First of all, I want to say that misinformation abounds on the topic of protein. Many people in North America (and I’m sure other places), are inclined to think that protein = food derived from animals. It seems to be a cultural norm to revere the hamburger while discarding the greens used as garnish on the side of the plate.

It’s common for people to worry or at least wonder about getting enough protein. This is especially true when considering or hearing about individuals who live on uncooked foods derived from plant life.

I believe that "how am I going to get enough protein?" is not the correct question. The correct question is: "how am I going to get enough amino acids?"

On this topic, I’ve read lots and lots of resources, and have some favorite sources that I trust more than others. I have some expertise, but don’t consider myself an expert. Keep in mind that not all the "experts" agree on the subject of protein. Here is my synthesis which forms the basis for my own food choices.

Amino Acids

Many, many, many raw plant foods contain protein; and, as I said, it’s more helpful to think in terms of amino acids, which both comprise and form protein. As human eaters, we need the building blocks that create the protein in our own body, and those building blocks are amino acids.

There are 20 amino acids, of which 8 are called "essential." Calling them "essential" without qualification is confusing, as it implies that the other 12 are not essential. Just think of that as meaning "essential to get from food sources because the body cannot manufacture these amino acids inside the body." The body needs all of these amino acids, but can manufacture those that are not essential if provided the proper nutrition.

The term "complete protein" has come to mean that a food contains all the essential amino acids. But it’s also important to understand that — and let’s be in awe of the fact that — the body can take some amino acids from some sources and other amino acids from other sources at another time and through its wisdom make the protein the body needs.

Incidentally, enzymes (which are best thought of as catalytic) are also proteins. I will put together an article on enzymes in the near future. When I first understood the value of enzymes, it was like putting together the final puzzle piece in what was a mystery of proper physical health through foods.

Plant Protein Sources

Understanding the relationship of amino acids to protein makes it easier to embrace the importance of choosing a WIDE VARIETY of plant foods. In other words, you don’t need to sit at a calculator to figure anything out if you’re getting enough protein as long as you’re choosing from a wide variety. In making your choices, keep in mind:

PopEye knew. The best source of protein for human food is (… Drum Roll …) green leafy vegetables, the darker the better.

Goji berries contain all 8 essential amino acids plus some others. The added value of high amounts of Vitamin C, extensive shelf life, and portability (try putting kale in your purse and see how long that lasts!), these are orange gems.

The various super greens like chlorella, blue-green algae, Spirulina and some prepared green powers are concentrated sources of protein.

Hemp nut seeds and Flax seeds are both complete proteins and have the added value of fat sources that are healthy. More in future articles on these two favorites.

Sprouts of all types provide a variety of amino acids. I’ll be writing must more about sprouts and the process of sprouting seeds in future articles.

Bee pollen is a complete food, one of the food sources on which a person could sustain life without other foods. I find the flavor somewhat unappealing. Some people are allergic, so starting with small amounts is very smart.

Everyone Has an Opinion

Several years ago I attended a Vegetarian dining club in Santa Monica. Many are vegan who base their meals on grains and shun animal products, but seem to know very little about nutrition. The program that evening was on raw foods. The facilitator, in an effort to get audience participation, asked the group’s opinion on how raw foodists get their protein. He even offered a prize for the correct answer. Of course, most said "nuts." And he awarded the prize to the one who said it first.

While it’s the prevailing opinion, it’s not based on fact. It’s my understanding that almonds are the only "complete" protein among the nuts. In other words, they have all 8 of the essential amino acids and some of the other amino acids. However, if you adopt the model that the body requires a combination of three elements protein, fat, and carbohydrate (each body with a different ratio), nuts are not even classified as protein, but as fat.

I know that I have only touched the surface, but I want to get started on this important topic of nutrition of foods. Please add your comments or questions by clicking on the comment link just below.