Just had another one of those “protein” conversations after a personal trainer friend found out I’ve been a plant-based vegan for more than 30 years.
Many in the personal training profession are adamant that we must consume more protein from animals, however, this particular friend was open-minded so we exchanged some ideas. Of course, she assumed I ate lots of tofu, which I never have because green leafy veggies, beans and nuts have all the protein I need to maintain my body weight and energy level.
Plus, I get the added benefit of a surplus of fiber, phytonutrients and micronutrients to boost my digestive and immune systems. Fiber and phytonutrients you can’t get from animal protein and it’s much lower in micronutrients.
That said, here are my top 5 reasons (out of at least 100) why plant protein consumption is superior to animal protein consumption.
- Animal protein causes cancer. Surely you know by now that processed meats are deemed to be a Class 1 carcinogen. That means there’s proof that some of your favorites like bacon, ham, hot dogs, baloney and salami cause cancer. All other meats are Class 2 carcinogens, meaning that they probably cause cancer, but it’s not conclusive. Class 2 still sounds dangerous to me.
- Excessive protein wears down your liver and kidneys. The liver and kidneys must detoxify poisons and dispose of waste in your blood. Excess protein consumption that you get from animal products contain uric acid, which is converted to urea (waste product) and eventually must be excreted via your urine.
- There are dangerous viruses and bacteria in animal products. The viruses and bacteria that attack animals can also attack human beings since we are similar organically, hence we have many zoonotic diseases. However, the viruses and bacteria that attack plants don’t attack humans, therefore eating plant-based products is inherently safer.
- Excess protein increases the acidity of your blood, which can cause chronic inflammation. That gives rise to diseases like gout and arthritis. Plant proteins are less concentrated, plus plants contain nutrients that will make your body more alkaline.
- Animal protein contains lots of saturated fat. By now we all know that too much saturated fat in the diet causes heart problems, hence heart disease is the number one killer in the U.S.A. Excess saturated fat is not a concern on a plant-based diet.
