Protein is derived from the Greek word proteins, which means "primary" or "holding the first place." Proteins are large, complex molecules that are composed of amino acids. Amino acids are organic compounds composed of nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, along with a variable side chain group. They are essential for the construction, function, and control of the body's organs and tissues, and they conduct the majority of their activity in cells. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is a modest 0.8 gms of protein per kilogram of body weight. Hence, consuming protein-rich foods is essential to meet the daily requirement.
Because most protein-rich food sources are lean meat, eggs, fish, and seafood, most vegetarians are concerned about receiving enough protein from their diet.
Here are some easy-to-find healthy protein food sources for vegetarians that can help them obtain adequate protein:
Brown rice is a complete grain that includes the fiber bran, the nutritious germ, and the carbohydrate-rich endosperm. Brown rice has 5g of protein per cup. Brown rice is also high in magnesium and fiber, both of which aid with blood sugar regulation. Brown rice bran includes a high concentration of antioxidants, which can help neutralize damaging free radical molecules and decrease inflammation in the body. Eating brown rice instead of white rice may also help you lose weight, lower your BMI, and shrink the size of your waist and hips.
Nuts are considered superfoods and provide a great, protein-rich snack or supplement to meals. Nuts are one such food item that should unquestionably be included in your diet. One cup of oil-roasted mixed nuts has roughly 27g of protein. Nuts are highly nutritious foods with complex matrices rich in unsaturated fatty acids and other bioactive substances: high-quality vegetable protein, fiber, minerals, tocopherols, phytosterols, and phenolic compounds.
Peas are high in protein because they contain all nine essential amino acids, making them a complete protein. A cup of these green beauties has approximately 9g of protein. They are also an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and minerals including manganese, iron, and phosphorus.
Seeds have recently piqued the curiosity of people from all over the world due to their numerous advantages. Consuming 1-2 varieties of nuts and 1 spoonful of any roasted seed on a daily basis is an excellent approach to increasing your protein consumption. 1 ounce (28 g) of Flax seeds contains roughly 5g of protein, 1 ounce of Hemp seeds contains around 8 g of protein, and 1 ounce of Pumpkin seeds contains approximately 7g of protein. They may be taken by blending them into a smoothie or soaking them and adding them to any beverage.
Dairy products include two types of protein: whey and casein. Milk, yogurt, and cheese are high in protein, but they are also high in calcium and are typically fortified with vitamin D, which is good for bone and tooth health. 100g of cheddar cheese has around 27g of protein, whereas 100g of cottage cheese (Paneer) contains approximately 11g of protein. Milk is considered a complete protein since it contains all nine necessary amino acids; one cup of milk has 8g of protein.
The above is a list of protein foods for vegetarians. Make an effort to incorporate as many of these as possible into your regular diet. If you are finding it difficult to meet your daily protein requirement, you can always opt for supplements that will help you with your protein needs.
BSc, Masters (Nutraceuticals)
Sonali has done her masters in Nutraceuticals, while graduation in Microbiology. She is extremely passionate about science behind the nutrition which helps understand the human body, its dietary ne... Read More
