Best Non-Animal Protein Source

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   vespawoolfposted 12 years ago

   What is the best source of non-animal protein I can add to my diet, not including supplements like protein powder?

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      Eliminate Cancerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      If you eat a variety of vegetables, grains, and legumes, you probably don't have to worry about getting enough protein.  Your body makes what it needs, and the quality of that protein is superior to animal proteins.

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         vespawoolfposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Thank you for your feedback. We do eat a lot of quinoa. I suppose that would qualify!

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            rmcrayneposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Quinoa, millet, amaranth and buckwheat are all high in protein.  I put in some recipe links in one of my Body Ecology hubs. You can find plenty of recipes on sites like allrecipes.

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               vespawoolfposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               Thanks, I'll take a peek at your Body Ecology hubs. Amaranth and quinoa are both common in the Andes, although I tend to use quinoa more often.

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               vespawoolfposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               Could you please direct me to your Body Ecology hub?

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                  rmcrayneposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  HP has really cracked down on posting links, even when related, and considers it self promotion.  Even alluding to hubs has supposedly gotten a hubber banned from the forums. Go to my profile, and "search contact by rmcrayne".

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      BlissfulWriterposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      If you consider eggs non-animal, then it would be your best protein source.  In fact, I believe eggs to be a better protein source than meat.
      
      However, if you want to avoid animal products (of which eggs are), then beans is a great protein source.

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   mega1posted 12 years ago

   I think I mentioned somewhere here that I've been sprouting beans and they are a wonderful source of protein, plus they just taste so refreshing.  Uses: salads, stir fries, ground up in bread, as a simple snack, marinated in lots of dishes but especially tossed with other veggies and slightly steamed.  It takes some time and attention to do it without them turning sour, but it is well worth it.  And did I mention how inexpensive they are when you sprout them yourself?

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      vespawoolfposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      That's something I haven't considered for a long time. I used to own a sprouter, a special jar with a top for easy draining. I'm sure I could rig someting up on my own, though. I'll look into it! Sprouts are delicious, to boot.

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   Anti-Valentineposted 12 years ago

   Peanuts. Peanut butter is said to be one of the things recommended for those who can't eat meat, but need protein - which everyone needs.

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      vespawoolfposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      And peanut butter is delicious! Good suggestion, and easy to keep on hand for whenever hunger strikes.

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         jimmylesaintposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Peanut butter and aflatoxin???

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            vespawoolfposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Thank you, jimmylesaint. I make homemade peanut butter on a weekly basis, but haven't tried aflatoxin.

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   Diane Insideposted 12 years ago

   I was a very small skinny child and my mom was conscerned because I didn't eat much especially meat.
   
   The doctor says, of course, Peanut Butter.
   
   I of course ate lots of peanut butter as a kid.
   
   So yes that is a good suggestion.
   
   I'd also say,
   cheese,
   beans,
   nuts of almost any kind,
   
   and eggs.

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      vespawoolfposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I suppose any kind of nut butter woudl work: almond butter, cashew butter, etc.

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   fitmomposted 12 years ago

   I don't know if you do dairy or not, but cottage cheese is a great source of protein and is delicious paired with some fruit. Black-eyed peas also have high protein content. I make Ezekiel bread, which has beans and grain and counts as a complete protein. It is delicious! The Ezekiel bread that you can buy in the store is like cardboard though.

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      vespawoolfposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      The Ezekiel bread gets my attention. Do you have a recipe for it? I'd definitely be interested.

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         fitmomposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Hi! I'm thinking it would be a great subject for a hub. I'm putting the finishing touches on my first one. I'll have to do that topic next. 

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            vespawoolfposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Okay. I'll keep an eye on your hubs. Thanks!

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   rmcrayneposted 12 years ago

   Here are some suggestions here: 
   
   http://hubpages.com/forum/post/1979564

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      vespawoolfposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you, rmcrayne. looks good!

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   savanahlposted 12 years ago

   I've heard that soy and whey proteins are excellent sources.

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   psycheskinnerposted 12 years ago

   For complete protein, a bean plus a grain.

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      Robertr04posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Chlorella has more protein than beef and more calcium than milk. packed with vit.A, B1-B12, E, folic acid, iron, magnesium, potassium,selenium, amino acids and cardio systems. It tones and detoxifies the immune system, liver,kidneys, blood,digestive system and more. Removes chemical toxins from the body, including chemo therapy. Curbs the appetite, useful in weight loss. If that's not enough, try Spirulina.High quality protein content, high vegetable iron amd magnesium content ,the unsaturated, essential fatty acids, a rich source of chlorophyll, and an abundant supply of growth elements for new cellular life RNA and DNA as well as a reliable vegetable source of vit. A,B1,B2,Niacin, and B12 makes this a very valuable plant to properly nourish ourselves. It also protects against radiation and helps us rid ourselves of it. Both are water plants known as algae best taken in a herbal extracts.

