Plant Proteins And Their Benefits

Plant Proteins And Their Benefits
By Nancy Owais

For many people, when they think of protein, they immediately think of meat, poultry, or seafood. However, there is a growing number of people who do not eat any of these for a number of reasons and opt for plant based proteins instead. Whether you are trying to diversify your diet, or cutting down on animal protein, there are many options to try that will include the protein you need.

Legumes are filling and accessible making it easy to incorporate these into your diet and lifestyle. 


Lentils

18 grams per cup

Chickpeas

15 grams per cup

Black beans

15 grams per cup

Kidney beans

15 grams per cup

Black eyed peas

13.5 grams per cup

Lupins

18 grams per cup


Nuts can be a great snack that add protein and seeds can be added to smoothies, salads, baked desserts, and pudding. 


Almonds

6 grams per 1/4 cup

Hazelnuts

4.2 grams per ounce

Pistachios

6 grams per ounce

Pecans

3 grams per ounce

Pumpkin seeds

7 grams per ounce

Sunflower seeds

6 grams per ounce

Sesame seeds

5 grams per ounce

Chia seeds

5 grams per tablespoon

Hemp seeds

5 grams per 3 tablespoons


Grains are also a great way to get protein in your diet. They can be incorporated into every day meals that will keep you full.


Quinoa

8 grams per cup

Oats

6 grams per cup

Brown rice

5 grams per cup

Farro

6 grams per cup

Freekeh

5 grams per cup

Bulgur

6 grams per cup

Barley

3.5 grams per cup


Plant based proteins are great to add to your diet for their nutrients since they have vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are great for your heart since they can lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease. Plant based proteins are great for weight management since we are eliminating calories and fat from animals. Lastly, plant based proteins are delicious and a great alternative to animal protein.
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