The World Health Organization recently classified processed meat as a carcinogen because eating a lot of it can increase your risk of colorectal cancer. This means many people around the globe are going to be limiting the amount of processed meats that they’re tossing onto their sandwiches and stuffing into their casseroles.
Although protein deficiency doesn’t tend to be a problem in the developed world, folks who are worried about their health are probably seeking out new and healthier forms of protein due to the recent, bacon-dropping news.
With that said, here’s five reasons to trade out some meat protein for some plant protein:
- Plant Protein and a Decreased Risk of Coronary Heart Disease
Choosing to get more protein from plant sources seems to be better for your heart according to a 2006 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. It concludes:
Our findings suggest that diets lower in carbohydrate and higher in protein and fat are not associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease in women. When vegetable sources of fat and protein are chosen, these diets may moderately reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
2. Plant Protein and Liver and Kidney Health
Too much animal protein may cause liver damage. If you’re a North American, you’re in a society where most people get as much or more daily protein than required. So adding a bunch of protein on top of that might not bode well for your liver.
The National Liver Foundation says that “it has been proved beyond doubt that some of the proteins derived from animals are responsible for producing persistent symptoms related to liver disease. Thus vegetarian diet, as mentioned below, has gained momentum in the treatment of hepatic disorders.”
Similarly animal protein can be hard work for the kidneys to deal with. This is because animal protein causes an inflammatory response. According to Dr. Gregor of Nutrition Facts, “plant protein is a cinch.” [for our kidneys to deal with].
Additionally, a September 2015 study found that a high plant-protein diet improved kidney function.
3. As Good at Appetite Control without the Saturated Fats, Cholesterol, Sodium, etc.
Protein can help people gain weight when combined with exercise by providing the building blocks of lean muscle mass, but it can also help people lose weight. This is because protein is filling and will keep you full for a good long while. This, of course, keeps people from eating more and, therefore, weight loss is likely.
A 2014 study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that plant protein was as effective as meat-based protein for losing weight. The other benefits being that plant-based protein lacks the saturated fat and sodium content often found in meat sources.
4. Fits into an Alkaline Diet
Chronic inflammation may be the reason why obesity is so dangerous. According to the leading thinkers on the subject, the organs become overworked attempting to rid themselves of acidic animal protein, and this puts a strain on the immune system and then inflammation sets in. Plant protein is alkaline and doesn’t cause this problem.
5. To Vary Your Protein Choices
It is generally considered a good and healthy thing to eat a variety of proteins. If you’re a vegetarian, then you need to make sure to eat an array of plant proteins to get the amino acids needed. If you eat meat, then it might be a good idea, in light of recent news and just in general, to replace some of your meat-based proteins with those from plants.
The AIM Companies offers ProPeas pea protein. It’s a non-GMO, plant-based protein that can help folks pack on muscle or inhibit their appetites. It makes a healthy breakfast or a low-calorie snack. And plant protein isn’t saddled with a lot of the problems that are associated with protein from meats.
The AIM Companies 