The average American intake of protein is estimated at 100 to 120 grams per day which is approximately twice the Recommended Daily Allowance or RDA for an adult who weighs about 140 pounds. The RDA changes slightly depending on weight, and goes up for expectant moms. To determine the specific amount of needed protein according to body weight, weight can be multiplied by .36, or by .8 for weight in kg.
Reasons Why Sources of Vegetarian Protein are Superior to Animal Proteins
Animal proteins in the diet tend to cause health problems for many reasons. Consuming too much protein can cause many health problems such as kidney stones and other kidney problems, high blood pressure, arthritis pain, increased risk of cancer, osteoporosis, obesity, problems with arteries, and acid reflux disease. Diets consisting of primarily vegetarian foods rarely cause protein intake to go over the RDA.
The quality of vegetarian source proteins is so much higher than animal proteins due to the lack of cholesterol, added hormones, and diseases such as the dairy para-tuberculosis commonly found in commercial dairy and meat animals. Para-tuberculosis has been scientifically linked to Crohn's disease. This disease which mostly affects young adults is produced in humans by triggering a massive immune reaction against the tissues where the bacteria is located in the human body.
Antibiotics found capable of fighting tuberculosis were found by researchers to be ineffective in fighting para-tuberculosis, which is thought to be transmitted more readily through the allowable seven drops of pus per glass for Grade A milk, according to the Bulletin of the International Dairy Federation No. 319/1997, pp 24.
There is an increasing trend toward using vegetarian proteins instead of consumption of proteins from animal-based foods. Many singers and Hollywood actors and actresses have became vegetarians and even vegans for many reasons.
Some reasons given by individuals for becoming vegetarian and vegan include the inhumane treatment and diseases of commercial farm animals, the rain-forest destruction due to demand for cheaper hamburger, easier weight loss, and elimination of toxins and diseases.
Healthy Vegetarian Foods Often Overlooked
Most people know all about animal sources of protein foods but many people miss out on the healthier protein food sources such as the nutrient dense complete super-food phytoplankton, millet, quinoa, triticale, avocados, almonds and at least 18 other available varieties of nuts, 19 types of beans, and vegetarian substitutes of prepared hamburgers, hot dogs and so on.
Many resources provide information about legumes such as garbanzo beans, soy beans, lima beans, split peas, navy beans, black beans, pinto beans, lentils, and other beans, and basic meat alternatives being good sources of protein and fiber that lack the hazards of a diet high in animal proteins.
Beans are so versatile that they can be used as a substitute for meat in practically any meal. Some good examples are vegetarian meat loaf, hamburger, bean soups, and delicious vegetarian tacos, burritos and tostados with salsa, fresh chopped avocado, tomatoes, lettuce and olives, and optional grated cheese.
Kashi and ten grain cereal contains six grams of protein per serving, and hulled millet 8.4 grams. Cooked millet makes a very delicious and nutritious cereal or side dish or snack. It can be eaten as a cereal without anything else, or with berries, chopped dates or other fruit, honey, butter, coconut, almond, rice, soy, or other milk added.
The Amazing Superfood Flax
One fourth of a cup of flax seeds contains five grams of protein, is a great source of fiber, and provides other very healthy nutrients such as minerals, vitamins, enzymes, nine essential amino acids and important omega-3 fatty acids.
Flax also contains the antioxidant lignans and helps fight diseases such as cancer, diabetes, arthritis and other ailments. To release the nutrients from flax seeds, they need to be used powdered rather than used whole or in flax seed oil. Ground flax seeds make a delicious and very nutritious topping for cereals, ice cream, and even lunch or dinner meals.
Many health books, magazines, and websites give recipes with great vegan snacks for children and facts about vegetarian protein to make transitions easier. Achieving and maintaining good health is one of the primary reasons for the increasing new interest in nutrition and avoidance of toxins. Considering all the benefits and the great reductions in various health risks provided by substituting animal proteins with vegetarian proteins, the change in dietary habits does not seem so difficult.
Sources:
http://flaxfood.com/nutrients.htm
http://www.mad-cow.org/00/paraTB.html
http://diannagriffis.suite101.com/vegan-snack-ideas-for-kids-a59480
http://beverly-lee.suite101.com/amazing-health-benefits-from-phytoplankton-a212797
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