First the facts: 1.- We need about 1 gr. of protein per kg per day. So, a person about 70 kgs, needs about 70 grs. of protein per day. 2.- Proteins are broken up during digestion into amino acids. There are two types of amino acids, one can be synthesized by our organism but another one not, (eight amino acids called essentials amino acids), and, therefore, have to be provide through the food. 3.- Pulses, except soya, lack of one of those essentials amino acids, Methionine, while cereals, except buckwheat, lack of another of those essentials amino acids, Lysine. Now the problem: In order to get a quality protein I've read in some sources that it is necessary that the eight essentials amino acids have to be contained in the same meal, while another sources says it is not necessary. First sources says that in order to get that whole range of essentials amino acids it is necessary to combine cereals and pulses, or cereals and nuts and dried fruits, or even cereals and seaweeds in the same meal. Could anybody enlighten me?
combining was debunked between 1971 and 1981. See Frances Moore Lappe's more recent versions of Diet for a Small Planet. see also John Robbins' Diet for a New America or May All be Fed. any balanced diet will keep a healthy person in plenty of protien.
I second that. I have the book 'Becoming Vegan' and read exactly what drumminmama has just said. I still like to get a varied source of protein though - Tofu, kidney blackeye and chickpeas, soya milk, and sunflower seeds.
I think it's also worth mentioning, the body, using the eight essential amino acids, is capable of producing a significant amount of that 70g of protein, so consumption-wise we don't have to worry about too much as long as we eat a balanced diet.
