Is Plant Protein Better for You and the Planet?

Animal protein isn’t the only way to get in this key macronutrient. Plants have protein, too — and there are good reasons to load up on this source.

By Sophie Putka
Apr 9, 2021 11:00 AMMay 3, 2021 4:46 PM
wooden bowl of veggies - shutterstock
(Credit: kathryn.reilly/Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

Picture protein: it’s easy to bring up a mental image of a rare, juicy steak or a plate piled high with crispy bacon. More and more though, there might be tofu, beans or quinoa on that plate. This changing picture reflects an evolution in how we understand nutrition, but also the conflicting messaging of the last decade’s food mandates: We should be eating more protein, or we’re eating too much of it, or the way we’re getting it is wrong. 

Protein, despite the hype surrounding it, doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s needed for our body to work the way it’s meant to. Without it, we wouldn’t be able to build muscle and bone, fight diseases with an immune system, or regulate the body with enzymes and hormones. Many food sources, including plants, offer protein that our body can use — and the key is getting a wide range of them. 

“When folks are starting off with a new type of dietary plan or lifestyle, they get really focused on certain foods, and maybe don't necessarily explore variety,” says Kristen Smith, a dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “It's really important that folks remember that variety is going to help with adequate intake and meeting those essential nutrients.”

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.