Vegans and vegetarians hear this question all the time because so many people think that meat is the best way to get protein. The facts, however, tell a very different story.

 
Fact 1: Because heat alters molecular structure, 50% of the protein in meat is destroyed in the cooking process.₁

Fact 2: The China Study by T. Colin Campbell rocked the nutrition world in 2006 by observing 6500 Chinese people over 20 years, concluding that the more animal protein people consume, the more modern ailments they suffer such as cancer and heart disease.

Fact 3: Some of the Earth’s biggest animals—hippos, rhinos, elephants, giraffes and cows—maintain enormous muscle mass on plant-based diets. Is anyone asking if they’re getting enough protein?!

The Protein Question Answered

It is generally recommended that 10-35% of your daily calories come from protein, depending on your age, gender and lifestyle.₂ Before we get into the best ways to get protein, let’s be clear on why we need it in the first place.

Great for a slow release of energy, protein is made up of amino acids that your body uses to build muscle, tissues and enzymes. There are 20 different amino acids, nine of which can’t be produced by your body and must be obtained through food. These are called the essential amino acids and they are the ones to focus on when choosing the best protein sources for you.

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One of Our Favorite Protein Sources

Check out one of our favorite protein sources, combined with a healthy diet loaded with protein-rich plant foods such as green vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds.

Sacha Inchi Protein Powder

Our organic, non-GMO sacha inchi protein powder gives you all the essential amino acids and is made up of 60% highly digestible protein, along with vitamin C, iron and calcium. Athletes are raving about it!

Sacha inchi is a beautiful vine plant indigenous to the Peruvian Amazon, which produces star-shaped pods containing seeds sometimes known as Inca peanuts. When you and your family enjoy sacha inchi protein powder, you are helping to protect the endangered fertile land in the Amazonian rainforest from being razed for raw materials that are less sustainable. It’s good for you, and the planet!

"One of the best exercise fuels - clean and lean." Review by Mont
“I gave up on protein powders (even raw vegan ones) awhile ago till I came across this superfood. It's so awesome to know I am getting protein to supplement my exercise on top of all these nutrients. I've been using sacha inchi mixed with maca in my smoothies for almost a year now and I've never felt better.”
 
Check out our Super Sacha Inchi Banana Smoothie recipe!

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Bonus Protein Sources

Don’t forget that spirulina and chlorella consist of a whopping 65% protein! See our recent newsletter here to learn about the detoxification benefits of these freshwater algae.
 
Get energized, build muscle and answer the protein question with confidence from now on!

 
Sources:
1 - Max Planck Institute for National Research in Germany
2 - Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR) reference and RDAs: Institute of Medicine (IOM) Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids.

Sunfood's "Natural Solutions" does not promote or suggest natural cures, natural healing or natural remedies for any disease, disorder or ailment thereof. This information should be treated as educational material gathered and discovered from various studies, clinical trials and customer reviews. It is designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, and independent conclusions in regards to natural products and alternative health choices. It is best to consult with your healthcare practitioner before attempting any form of natural cure, natural healing or natural remedy to any health issues.