Toree
09-01-2002, 11:52 PM
Does anyone know how much protein we need everyday? I have been a vegetarian for about 10 years with about 4 times a month when I do have chicken. But the rest of the time, I eat fish as my main source of protein.
I have noticed though as I get older, in the last year or so, my energy is lagging. Someone said I am not getting enough protein. My protein sources also include some dairy and soy but not in large amounts.
And is it true that the protein we get from meat sources are better for our bodies than non-meat?
I take excellent supplements via liquid rather than pill for better absorbtion. I was just wondering how many grams per day we need...thanks.
I have noticed though as I get older, in the last year or so, my energy is lagging. Someone said I am not getting enough protein. My protein sources also include some dairy and soy but not in large amounts.
And is it true that the protein we get from meat sources are better for our bodies than non-meat?
I take excellent supplements via liquid rather than pill for better absorbtion. I was just wondering how many grams per day we need...thanks.
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Harry
09-02-2002, 01:44 AM
Toree,
I read somewhere that we need 50 grams of protein daily( size of a deck of cards). I think meat has the right sort of essential amino acids, fatty acid and vitamins. There is also mounting evidence that SOY is not good for you in many ways---it messes with your harmones.
As you know--- Being a vegitarian you really have to know your stuff about vitamins like B-12 and others???
Harry
PS--Without the right amount of protein ---you lose muscle mass--!!!
[This message has been edited by Harry (edited 09-02-2002).]
I read somewhere that we need 50 grams of protein daily( size of a deck of cards). I think meat has the right sort of essential amino acids, fatty acid and vitamins. There is also mounting evidence that SOY is not good for you in many ways---it messes with your harmones.
As you know--- Being a vegitarian you really have to know your stuff about vitamins like B-12 and others???
Harry
PS--Without the right amount of protein ---you lose muscle mass--!!!
[This message has been edited by Harry (edited 09-02-2002).]
Jay Tor
09-02-2002, 07:55 PM
The amount of protein you need depends on your lean body mass. In general, you need 0.60 grams of protein per pound of lean body mass. For example, if your lean body mass is 100 lbs., you would need 60 grams of complete protein per day. [Protein Power by Drs. Eades shows how to determine lean body mass. Your public library probably has a copy of this book.]
Meat protein is considered 'complete' because it contains all 22 amino acids, including the eight 'essential amino acids'. Except for nuts and some legumes, most vegetables contain fewer than this number of amino acids and are therefore considered 'incomplete' proteins.
It is possible to be vegetarian and have a healthy diet. Unfortunately it is very difficult to combine the appropriate quantities and types of incomplete proteins to obtain sufficient complete protein.
This is a link to a Bio101 lecture on essential amino acids and protein:
http://www.med.unc.edu/medal/olympicgold/aaprotein.htm
Meat protein is considered 'complete' because it contains all 22 amino acids, including the eight 'essential amino acids'. Except for nuts and some legumes, most vegetables contain fewer than this number of amino acids and are therefore considered 'incomplete' proteins.
It is possible to be vegetarian and have a healthy diet. Unfortunately it is very difficult to combine the appropriate quantities and types of incomplete proteins to obtain sufficient complete protein.
This is a link to a Bio101 lecture on essential amino acids and protein:
http://www.med.unc.edu/medal/olympicgold/aaprotein.htm
Toree
09-02-2002, 08:26 PM
Thank you for the information. I am pretty sure that I am not getting enough protein after reading about body mass ratio...I will definitely determine mine from the book you recommended....best wishes, Toree
racheldawn
09-26-2002, 07:43 PM
protein? :bouncing:
auntjudyg
09-27-2002, 10:42 AM
As with so many nutrition issues, there is not agreement about how much protein is required. 50 grams is a minimum recommendation, still put forward by the USDA, I believe. The body mass calculations with give you the high end of the range. So you can see what feels right for you. Considering energy is an issue, based on my experience, upping your protein would be a good place to start.
Protein from animal sources contains a balance of amino acids that allows for more efficient assimilation by the body than single plant sources. However, by eating a variety of plant sources, you get the same results (some classic combinations are rice plus beans and beans plus corn).
I'm in agreement that soy is to be eaten cautiously. Nearly everyone agrees, however, that fermented forms are okay. So I stick to tempeh and miso.
Back to the energy issues, for me at least, dairy has been an issue there, too. The only thing I eat regularly is yogurt. And then I find I do better if I get some goat/sheep milk products rather than all cow.
Protein from animal sources contains a balance of amino acids that allows for more efficient assimilation by the body than single plant sources. However, by eating a variety of plant sources, you get the same results (some classic combinations are rice plus beans and beans plus corn).
I'm in agreement that soy is to be eaten cautiously. Nearly everyone agrees, however, that fermented forms are okay. So I stick to tempeh and miso.
Back to the energy issues, for me at least, dairy has been an issue there, too. The only thing I eat regularly is yogurt. And then I find I do better if I get some goat/sheep milk products rather than all cow.