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Expert Q&A
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| By Melanie Wilson Vegetarian Cooking and Lifestyle Expert | ||
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What are the best vegetarian sources of protein? I hear there's a difference between types of protein, too.
The best sources of protein in a vegetarian diet are nuts and seeds, pulses (beans, lentils and peas), soy foods (such as tofu or tempeh) and whole grains. For ovo-lacto vegetarians, dairy products and eggs are options. Furthermore, fats, fruits, and sugars are the only foods we eat which do not contain protein.
As to the different types of proteins, there are eight essential amino acids our bodies must derive from food sources. Only a limited number of foods supply all eight amino acids, thereby forming a complete protein. Note that a healthy, well-balanced diet will not lack for protein, nor the correct combinations thereof, and no other special action is necessary.
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