Beneficios a la salud que entregan las proteínas en base a vegetales (en inglés)

The merits of plant protein are usually debated. Often people think that plant-based protein is incomplete or inferior to animal protein. But, at the same time, vegan and plant-based diets have been gaining popularity recently. So, here, it becomes extremely important to learn the benefits of plant-based protein.

What is plant-based protein?

This term is used to describe the protein found in plant foods, basically. Whole plant foods are rich in protein, especially legumes, lentils, soy, chickpeas, etc. Nuts and seeds are also a great source of protein. Whole grains are also rich in protein. Though fruits and veggies do not contain much protein, there are certain protein-rich vegetables that you can consume to meet your daily protein needs.

Animal protein, on the other hand, is derived from animal sources such as eggs, lean meat, fish, etc.

Benefits of plant-based protein

1. Low risk of cardiovascular diseases: Plant-protein has shown to be linked with a reduced risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. There are certain studies that suggest that individuals consuming plant-based protein are less likely to develop heart diseases as compared to people who consume animal protein. The reason is that plant-based protein has lower saturated fats.
2. Helps with weight management: Plant-based protein is low on saturated fats and is quite rich in fiber. This helps an individual lose and maintain weight. There are certain studies that show the positive impact of a plant-based diet on weight loss and management. Certain plant-based foods are rich in fiber, which helps in keeping you satiated for longer periods of time.
3. Reduced risk of certain types of cancer: There are some research studies that show that a vegan diet can help reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancers.
4. Easier to digest: Plant-based protein or a vegan diet is light on your stomach and gets digested easily. This reduces the risk of experiencing any stomach discomfort or digestive issues. Plant-based foods are also rich in fiber that enhances digestion.

A complete protein: Plant-based protein is rich in all 9 essential amino acids that other proteins such as whey protein offer. So, it is regarded as a complete protein.

Mid-day.com/February 23, 2021