FAQ-Protein etc

Get tired of answering the same old questions-this fun song on vegans FAQ answers them all!

Plant based diets provide for adequate protein, avoiding the risks of excess protein-Read More.

Avoid the protein myth as discussed by PCRM and avoid kidney and other problems. World Health & others here  Or see this chart that shows how plants are better calorie choices for protein.

Infographics on protein sources. This one is entree based. Nuts & Seeds based.

And the myth about protein balancing is busted!! Harvard Medical School on the topic of high protein diets states: “The two Harvard studies add to a growing body of evidence that emphasizing plant protein sources is a better bet for long-term health.” Protein Facts & Myths

Nutrition textbook: “the world of athletics is beset with superstitions and misconceptions. Some of these myths include the following: athletes need protein for extra energy; extra protein is needed to build bigger and stronger muscles. Muscle tissue is broken down during exercise, and protein supplements are needed to replace this breakdown.” (SCIENCE tells us energy comes from carbs NOT protein!)

Okinawa high carb diet leads to long, HEALTHY life. B-12 or read Dr. John McDougall’s position here or visit PCRM.org for more.

Dr Greger’s B-12 supplement recommendation.

USDA: Americans consume twice the RDA for protein For every 2.2 lbs of high-quality animal protein produced, livestock are fed about 13 lbs of plant protein.

Nutrition text book: “Individual problems with vitamin or mineral deficiencies lie instead in insufficient dietary intake resulting mainly from low-carbohydrate diets, instead of the recommended high-carbohydrate food choices for energy needs, which carry the added value of supplying many of the vitamins and minerals.”

Calcium-see Health Main page

Flax Seed Iron

Soy Soy-Soybeans are 1/3 protein, 1/3 fat and 1/3 carbohydrate according to Dr. John McDougall in his book The McDougall Program (pg 42). Therefore, for those trying to lose weight, consumption should be limited. Other than being a high fat vegetable, they are otherwise healthy, as Dr. T. Colin Campbell agrees in The China Study.

However, meat and dairy advocate The Weston A Price Foundation is on an anti-soy, pro-animal flesh campaign. As one author pointed out, most media scare stories lead back to this foundation as their ‘source’ for the information. Read more. 

For scientific based information on soy, see pcrm.org. In fact one study found soy reduces inflammation linked to cancer, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The Soyfoods Association states soybeans offer 941 lbs protein/acre vs 212 lb/acre for animal protein.

A video interview with Dr. Klaper on the myths of soy. Dr. McDougall on the benefits of soy. Soy safely lowers the risk of breast cancer. Go to minute 9 of Feb 2012 podcast of Dr. Christine Horner here. Podcast with The Skinny on Soy author here. Soybeans are a unique dietary source of the isoflavone genistein which has been shown to act in animal models as an antiestrogen. Genistein is also a specific inhibitor of protein tyrosine kinases; it also inhibits DNA topoisomerases and other critical enzymes involved in cancer signal transduction. In vitro, genistein suppresses the growth of a wide range of cancer cells.  Of the 26 animal studies of experimental carcinogenesis in which diets containing soy or soybean isoflavones were employed, 17 (65%) reported protective effects. No studies reported soy intake increased tumor development. Study here.

Omega 3-plant based diets provide adequate amounts (podcast Jun 2011 minute 7) Study finds consumption of soy products during adolescence to reduce the risk of breast cancer in adulthood and to reduce the risk of recurrence and mortality for women previously treated for breast cancer. Study finds soy helps lower heart, kidney and diabetic risk factors. Book on the Truth About Soy! The Skinny on Soy Read about how soy helps our health from doctors based on SCIENCE!! Pcrm.org Migraines

Aluminum Issue: Aluminum is present in anti-persperants but not underarm deoderants. Aluminum in the brain has been linked with Altzheimers and because it increases estrogen in women, thus could be a breast cancer risk factor. 1. Breast cancer risk: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/AP-Deo 2. Podcast interview with Michael Jacobson, PhD (researches risks associated with food such as addatives) Recommends avoiding spray antipersperants because humans inhale the alumimum in the spray. Avoid using aluminum pans with acidic food. Consider not drinking soda from cans. http://www.drmcdougall.com/mcdougallcast/feed.xml 3.Men have many deoderant only options, women have very few in the average grocery store. One the commissary offers is Crystal Body Deodorant that is for both men and women and is not tested on animals. http://www.thecrystal.com/

Antioxidants-plant pigments-found ONLY in PLANTS Carotenoid Antioxidants Study:Lycopene, present especially tomatoes and watermelon is associated with decreased risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Weight-for more studies go to sub4health.com Studies (pdf pg 2) show vegans have the lowest Body Mass Index (BMI) (weight per height), lowest risk of  diabetes and certain cancers, and gain less weight as they age without self-monitoring calorie restrictions. Trouble losing weight on a plant based diet? Ideas here