Actor Arvind Krishna Busts The 6 Biggest Myths about Plant-based Protein

22nd March 2024

‘Protein’ is derived from the Greek word proteios meaning ‘of prime importance’.

Since its discovery in 1839, protein has been considered extremely important - accompanied by the belief that the more we eat protein, the better. Since then, it has also been widely perpetuated that protein is exclusively found in animal-based sources of food. 

Studies over many decades deepened this belief by showing that meat as a protein source is more ‘biologically available’ and of ‘higher quality’ because it showed an increase in body growth rate. 

But does higher quality necessarily mean better health for us? Are animal sources the only way to get protein?

While modern science and peer-reviewed studies have put to rest several myths about protein and how it’s obtained, the misconceptions are still deeply ingrained in our psyche. Which are the most common ones? Let’s find out.

Myth #1 We need meat to build muscle and bulk up. 

Truth #1 Vegetarians and vegans can easily get enough protein from high-protein plant-based foods like chickpeas, tofu, tempeh, and peas. If someone is an athlete or requires a higher amount of protein, they can achieve their desired amount with supplementary vegan protein powders. 

Myth #2 Animal proteins are healthy. 

Truth #2 Most animal meats, especially red meats are high in saturated fats. Animals in the dairy, egg, and meat industries are forced to grow bigger than their natural size and produce more milk or eggs. When you eat or drink an animal product you are automatically consuming the growth hormones and antibiotics which are not good for you in the long run. Besides, animal proteins lack fibre, antioxidants, and phytonutrients which are abundant in plant-based sources.

Myth #3 Plant proteins are "incomplete" and therefore, "insufficient" 

Truth #3 Proteins are made of long chains of amino acids linked together. In plant-based foods, these amino acids are not linked. Animal protein sources on the other hand contain the complete chains of amino acids but it does not necessarily mean that they are superior. If we eat plant-based sources in certain combinations, we can achieve our protein requirements. 

For example, in combinations such as dal and brown rice, or hummus and pita bread, the amino acids are present in complementary amounts. Grains like rice are low in lysine to be considered a complete source of protein. Yet, by also eating lentils or chickpeas, which are higher in lysine, throughout the day, you can be sure to obtain all nine essential amino acids.

Our bodies are smart enough to recognise the ‘incomplete’ chains of amino acids and synthesise protein from them. There are some nearly complete plant-based protein sources, such as tofu, tempeh, edamame, and hemp seeds. These contain 0 trans fats and come from natural sources.

Myth #4 You have to give up on taste if you don’t eat meat. 

Truth #4 Taste can be recreated without harming animals. Vegan meat alternatives using tofu, mushrooms, gluten, and vegetable protein can also provide the same mouthfeel and taste as meat. For example, Continental Greenbird’s protein-rich keema, sausages, nuggets, and seekh kebabs taste just like the real dish but do not contain a single animal ingredient. The products contain high-quality chickpea and pea protein, high dietary fibre, and are devoid of trans fat.

Shop the complete range of Continental Greenbird protein-rich products at continentalgreenbird.com.

Myth #5 You need LOTS of protein in a day.

Truth #5 How much protein you need depends on your daily requirements and lifestyle, which is different for every individual. It is advisable to consult your general physician, a certified dietician, or a nutritionist before determining how much protein you should consume daily. 

Myth #6 Plant-based foods don’t have nutritional value. 

Truth #6 Plant-based foods grow in soil, and the soil contains all the elements - vitamins, minerals, and nutrition that are needed for the sustenance of life on earth. So when you eat a majorly plant-based diet, you are getting all those nutrients you get from an animal and more. Meat, dairy, and egg replacers are often fortified with nutrients to cater to the vegan population.
 

Shop the complete range of Continental Greenbird protein-rich products at continentalgreenbird.com.

Getting Plant-based Protein is Easy!

We asked popular filmstar, Arvind Krishna about his diet as a sportsman and an athletic actor who is vegan himself. He shared his plant-protein-rich meals proving that eating simple protein-rich vegan meals can also fulfill your daily requirements.

1. Poha with Tempeh curry (32g protein) 

2. Quinoa with Greenbird plant-based protein-rich Keema (8g from quinoa and 20g from Greenbird Keema)

3. Plant-based Protein shake (20g protein)

4. Poha with Greenbird plant-based protein-rich sausages (2.9g from Poha and 10g from Greenbird Sausages)

5. Quinoa and dal (8g protein from Quinoa and 10g from Dal)

View all recipes here

In a recent interview with Veganuary, he was quoted saying, “Turning vegan has been the single best decision of my life from the standpoint of my wellbeing, athleticism, look, spiritual growth, and an overall sense of being a better person”.  

To stay fit it is important to have a balanced diet that includes carbs, proteins, and healthy fats. Beans, grains, legumes, fruits, seeds, veggies, leafy greens are also great sources of plant-based protein. 

Shop the complete range of Continental Greenbird protein-rich products at continentalgreenbird.com.

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