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The Best Vegetarian Sources of Protein

Oct 06, 2016 14:09 IST
Proteins are the building blocks of life. They promote cell growth and repair tissues. You probably know that eggs and meat are great sources of protein but you may have not known that these vegetarian foods are equally good.
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  • More than Meat: The Best Vegetarian Sources of Protein

    Proteins are the building blocks of life. They promote cell growth and repair tissues. You probably know that eggs and meat are great sources of protein but you may have not known that these vegetarian foods are equally good.

    Dr. Rupali Dutta, Chief Clinical Nutritionist at Fortis-Escorts Hospital highlights the issue of protein deficiency in our country and recommends that we should have one helping of protein with every meal, be it in any form like whole dals, cottage cheese or gram flour.

    Recommended dietary allowance as per National Institute of Nutrition-
    Men: 60 grams/day
    Female: 55 grams/day
  • More than Meat: The Best Vegetarian Sources of Protein

    Cottage Cheese

    It is light, easy to digest and also a great source of calcium.

    Protein Content: 18.3 grams per 100 grams
  • More than Meat: The Best Vegetarian Sources of Protein

    Milk

    Milk and milk products are great sources of high-quality protein. The main proteins in milk are whey protein and casein.

    Full Cream Milk: 3.2 grams per 100 grams
    Curd: 3.1 grams per 100 grams
  • More than Meat: The Best Vegetarian Sources of Protein

    Nuts

    Nuts make for a healthy snack to curb cravings between meals and provide you with a good dose of protein. Almonds contain the highest amount of protein content while others like cashews and walnuts are also good sources of protein.

    Almonds: 20.8 grams per 100 grams
    Cashew: 21.2 grams per 100 grams
    Walnuts: 15.6 per 100 grams
  • More than Meat: The Best Vegetarian Sources of Protein

    Tofu and Soy Milk

    Tofu and soy milk are great sources of protein for those who are lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet.

  • More than Meat: The Best Vegetarian Sources of Protein

    Lentils

    The National Institute of Nutrition recommends 30 grams of pulses with every meal. "Moong Dal, Dal Vadis, Dal Pappads, Besan Flour - all these can help you fulfill your daily protein requirements. When lentils are combined with cereals, the amino acid profiles of both compliment each other making it a complete protein like any non-vegetarian source of protein." suggests Dr. Rupali Dutta.

    30 grams or 1 serving of lentils contains about 7 grams of protein.
  • More than Meat: The Best Vegetarian Sources of Protein

    Quinoa

    Quinoa is known for its high protein content. It's considered a complete protein which means that it packs all nine essential amino acids your body needs.

    Protein Content as per USDA: 4 grams per 100 grams
  • More than Meat: The Best Vegetarian Sources of Protein

    Amaranth Leaves and Grain

    Amaranth is a protein powerhouse. It contains lysine, an amino acid missing or negligible in many grains.

    Protein Content: 4 grams per 100 grams
  • More than Meat: The Best Vegetarian Sources of Protein

    Cauliflower Greens

    Packed with nutrition, this part of the vegetable is often discarded. Here's a great reason not to - it's loaded with protein.

    Protein Content: 5.9 grams per 100 grams
  • More than Meat: The Best Vegetarian Sources of Protein

    Colocassia Leaves or Arbi ke Patte

    One of the best vegetarian sources of protein, dried colocassia leaves seldomly make it to our dinner table. Now, you have enough reason to cook with it more often.

    Protein Content: 13 grams per 100 grams
  • More than Meat: The Best Vegetarian Sources of Protein

    Brussel Sprouts

    In Chinese medicine, Brussel sprouts are known to help with digestion. They make for a healthy vegetarian meal when combined with grains.

    Protein Content: 4.7 grams per 100 grams
  • More than Meat: The Best Vegetarian Sources of Protein

    Celery Leaves

    Primarily known to be thrown away, celery leaves definitely deserve more attention.

    Protein Content: 6.3 grams per 100 grams
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