Re: Do I really need animal protein?

I'm currently attending college to receive a bachelors degree in nutrition science and to the best of my knowledge, at this point in my education, here is why I think she suggested animal protein. 1. Vitamin B12 can only be assimilated from animal sources, even though it is found in soy and a few other sources it isn't bioavaiable in those sources. Milk, eggs, cheese, meat basically. I believe you can take it supplemental form and assimilate that way. The good flora in your intestines provde the "intrinsic factor" necessary to use B12. All the B vitamins affect our nervous system and it can take anywhere from 3-20 years for deficiency signs to show up. Depends on the person, their digestive system, liver & kidney health, genetics, etc. 2. One protein isn't necessarily better than another,however, one is more complete than another. Animal protein has the 21 amino acids necessary for the body to utilize the protein in its daily living. (Making new cells, enyzmes, etc.) Vegetable proteins are missing, I believe up to 7 amino acids...not sure if my memory is serving me correctly at the moment. Therefore, food combining is absolutely necessary to provide the other 7 amino acids. This occurs by combining legumes (peas & beans), nuts, and seeds (which are also missing one or more amino acids)with your vegetables that combined have all 21 amino acids. Many nutritionalist recommend animal protein because many Americans don't want to "think" or be "conscious" about their food choices, therefore, it is EASIER to eat animal protein. Food combining requires thoughtfulness, knowledge, and attention to your food choices. Note: Your body can NOT use any of amino acids available unless all 21 are provided. I've read (not in textbooks, however) that you can eat a vegetable today and a bean tomorrow to make it all work. In otherwords, not all 21 need to be available at every meal or every day...but close. Hope this helps answer some of your questions. Tweet