If you are well concerned about the protein supply of your vegan diet, you may already know those certain plant foods contain significantly more protein than others. However, in a balanced vegan diet, you always get enough nutrients, often with fewer calories than animal products. In case if you still have no idea about the protein supply, you need to understand, add this plant-based food for your diet, and thank us later! Here is the best protein source for vegans that you can easily add to your diet.
- Lentils
Lentils are a good source of protein if you consume it properly. Other than protein, it has fiber, iron, and potassium as well. Most people use Lentils as a curry to get the nutrients into the diet. But also you can add a cup of Lentils to your regular rice bowl as an easy way of cooking. Since Lentils have fiber, it is perfect for your stomach to have a healthy gut as well.
- Chia seeds
Chia seeds are known as a house of nutrients. It is rich in proteins, 3g from one tablespoon, while giving you enough omega-3s and fiber as well. This incredibly versatile food can absorb water and make it into a gel-like substance. So you can easily make it into smoothies and salads or even puddings.
- Almonds
Like any other nuts, almond also has fatty acids. Yet a great snack to keep you away from the hunger and help you to have a balanced diet with high protein supply. You can add this to your diet as almond butter or sprinkle over your salads and smoothies. As almond has vitamin e, it is suitable for your skin and hair as well.
- Quinoa
Quinoa is another seed full of proteins and minerals, such as magnesium, manganese, fiber, and iron. It has all nine essential amino acids, which is not common in other plant-based foods. You can eat it as most of the other grains or add it to the salads. If you have any gluten sensitivity, quinoa should be your best protein source, as it is gluten-free.
- Chickpeas
Same as Lentils, chickpeas are also having the same level of proteins and other nutrients. Since most of the beans are known as the best protein source for vegans, you can also try the green chickpeas as well. It is very affordable to buy; you can mix up with salads, soups, curries, or just as steamed with sprinkling a pinch of turmeric.
- Hemp seeds
Hemp seeds are another complete protein source similar to chia seeds. The highly-digestible protein and omega-three fatty acids are an excellent way of having a healthy life with all essential amino acids. Even these plants come from the same family of the marijuana plant, and it does have a minimal amount of the required components to give marijuana-like drug effects. You can add hemp seeds to salad dressings, smoothies, or sprinkle over your breakfast bowls to get the right amount of protein you need for a day.
- Edamame
Edamame is another name for immature soybeans, which are known as a whole source of protein. You can buy these in supermarkets with a shell or without a shell. A half a cup of Edamame has around 8.5 g of protein, with a sugary and somewhat tangled taste. Add a sprinkle of steamed or boiled Edamame to your salads and soups or can be eaten on their own. Since soybeans are rich in iron and calcium, it’s also a good substitute for dairy products.