“Oh my God, you are a vegetarian. From where do you get proteins?” This is a statement almost every vegetarian has to hear every now and then. This is a common belief among people that vegetarian diet does not contain enough amount of proteins needed by human body. However, taking a well-balanced diet can provide all the nutrients your body needs for proper functioning.
Why does your body need proteins?
Proteins are known as the building blocks of your body. These are present in every cell of your body. Benefits of proteins include:
- Proper growth and development
- Healthy hair and nails
- Healthy muscles and bones
- Building and repairing tissues
- Better immunity
How much protein do you need?
The amount of protein your body needs depends on your overall calorie needs. The daily recommended protein intake for a healthy adult is 10 percent to 35 percent of total calorie needs.
Daily Nutritional Goals for Age-Sex Groups Based on Dietary Reference Intakes & Dietary Guidelines Recommendations
Source:- https://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/guidelines/
Food sources:
You should include these protein-rich food sources in your diet to fulfill your body’s requirements:
- Soy milk
- Soyabean, tofu
- Lentils and pulses
- Legumes (Beans and green peas)
- Dairy products
- Nuts
- Whole grains
