“The story of protein is part science, part culture and a good dose of mythology” (The China Study)

We often associate protein directly with muscle gain and athleticism.  It seems that every sports drink and bar is constantly trying to add more and more protein to make it seem even more and more appealing, to the point where they now sell protein water!  All protein is not created equal though and eating protein in its purest form results in the most efficient way for the body to benefit.

Amino Acids

Protein is a vague word that we use to conjure up health benefits of meat and dairy, which is what the all-powerful dairy and meat advertisers love.  As you may remember from biology class, amino acids are the building blocks of cells, so when our body needs to repair tissue after a workout, it draws on the body’s supply of amino acids.  Complex animal proteins are actually an assemblage of these crucial amino acids that our body craves.

The protein we eat from animal flesh was built up from the amino acids found in the grasses and vegetation of that animal’s diet.   This flesh is a complete protein, so when the human body eats this protein, it must first break it down into its primary amino acid form in order to utilize this protein.  The body then builds up its own protein from these primary amino acids.

According to research from the Max Planck Institute in Germany, when you cook protein you denature the structure and amino acids of it, and the body can only assimilate about 50% of it.

Raw Protein Efficiency

None of this is discounting the importance of protein for the body.  It is very important for the functioning of the body and rebuilding of tissues, but it is best consumed in its primary form in raw foods.  The body can utilize and assimilate much more protein from fresh, living foods than it can from cooked foods.  Protein in raw foods remains in its simplest amino acid structure, and has not been processed through an animals body and cooked, thereby making it the most readily available and efficient form.

High Protein Food

The highest sources of protein can be found in nuts and greens.  Since nuts and seeds are such dense foods, they contain lots of protein by grams, while dark leafy green contain up to 30% of their mass in protein.  Both of these foods eaten in conjunction will give you pure clean protein to revitalize your body.  Here are some high protein foods:

Pumpkin seeds, 1/2 cup raw: 17g protein
Quinoa, 1 cup sprouted: 12g protein

Almonds, 1/2 cup raw: 10g protein
Walnuts, 1/2 cup raw: 9g protein

Bunch spinach, 12oz: 10g protein
Bunch kale, 12oz: 12g protein

Conclusion

In Westernized countries, protein overdose from large amounts of meat and dairy is a much more serious concern than not enough protein.  Protein from animal products is much harder on the human body to digest and process, using up our beloved energy that is better spent on exercise and our life passions.  The best way to consume protein is from raw foods, with nuts, seeds, and dark greens being the best sources.  Enjoy!

[Sources/More Reading]

The Live Food Factor, by Susan Schneck
Raw Power, by Stephen Arlin
Rawganique.com/rawforlife4.htm

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