5 Top Sources of Plant Protein

Our future taste buds will need to adapt to our future diet. Animal protein such as beef, milk, chicken, eggs, pork, lamb and fish will be in short supply. Except for wild caught fish, the rest of them take up too much land, produce too many greenhouse gasses and are too inefficient to be practical.

Insect protein and plant protein will be the norm. If you don't like the thought of insect protein, these 5 plant proteins may be for you:

1. Spirulina, Chlorella and the algae family are garnering more and more attention as a superlative superfood that delivers a wide array of nutrients and helps rid our body of heavy metals. What many people don't know is that it is an exceptional source of vegan protein.

Chlorella alone is commonly cited as 58% protein (and at times, up to 75%) with a balance of important amino acids, including all the essential ones the body can't manufacture. When you combine this with an abundance of enzymes, probiotics, and phytonutrients, chlorella becomes a high quality protein source that is easily digestible as well.

2. Hemp - Hemp has no shortage of health benefits, including being the perfect ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 (3:1), the most abundant source of EFAs (essential fatty acids), and a rich source of phytonutrients, antioxidants, and plant sterols.

Hemp is up to 47% protein, and contains 20 amino acids; including the 9 essential amino acids our body cannot produce, making it one of the few plant-based complete protein sources.

3. Bee Pollen - It comes from bees, but they just gather the pollen, they don't produce it. Bee pollen is not a well-known food, but that doesn't mean it is not powerful. It is considered one of nature's most complete and balanced foods, with a rich source of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, hormones, enzymes and fats, as well as significant quantities of natural antibiotics.

Bee pollen is between 25 to 40% protein, and contains 22 amino acids which have five to seven times the amino acids found in equal weights of beef, milk, eggs, or cheese. Factor that in with the incredible enzyme content of bee pollen, and you have a highly digestible form of a complete plant protein.

4. Chia - Chia is an ancient fuel source used for centuries by some of the healthiest people. These seeds are an incredible source of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, fiber, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

Chia is 21% protein and contains all the essential amino acids in proper ratios, so it is considered a complete protein. When soaked, they absorb 10 times their weight in water which helps hydrate the colon and move toxins out of the gut. This create a healthy digestive system that absorbs nutrients, including protein, more effectively.

Chia can be used in no grain cereals, smoothies, baked goods, and simply eaten on their own as pudding (once soaked, they will have that type of consistency).

5. Quinoa - Quinoa is a seed grown native to South America. It was seen as a sacred food to the Incas, and is a great source of manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, iron, copper, zinc, and vitamin B-6 and B-9. Quinoa is 14% protein and contains all the essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. It also has prebiotic properties which helps feed the beneficial bacteria in your digestive tract, making it easy to digest.

You can use quinoa in many different ways, most notably as a substitute for other grains such as rice. It also makes a great breakfast as an alternative to cereal or oatmeal, and can be used in many baked goods as well.

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