Protein

Every cell in the human body has protein. Protein helps your body to repair cells and make new ones. A balanced diet provides most healthy people with adequate protein. Protein supplements are not necessary for health.

Animal Protein - the role of Meat in Ayurveda.

Many people switching to an Ayurvedic lifestyle are concerned that they have to be Vegetarians and will not receive the appropriate amount of protein. Many people simply "crave" a little meat and believe they are craving protein. This may or may not be true.

Ayurveda is a system of health and balance that encourages people to eat meat consciously. Depending on your Element, meat may or may not be balancing for you.

If you are The Wind or Vata, meat is balancing

If you are The Fire or Pitta, meat is okay

If you are The Earth or Kapha, meat should be avoided.

Meat can be balancing, but even for The Wind types, it is strongly suggested that meat be consumed no more than 3 times per week. The biggest problem with Meat is that it is hard to digest. Ease of digestion increases your digestive fire or agni and therefore increase metabolism. Meat is dulling to agni.

Red Meat is to be completely avoided by all Elements.

Protein Facts

In general, people need 7 grams of protein for each 20 pounds of body weight. Children, pregnant woman and nursing mothers need more. That means that a 140 pound person needs 49 grams of protein. (140 pounds/20 pounds= 7 x 7 grams)

Meat as a Source of Protein

Pros: Meat contains “complete” proteins and is therefore easier to absorb than the “incomplete” proteins found in nonmeat sources. A "complete" protein is a protein that contains the necessary amino acids to break down the protein source to facilitate absorbtion in the body.

Cons: Along with absortion of protein, you are also absorbing fat. Meat is hard to digest and slows agni (digestive fire)

Nonmeat as a Source of Protein - Variety is the key!

Examples: vegetables, legumes, seeds, nuts, fruits, whole grains and dairy including cheese, milk, eggs and yoguart

Pros: Is there anything bad to say about whole wheat products and veggies? Easy to digest, contains tons of other nutrients!

Cons: You must eat a variety of nonmeat sources to create a “complete” protein. This requires thought and planning. Luckily, your combining of proteins need not take place all in the same meal, but throughout the day.

Souces of Protein

	SERVING	GRAMS
SOURCE	SIZE	PROTEING
chick peas	7 oz	16
baked beans	8 oz	11.5
tofu	6 oz	14
milk	1/2 pint	9.2
lentiles	4.12 oz	9.1
soy milk	1/2 pint	8.2
muesli	2.25 oz	7.7
boiled egg	1	7.5
peanuts	3.5 oz	24.3
whole grain bread	2 slices	7
hard cheese	1 oz	6.8
brown rice	1 oz	2.1
broccoli	1 oz	3.2
potatoes	1 oz	1.4
soy protein pasta	1 oz	22.75
asparagus	3.5 oz	3
beans in general	3.5 oz	9
brusses sprouts	3.5 oz	3
cabbage	3.5 oz	1
carrots	3.5 oz	.5
cauliflower	3.5 oz	3
lettuce	3.5 oz	.7
mushroom	3.5 oz	2
almonds	3.5 oz	16.9
Pine nuts	3.5 oz	14
sesame seeds	3.5 oz	26.4
sunflower	3.5 oz	24
spinach	3.5 oz	2
sweetcorn	3.5 oz	2.5
yam	3.5	2
lean meat, fish & poultry	3.5	24.5

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