Which is Better: Animal-Based or Plant-Based Protein?
Foods that are derived from animals and plants provide good amount of protein for the body. Of course however, there are differences between the two. In the next lines, we will be exploring their major differences and decipher which one is better on a person’s specific situation.
Obviously, protein is an integral part of our health and diet at the same time.
It’s made of amino acids and it exists in our body, hair, skin, bones and muscles.
In fact, protein is considered as the muscle’s building blocks which is why you’d notice many bodybuilders or fitness enthusiasts always include protein in their lifestyle.
Above all, it assists in recovery and repairing of muscle tissues, building new muscles and promotes fullness. In general, there are two ways where we can get protein and these are:
- Plant-based protein and;
- Animal-based protein
Let us investigate further how to maximize the protein that can be acquired from these sources.
Plant Based Protein
The difference between these protein sources lie in the content of their amino acids. When the body starts digesting proteins in the food, they’re breaking them down into amino acids. Protein in vegetables on the other hand isn’t capable of providing complete protein source since they don’t have the 9 vital amino acids.
In fact, even the high protein plant sources similar to nuts, beans and legumes are lacking of one or more essential amino acid. Some plant-based foods on the other hand like buckwheat and quinoa are complete protein source. Thus, it is essential for vegans and vegetarians to have the right mix of protein sources to ensure that they will get all essential amino acids.
Animal Based Protein
In regards to animal-based protein, it contains more nutrition compared to its plant-based protein counterpart. The best thing about this is that, it contains the essential amino acids needed by the body. To give you an example, some fatty fish, poultry and milk products are wonderful sources of Vitamin B12, Vitamin D as well as Omega 3 fatty acids. There are other known sources for animal-based proteins including eggs, fish, poultry, dairy and chicken breast.