Protein deficiency is almost unknown in humans worldwide. Everything is made of protein. Protein excess is a real problem in the west. When the protein conten of the diet exceeds 15% of calories consumed , the body’s liver and kidneys are burdened by the task of removing the excess amounts of proteins. The strain causes those organs to enlarge and the physiology of the kidneys changes causing the loss of significant amounts of calcium from our bones into the urine. Meat contributes to this problem most because they are concentrated protein and because the protein they contain causes more calcium loss than do vegetable sources. This is an effect of the sulfur-containing amino acids, plentiful in meat. Kidney beans which are 26% protein are much easier on the body than beef which is also 26% protein. It is extremely hard to become protein deficient as a vegetarian. All unrefined foods are full of proteins. human Breast milk is only 5% protein which is what nature provides for us when we are growing the most. Scientific studies have proven that you don’t even need to combine certain foods to get ‘whole’ proteins. Single unrefined starches such as rice, corn, wheat and potatoes all have in excess the essential and nonessential amino acids necessary for survival and health. Even if you are a body builder.
Percent of calories found as proteins in various foods:
Almonds 12
Beans (kidney) 26
Beef 26
Bread (whole wheat) 16
Brussel Sprouts 21
Cabbage 17
Carrots 10
Cheddar Cheese 25
Chicken (skinned) 61
Corn 12
Eggs 33
Grapefruit 8
Lobster 88
Milk (whole) 21
Oatmeal 16
Peanuts 18
Pork 42
Potatoes 11
Rice (brown) 8
Sweet Potatoes 6
Tomatoes 16
