There is an amazing amount of misunderstanding regarding proteins in our modern world culture.

So let's clear some of that away and start making real progress toward healthier living for all:

• ALL Animal proteins (except those found in human breast milk) cause an immune response in humans when ingested. That means, our physiology identifies animal proteins as toxic. We are literally allergic to them. In some, this reaction is more extreme than in others, but there is no one that does not have some level of immune response when they eat foods that contain any amount of animal proteins. For this reason, the best way to insure a runny nose in your toddler is to feed them cows' milk. 

(This is also the reason we have auto-immune diseases: When animal proteins are consumed, eliciting an immune response, the ingested animal protein (or some portion of it) often too closely resembles proteins that comprise our human tissues. Thus, when an antibody is created for the offending animal protein, it may eventually attack one of our body's own proteins or tissues... by mistaking our body's protein(s) for an antigen.)

• Animal proteins can only be partially digested leaving chains of unbroken and indigestible amino acids.
• Plant proteins are completely digestible and for this reason, should not be excessively consumed because they may be 100% assimilated.

(In other words, eating plant proteins delivers a highly BIO-AVAILABLE source of protein to your body, so you shouldn't overload on soy and other high-in-protein plant products. If you do, you may experience kidney and/or bladder discomfort.)

• Certain amino acids in animal proteins contain sulfur which contributes to an acid/alkaline imbalance in the bloodstream. To re-balance, our system utilizes calcium (for alkalinity) from bones, teeth. etc. Studies show that it is in countries where the MOST meat and dairy is consumed that rates of osteoporosis are highest.

The Pomegranate Seed

of myths and reality

"Essential amino acids average 33.54% of total amino acid. Essential amino acids are mostly all much higher than the requirement of FAO/WHO for adults."

copied from: Organoleptic Quality, Minerals, Proteins and Amino Acids from Two Tunisian Commercial Pomegranate Fruits

Walid Elfalleh, Institut des Régions Arides de Médenine
Nizar Tlili, Université de Tunis El Manar
Ma Ying, Harbin Institute of Technology
He Sheng-Hua, Harbin Institute of Technology
Ali Ferchichi, Institut des Régions Arides de Médenine
Nizar Nasri, Université de Tunis El Manar

"Decades ago, nutritionists thought that only meat provided "complete" protein--meaning all essential amino acids--while plant foods had to be carefully combined to provide all the necessary amino acids. The fact is, a varied plant-based diet provides complete protein without any special combining." Neal Barnard, founder and president of Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM)