Vegetable Proteins

Proteins, also called protein, are very important to our body. They provide calories and amino acids. Our body needs no fewer than 22 of these amino acids, of which the body can make 13 itself. We have to get the rest of the amino acids from our food and are called essential amino acids. Many people get this from animal proteins, but there are also many vegetable proteins. This is important for people who want or need to eat vegan. If you are lactose intolerant, for example, you cannot tolerate dairy products, but animal welfare and the environment are also important reasons to eat vegan. Plant-based food also contains proteins, but the amino acid profile of vegan products contains far fewer essential amino acids than that of animal products. If you eat vegan or vegetarian, it is therefore important to take this into account.

Vegans need more protein

The protein quality in various protein sources can differ greatly. Not all foods containing protein provide all essential amino acids. Just because the quality of vegetable protein is lower doesn't mean it is worse for you. It does mean that you need more of it to get enough essential amino acids. On average, vegans and vegetarians should therefore consume 25% more protein. This amounts to about 15 grams extra per day. Not only vegans and vegetarians have an interest in paying attention to their protein intake. Pregnant women, breastfeeding women, children and athletes also have a higher protein requirement. This is because the protein contributes to muscle building and recovery after strenuous physical exercise.