Protein Needs: Animal and Plant Sources
Chapter 12. All About Protein: Animal, Plant, and Are You Sure You Need More?
This chapter explores the special role of protein and amino acids in the human body. It describes how protein is the only macronutrient with nitrogen, and it is continuously broken down and synthesized to meet physiological demands from the body’s pool of amino acids. The chapter discusses essential and nonessential amino acids and reviews whether “complete” proteins are required at every meal. The chapter combats nutrition disinformation, including the superiority of animal over plant proteins for health and the overstated role of high-protein diets on weight loss and obesity. It critiques current protein recommendations, which vary based on age, physical activity, and health status, while clarifying that most humans are eating far too much and favoring animal proteins over healthy and sustainable plant proteins. The chapter closes on collagen, a skin-boosting protein that’s gotten a lot of hype for its anti-aging promises—but does it really work?
Core Topics This Chapter Addresses
Guiding Questions
⮞ What roles do protein and amino acids play in our bodies?
⮞ Are you eating enough protein, and do age and lifestyle increase your needs?
⮞ Are plant proteins just as good as animal proteins?
⮞ Do high-protein diets lead to greater weight loss and decreased risk of obesity?
⮞ Will collagen prevent skin aging and wrinkles?
Beyond the Protein Craze
Unpack protein’s role in individual health and ecology—timely for plant-based curriculum modules or media explorations on protein alternatives or eaters who want to learn the truth behind the protein craze.