explanation as to why. The word/concept has become so entrenched into many of our lives that it begins to infiltrate our subconscious. Most people who adhere to a plant based diet are often bombarded with the same questions - “Where do you get your protein” or “are you getting enough protein”? The basis for such questions is often linked or founded on the idea that meat or animal by-products are considered the primary, and sometimes the only sources of protein available to satisfy one’s protein needs. Nothing can be farther than the truth. Unfortunately, we have been convinced through expensive advertising campaigns and mainstream propaganda that this is so. By being over exposed to such rhetoric, complacency is bound to set in, creating with it, a large number of eager repeaters.
Honestly, where is the logic? Whatever happened to listening to our bodies? Whatever happened to using sound reasoning? Why have we begun pre-occupying ourselves with figures and isolates so much? What ever happened to our fundamental way of thinking? We must re-acquaint ourselves to the cultural practices and humble traditions of the past if we wish to find the answers. In many cases, a holistic approach is often heeded.
In order to attain a proper understanding of protein, we must first define what it is, and second, we must identify its function. Simply put, protein, as defined by Wikipedia, states “Proteins (also known as polypeptides) are organic compounds made of amino acids arranged in a linear chain and folded into a globular form.” As we can see, a protein is thus classified by the sum of its parts. These parts or “amino acids” should be considered then, the basis of our fundamental understanding of protein.
Proteins (amino acids) are necessary for the functioning of the body. They are needed for the maintenance and development or our muscles, skin, hair, and internal organs. It is certainly evident that our bodies would not function without these important nutrients. How much is really needed then? Dr. Thomas Lodi will provide further insight into this within the video embeded below.
The human body utilizes a total of 22 amino acids. Out of these 22 amino acids, 8 are essential. In other words, our bodies cannot produce them naturally. In this case, we must attain these amino acids through a proper diet.
Many people who consume a diet that is primarily meat based argue that meat is essential because it is a “complete protein” (in other words, all 8 essential amino acids are present). Granted, some meats, primarily those which have been raised on grass or natural food sources, do have this amino acid profile, however, most meats that are commercially raised on corn or animal by-products are certainly not worthy of being classified as a “complete protein”. You see, the protein found within the meat is a product of what the animal is eating. Grass, in this case, will provide the animal with the essential building blocks (amino acids) for manufacturing the protein. Consequently, the meat is as only as good as what the animal is consuming or what it is being fed.
Furthermore, what most people who consume a diet rich in meats and animal by-products fail to understand is that the process of cooking severely depletes both the macronutrient and micronutrient levels within the meat – nearly 50% of the protein is depleted and up to 80% of the micronutrients are destroyed. Essentially, most people consuming meat are eating “dead” food. In other words, they are not consuming a “complete protein” as previously concluded. In order for them to do so, they would have to eat meat raw (assuming, of course, the meat was grass fed). I think most of you would agree that this is not all that appealing. After all, we are designed to eat a diet primarily of plant based foods.
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