What is the difference between plant protein and meat protein, if any?

Question

I've been gradually reducing my meat intake in pursuit of becoming a vegetarian. I have zero support from family members in this matter and I am constantly being told by them that the protein I get from tofu or other vegetable product is not the same as a meat protein and that the body needs the protein derived from meat to be balanced. Is any of this true? Are vegetables and vegetable products not enough to get the type of protein a body needs - do I have to take some certain supplements to make up for the type of protein I'm not getting from meat?

Answer 1

One difference is: The body uses the amino acids that make up protein. The body has to break down meat protein into amino acids to use them. Plants protein is already mostly broken down and more accessable.

Quote from Ole:
"Plants will never have all 9 essential ammino acids, so you need to make sure that you compliment tofu with other types of plant protein, gram for gram, you will also have to eat more of the plants to get the same amount of protein
Source(s):
college health class "

Where to start:

1. People need 8, not 9 amino acids
2. Tofu isn't God's gift to vegans. I haven't eaten it in 10 years.
3. No one eats just 1 food, so, with our disire for variety, we don't need to worry about balance .
4. Raw protein is twice as absorbable as cooked. Since animal protein is usually cooked, you need to eat LESS plant protein to equal meat.
5. I'm sorry that Oli took health class in the '70's, during the "protein obsession". A little knowledge was dangerous. Scientists later discovered the Amino acid pool and protein "recycling", which explains how Cows, chickens, gorillas, elephants, horses, AND humans, etc, can be vegans and be strong and healthy.

Answer 2

No, the complete vs incomplete is NOT a myth. Protein from animal sources (meat/dairy) contain a complete set of amino acids needed for daily intake. Essential amino acids (ones that cannot be synthesized by the human body) include: histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan and Valine. Protein from plant sources are incomplete (lacking in one or more amino acids), and rely on protein complementation. (combining proteins from different sources so that the correct proportion of amino acids are met) Animal proteins are considered to be of higher quality source of protein, simply because it is complete and available in large concentrations.

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Answer 3

It's true that protien is different and a variety of it is good. Protien from meat is mostly fatty protien and if not used it is stored as fat. Vegetable protien is used in conjunction with other nutrients to be used and flushed out so that you don't get more than your body can use at any given time. Nuts are used much the same as meat protien except it doesn't store as much fat. Some nuts such as Walnuts contain Omega-3 and 6 which are vital amino acids. Legumes are also lean protiens and are used in the same way as vegetable protien as well as whole grains.

Answer 4

While it is true meat contains all essential amino acids, many fruits, vegetables and grains contain several different types each, so rather than eating a steak, you could eat a vegetable stir-fry and still get all your amino acids. Also, soy and quinoa are both complete proteins, so try to eat those foods and you'll be fine. Be sure to eat a variety of different foods and ask your doctor if you need a supplement for anything.

Answer 5

Meat protein has all 9 essential ammino acids that your body needs to synthesize muscles etc.

Plants will never have all 9 essential ammino acids, so you need to make sure that you compliment tofu with other types of plant protein, gram for gram, you will also have to eat more of the plants to get the same amount of protein

Answer 6

That's nonsense. Protein is protein.

Ask a Licensed Dietitian.

Answer 7

They both are Just the thing for your health. If you eat both, you're better off. But yea, I've choose fruits because they taste better.

Answer 8

It will depend on the fruit or veggie associated with a comparison. If perhaps you compare a n to a carrot, the carrot is the better of the two nutritional. When you compare an avocado to the carrot, then your avocado is better. Both equally the apple and avocado, are fruits.

Answer 9

protein is protein.

Answer 10

yes, meat tastes better