3 Plant Based Protein Sources

Everyone is talking about plant-based foods, and for good reason. Heart.org writes how eating a high-quality plant-based diet is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases. It can also tame inflammation and lower cholesterol, among many other benefits. However, one of the most popular misconceptions is that a vegetarian or vegan diet lacks protein—but there are plenty of delicious proteins found in foods that aren’t animal based. In this article, we’ll share 3 great plant-based protein sources. 

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1. Chickpeas

 

Chickpeas are a fantastic source of protein, fiber, and are rich in vitamins and minerals. Cooked chickpeas contain around 14.5g of protein per cup. Chickpeas are incredibly versatile and can be made into falafel or added to a salad or stew—try our easy chickpea stew recipe. 

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2. Lentils

 

Lentils are a great source of protein and when cooked have 8.84g of protein per cup. Lentils can be great for salads or soup or made into lentil cakes. They can also help with digestion and reduce the risk of colon cancer. Additionally, they can help lower cholesterol and lower the chance of developing Type II diabetes. New to cooking lentils? Start with orange lentils, they are quick-cooking and don’t require pre-soaking.

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3. Quinoa

 

In addition to being a great plant-based protein source, quinoa has lots of fiber, iron, copper, thiamin, and Vitamin B6. One cooked cup of quinoa has approximately 8 grams of protein. Try a quinoa salad, tabbouleh, or add some fresh fruit and chopped nuts for a quick, whole grain breakfast. Quinoa is also rich in antioxidants which can prevent damage to your heart and organs. 

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Conclusion

 

These are just some of the many plant-based protein sources—there are many more! If you’re looking for some great plant-based recipes, we’ve published many on our website. We recommend trying our oil-free roasted vegetables or baby bella mushroom burgers.