Best Plant Based Protein Sources

Protein – Who says it’s all about chicken?

One of the great nutritional misconceptions is that chicken is the only lean source of protein available. What about plants? More than just a source of vitamins and fiber, there are several plants that can help fulfill your daily protein requirements.

If you’ve adopted a vegetarian lifestyle, or are considering a vegetarian diet, then the question of the best plant protein sources may have crossed your mind. Protein, as you know, is essential for your body to repair worn out tissues and cells, to propagate growth and to perform numerous other crucial functions that keep you alive and functioning.

With that in mind, here’s a list of the eight best plant protein sources. Add them to your shopping list and prepare to boost your diet with some serious protein power!

TheTop 8 Plant-Based Proteins

1. Soybeans

1 cup (256 g) of soybeans has 33.2 grams of protein. Soybeans can fulfill up to 57 percent of the daily protein requirement, as well as many other nutritional requirements. It and tempeh – a fermented form of soybean – are considered to be one of the best sources of plant-based protein

2. Seitan

Seitan is a home-made wheat meat. Four ounces of Seitan can provide 24 grams of protein, and it’s an excellent substitute for beef and fish.

3. Lentils

A 198-gram serving of lentils can provide up to 18 grams of protein. They’re an excellent source of mineral and vitamins, and they’re also low in fat.

4. Quinoa

Quinoa is another outstanding addition to this list. One cup of quinoa (cooked) can provide up to 8 grams of protein. In addition to being a rich source of minerals and vitamins, quinoa is also a complete protein – meaning it has all the essential amino acids found in meat.

6. Beans (black beans, mung beans, red kidney beans, pinto beans)

Beans aren’t just a great source of protein. They’re also rich in other essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals. One cup (172g) of black beans, mung beans or pinto beanscontains 15 grams of protein. A cup of red kidney beans has 13grams of protein.

7. Spirulina

One tablespoon (7grams) of spirulina seaweed provides fourgrams of protein. Spirulina seaweed is a source of many different vitamins and minerals, too.

8. Hemp Seeds

Hemps seed are not only rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, they’re also a very good source of protein. Three tablespoons of hemp seeds provides 16grams of protein.