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         vespawoolfposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Wow, these are very interesting suggestions. Thank you. I'll have to find out if they are available here. If not, I could feasibly import them someday.

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            Robertr04posted 12 years agoin reply to this

            I have written a hub you may find interesting with more info on these herbs.Try robertr04.hub

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               vespawoolfposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               Great hub! Thank you!

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   mistyhorizon2003posted 12 years ago

   Nuts and cheese

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      Robertr04posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Dairy products, you have got to be joking? Cheese is from an animal source.

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         mistyhorizon2003posted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Sorry, I assumed 'non-animal' source meant 'not meat' as in 'vegetarian', and cheese can be made suitable for vegetarians if rennet is not used.

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      vespawoolfposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      mistyhorizon2003, nuts are a great idea. I do eat plenty of almonds and almond milk.

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    Jon Greenposted 12 years ago

    Tofu is great - though it's better when it's freshly made. As a veggie, I would be lost without it! It doesn't taste of much, but with soy sauce it's terrific. You can just stir-fry it with noodles and veg for a great quick meal - under 5mins.

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       vespawoolfposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Good suggestion. I used to eat it all the time, but it's not available in my neck of the woods. Maybe I'll have to learn to make it!

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          Jon Greenposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          There you go - a business opportunity! Making tofu as a cottage industry.

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             vespawoolfposted 12 years agoin reply to this

             Great idea. Thanks!

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       the girlsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Tofu is my best protein substitute - tofu soup, fried tofu, steamed tofu , baked tofu and many more.

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          vespawoolfposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          We used to put tofu in smoothies as well!

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             Robertr04posted 12 years agoin reply to this

             It's not about the rennet, it's about what the animal was fed. Organic dairies are not allowed to feed their cows with gains grown with pesticides. They can't use antibiotics or growth hormones. The thought behind not using animal or animal products is based on those facts, I don't eat meat because it is extremely difficult to find truly clean meat, plus the digestion and acid problems .

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                vespawoolfposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                I'm not a vegetarian, but would like to increase protein intake without relying on animal products. I do agree that there's a big difference between organic and non-organic dairy.

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             the girlsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

             .I hope tofu smoothie tastes good :-)

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                vespawoolfposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                Since tofu is mild-flavored, it mostly thickens the smoothie and adds protein.

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    RTalloniposted 12 years ago

    Garbanzo beans, aka chickpeas, humus, ceci, Egyptian pea, gram kichererbse, and revithia, are high in protein and they can be used in a surprisingly wide variety of recipes.

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       vespawoolfposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       We love hummus...I'm not familiar with the last two listed. I'll have to look into it. Thank you! you should write a hub...

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    Journey *posted 12 years ago

    Hi vespawoolf, like RTalloni, I would most recommend chick peas / garbanzo beans for a non-animal protein source.

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       vespawoolfposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Great idea! I made pita and hummus just yesterday. I guess that would qualify. :   )

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    Daughter Of Maatposted 11 years ago

    Spirulina has the highest natural content of protein in the plant world.  It is about 65% to 71% protein. Another great source is hemp, which also contains omega 3-6-9 and branch chain amino acids. Granted it is a powder, but you can't get a better source of protein and since it doesn't need to be cooked, when you consume it, you get ALL of the protein. When you cook veggies and meat, the majority of the proteins are destroyed.
    
    A great book you may want to look into is Superfoods by David Wolfe. He describes the top 10 superfoods, plus some honorable mentions. It's an excellent read.

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       vespawoolfposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       This is great information. I'll look for that book on Amazon. I'm not sure if hemp or spirulina is available in Peru, but I'll look into it. Since it's a coastal country I'm sure at least the spirulina can be found. Thank you!

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          Daughter Of Maatposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          You're quite welcome. I'm sure you can order it online if you can't find it in Peru, although I'll warn you it is a bit pricey. Hemp you can get from Nutiva. Their hemp and all other products are grown 100% organically and it's not as pricey as spirulina. It contains slightly less protein, but is just as easily abosrbed.
          
          Wolfe has information on ordering spirulina and other superfoods on his personal website, davidwolfe.com.

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          Robertr04posted 11 years agoin reply to this

          While you are out getting books, try Taking Every Bite Seriously by LaKeta McCauley.

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             vespawoolfposted 11 years agoin reply to this

             Great, thanks for the advice Robertr04!

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