Animal vs plant: 3 protein secrets

"Moderation in all things" - Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Protein is a crucial part of what we eat. People have long argued about whether animal or plant protein is better. Some might say, "Everyone thinks their way is the best." I don't have anything against being vegetarian. But I do believe in using science and logic to make decisions.

Recent studies might help settle this debate. We'll talk about that later. First, let's look at why protein matters so much for our bodies.

The most important functions of protein:

• proteins help cells grow and fix themselves. They are important for building body parts like muscles, skin, organs, and blood.

• collagen is a very important protein for fixing tissues. It's a big part of connective tissues like skin, tendons, ligaments, and bones.

• proteins work as enzymes to help heal wounds.

• Proteins play a key role in helping the immune system respond to injuries.

• some proteins work like hormones, which are chemicals that control different body functions. For example, the growth hormone helps cells grow and repair.

• proteins carry important nutrients to injured areas, helping with healing.

Why is having more muscle important?

• helps burn more fat even when you're not active

• improves your body's structure and health

• helps clear bad cholesterol

• boosts your mental health

• strengthens your physical abilities

• raises your metabolism rates

• improved glucose utilization and insulin sensitivity

• lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease

• increases bone strength

Why should we care? Losing muscle can lead to several health issues, such as:

• higher insulin resistance makes your body less effective at managing sugar. For every 10% increase in skeletal muscle mass, there is an 11% decrease in insulin resistance

• slower metabolism

• greater risk of falling and injuries, with a higher chance of bone fractures 

• lower bone density

• less independence and functionality in daily tasks

• faster cognitive decline

• 41% higher mortality rate

• increased risk of cardiovascular diseases

All protein is not created equal:

• animal proteins generally have higher bioavailability compared to plant proteins due to their more complete amino acid profiles and lack of antinutritional factors present in plants

• animal proteins like pork and eggs provide higher EAA bioavailability compared to plant proteins such as black beans and almonds. This is observed in both young and older adults

• egg breakfast stimulated both protein synthesis and protein breakdown compared with cereal breakfast during the post-lunch period

• animal proteins like pork and eggs provide higher EAA bioavailability compared to plant proteins such as black beans and almonds. This is observed in both young and older adults

But it's also important to remember:

The presence of vegetables in the diet can influence the gut microbiota, which in turn affects the digestion and absorption of proteins. Gut microorganisms play a role in breaking down proteins, and their activity can be modulated by the intake of vegetables, impacting the overall efficiency of protein absorption.

Diets high in animal proteins can produce excess acid in your body. High intake of animal protein can increase the production of sulfuric acid due to the metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids found in meat, poultry and fish. Metabolic acidosis happens when your body produces too much acid or your kidneys are not removing enough acid from your body.

Fruits and vegetables are high in organic anions like citrate, malate and gluconate, which get converted to bicarbonate in the body. Bicarbonate is the base in our body that neutralizes the acid.

So let's be sensible and take the best from both sides. Animal protein is perfectly complemented by vegetables with a low glycemic index and low glycemic load. Also use fruits and vegetables that have a high alkaline potential to nitrolyze acid.

In this way, you can get the most efficiently working nutritional system.

Not choose sides of ideologies. Choose a sound scientific approach.

The best protein source and the top alkaline products 👇

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Warm regards,
Kos and Helen

P.S. We are reading all your replies and responding promptly. Feel free to email me with any questions or comments you have.