Veg Diet Myth of the Day:

Animal protein is nutritionally superior to plant protein.

 

BUSTED. You guessed it: False! Here's a mini lesson in protein, as explained by T. Colin Campbell, PhD in his book The China Study: Protein is a vital nutrient that is made up of about 15 to 20 different kinds of amino acids. Proteins regularly wear out and must be replaced. About 8 of these amino acids are considered "essential" because our bodies cannot make them and we must get them from food. In the past, animal-based proteins were deemed to be of a higher "quality" because they provided all the amino acids that our bodies need to rebuild protein. We now know that it's perfectly fine to get these proteins throughout the day or week so long as we are eating a variety of plant proteins. "All proteins will provide amino acids necessary to build and repair tissue in our bodies whether it comes from an animal or plant origin," says Tara Gidus, RD, NS. Plus, protein from plant sources is free of the unhealthy amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol that comes with animal proteins.