Where Do You Get Your Protein? From Seeds!

"Where do you get your protein? "  That is a question vegans, vegetarians, and raw foodies get asked ALL THE TIME!  Of course, the answer to that question is....from plants, but nevertheless, protein is of interest to me as I am aging and losing muscle tone. So I did some research, and here is what I learned.

Amino acids form proteins and they are important as they regulate the biochemical reactions in the body. They are the building blocks of life.  75% of our body weight, 95% of our muscles (including the heart), and 100% of our hormones, neurotransmitters, and neuropeptides are made up of amino acids. Neuropeptides are used by the neurons to communicate with each other.

There are 20 amino acids that make up the proteins the cells need to function and maintain good health.  The body can create 11 of the 20, but the other 9 must come from the diet.  The nine essential amino acids are: leucine, isoleucine, lysine, methione, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, valine, and histidine.

Everyone, of these amino acids can be supplied in a raw food diet by including chia seeds, pepitas, and sunflower seeds daily.  Isn't that amazing....chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds!  The next time someone asks me, "Where do you get your protein?", my answer will be, "From seeds".

A raw food diet can easily meet the requirements for these amino acids by including the following foods:

Leucine - seeds, nuts
Isoleucine - cashews, almonds, chia seeds
Lysine - chia seeds, spirulina, parsley, avocados, almonds, cashews
Methione - seeds, chia seeds, Brazil nuts, figs, onions, cacao
Phenylalanine - spirulina, seaweed, pumpkin, avocado, almonds, peanuts, figs, raisins, leafy greens, most berries, olives, seeds
Threonine - nuts, seeds, watercress, spirulina, pumpkin, leafy greens, hemp seeds, chia seeds, almonds, figs, raisins.
Tryptophan - chocolate, almonds, sunflower seeds, pepita, spirulina, bananas, peanuts
Valine - nuts, spinach, broccoli, seeds, chia seeds, figs, avocado apples, blueberries, cranberries, oranges, apricots
Histidine - chia seeds

Food for the day:
Morning:  32 oz water with 2 Tbsp chia seeds, pepitas and sunflower seeds

Lunch:  banana, coconut, chago mushroom tea

Tao Wild Harvested Canadian Chaga Mushrooms

Dinner:  Salad (romaine, asparagus, onion, mushrooms, mung bean sprouts, lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper); dressing made from coconut yogurt; nori sheet; Bubbies dill pickle, kimchi; dandelion-chicory-burdock tea; peanuts

Coconut Yogurt Dressing recipe:
1 cup coconut yogurt (purchased from Whole Foods)
1 garlic clove
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup fresh dill
1/2 tsp rosemary leaves
1 tsp salt
coconut water or water to consistency
     -Blend in Nutribullet  

Dandelion, Chicory, and Burdock

I am looking forward to reading this book that arrived today!  We have a lot to learn about the microbiome. For every one of the cells that make up our bodies, there are nine impostor cells hitching a ride. The microbes influence our weight, immune system, and mental health. Many of our modern diseases have their root in our poor relationship with our microbes. The book is written by biologist Alanna Collen.

To health and happiness.