Protein is extremely important for one’s wellbeing as it provides the body with strength, mainly through improving the state of muscles and being crucial to weight loss success. Even though meat is known to be the most valuable source of protein, there are many people who prefer to eat a vegan, vegetarian, or simply more plant-based diet.
If you’re someone who prefers vegetables to meat, then it’s essential to consume enough protein in order to provide your body with all the necessary nutrients. So, in this article, we present you with the best sources of plant-based protein that you could incorporate into your diet.
1. Lentils
Lentils are rich in protein, plus they also contain fast-digested carbs, which is why they’re also satisfying and nutritive. Adding them to your diet may also reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer. Also, lentils are fiber-rich, and regular consumption can improve gut health and boost the function of the bowel movements. If you’re looking to add more plant-based protein to your diet, there are many meaty and vegan recipes that use lentils as their important ingredient.
2. Spirulina
Spirulina is rich in magnesium, potassium and many other nutrients, however, it also contains protein. This alga is known as a super plant due to its multiple nutritional ingredients. Consuming about two tablespoons of spirulina powder will provide you with your daily protein need. What’s even better, spirulina may also be effective in reducing various diseases and boosting liver function.
3. Oats and oatmeal
Eating oats for breakfast is a great way to stay full until lunch. But oats are also a nutritional powerhouse as they contain high amounts of protein and fibers. A half a cup of dry oats contains about 6g of protein and 4g of fibers. If you mix that with Greek yogurt, you’ve got yourself a breakfast that is healthy, tasty, and rich in proteins. If you want to add a bit of sweetness to that, feel free to sprinkle your oatmeal with blueberries, dates, bananas, and other fruits.
4. Chickpeas and most of the other beans
Vegans know the diversity of chickpeas, which is why it’s widely included in many tasty vegan recipes. Still, the main upside of beans is that they’re mostly super rich in proteins and also carbs, iron, potassium, and other valuable health compounds. Knowing what are the benefits of pea protein can help you diversify your diet by including more plant-based sources of protein. This is also great for anyone who intends to reduce their consumption of meat.
5. Seitan
Like the previous on our list, seitan has been a long-favored source of protein for vegans and vegetarians alike. This is why seitan is made from gluten, which is the main protein in wheat. About 100g of seitan contains about 35g of protein, which makes it the most protein-rich plant on this list. It also has rich quantities of selenium, iron, and calcium, and you can also find it in the fridge section of most health stores, as it’s a popular alternative to meat so it needs to be kept cold. You can use seitan to make mock meat delicacies, as it can be grilled, sautéed, and fried.
Conclusion
Protein is essential to your diet, and even though meat is the richest source of protein, eating less of it can be beneficial for health at times. These protein-rich plants will certainly help you increase their quantities in your regular diet, so feel free to include them next time you feel like experimenting with new tastes and ingredients. Keeping a balanced diet, regardless of what you eat in general, will help you live a long and healthy life.
