Plant and animal protein differences

- Is there differences between plant and animal protein?
• Answer: Comparison of a high (animal) protein diet with a low (plant) protein diet:

Immune System:

--Vegetable proteins are richer in the amino acid arginine and lower in lysine. This balance is better for the immune system.

--Animal proteins are just the opposite—higher in lysine and lower in arginine. This impairs our ability to fight disease.

Digestion:

--Animal proteins require longer stomach digestion—encourages fermentation and requires more acid for digestion.

--This contributes to sluggishness, heartburn, ulcer formation and other problems.

-- plant foods contain vitamins and minerals which aid the digestion of the proteins.

Heart disease:
--Animal proteins tend to be rich in saturated fats —these raise cholesterol and lead to narrowing, hardening, and increased plaque in arteries.

--Animal proteins without fat still raise blood cholesterol levels

Study: Animal protein fed to rabbits (vegetarians)--rabbits develop artery damage and high cholesterol levels—even if the diet is cholesterol free.

--Soy protein lowers blood cholesterol

--Plant proteins produce higher levels of arginine and glycine in the blood—this helps prevent clogging of the arteries.

--Elevates homocysteine levels in the body. The amino acid homocysteine was found to be elevated in those having heart attacks.
Persons with elevated homocysteine are three times more likely to have a heart attack.

Source: Eat for Strength