Today we’re going to present a list of 6 natural foods that can be consumed instead of meat. This list will help people who are trying to reduce their meat consumption or abandoning it altogether, and can also help people who are not consuming enough protein. Eating or not eating meat is a personal choice. Some people avoid meat due to the health problems related to it, but you should know that it’s not just about the meat – livestock is one of the planet’s biggest environmental threats. Cattle breeding requires a lot of water, which contributes to the shortage of water many countries are facing nowadays.
If we cut the breeding to a minimum, we’ll have more water for our needs. If you’re thinking that we’re wrong, search the internet to see how livestock affects the environment and you will be surprised. Of course, the meat industry moves a lot of money and is a great economic activity, but for the sake of Earth, it’s time we start thinking about the alternatives.
Meat is one of the best natural protein sources, but it’s not the only one. Many plants are great protein sources as well, and we’re going to present the top 6 of them:
- Quinoa
Quinoa is a special plant – it’s a complete protein of great quality and can be even used for muscle growth. 100 gr. of quinoa has about 14 gr. of protein, and the cereal also has a low glycemic index, which means that it is safe for diabetics.
- Peas
A 100 gr. portion of peas contains 10 gr. of protein. Peas can be boiled or made into a soup rich in protein, and are delicious as well.
- Broccoli
Not many people love broccoli, but they are one of the healthiest plant foods and have numerous health benefits. Besides treating various ailments including cancer, broccoli is also a great protein source – a 100 gr. portion can provide up to 4 gr. of protein.
- Lentils
Lentils are another great source of protein. 100 gr. of the plant contains 10 gr. of protein which is enough to be used as a meat replacement.
- Cashew nuts
Besides contains 18.5 gr. of protein per 100 gr., cashews also contain several important amino acids that are great for our muscles
- Sunflower seeds
Here’s an interesting fact – 100 gr. of the seeds contain more than 20 gr. of protein, so make sure to snack on them more often!