How do vegans get protein if you don’t eat MEAT?
This is generally the first question people have about following a vegan diet. Fortunately there is a very simple and straight-forward answer. Vegans get all the protein we need from the same types of foods that elephants, giraffes, rhinoceros, buffalo, horses, cows, and our cousin-primates eat to get their protein: PLANTS.
This is not in dispute. But before I provide the proof that convinced me, here is a quote from the USDA agreeing with this statement: meat and dairy are NOT necessary to get protein!
Protein needs can easily be met by eating a variety of plant-based foods. Combining different protein sources in the same meal is not necessary. (USDA)
Yes, this is a very real quote from the very real USDA. And they confirm two things:
- Plant-based foods provide sufficient protein for a healthy human diet
- Debunk the “plants are incomplete proteins” myth
Unfortunately (and also not surprisingly) the USDA does not actively promote this finding.
Likely conspiracy: (finally) acknowledging this fact would be upsetting to the status quo for the meat and dairy lobbies. As a result, this very useful information is very well hidden from the general public. Located rather far down on the “Page for Vegetarians” this significant piece of information will not be read by most visitors to their website.
Likely conspiracy, continued: no mention that plant-based foods provide sufficient protein can be found on the “Protein Foods” page amongst the lists of the numerous animals that should be eaten.
You want proof? You can’t handle the proof!
Astute Vegan 