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Perhaps most important to keep in mind regarding the role of protein is the actual molecular make-up of protein structures and how that gets broken down by the body and used. This is covered in-depth in the prior chapter which contrasts the differences between carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
In short, protein itself is not a main food source for humans. Protein is a structure made up of amino acids. When we consume proteins, our body breaks down the structure into individual amino acids, which then are used for various functions throughout the body and structural support. The protein itself is unusable, but the body does have many uses and will benefit from amino acids. However, even the amino acids are not a fuel source to energize the cells of the body — that comes most directly from carbohydrates.
Fruits and vegetables have naturally balanced amounts of carbs, fats, and proteins. I do believe there is benefit to consuming amino acids and I consume them daily in the form of protein and amino acids from the foods I eat. There is no reason in my view to turn to beans or soy or pea isolate powders or excessive lengths to get ‘extra’ protein —in fact there are harmful blowback effects of eating legumes (covered more extensively in an upcoming section about the harmful nature of grains and beans).
Nuts and seeds are the protein-heavy foods of the raw plant food world. There are differences between different nuts and seeds, especially in terms of the Omega 6 / Omega 3 fatty acid ratios, as well as protein content and other factors. When eaten in moderation — especially depending on the nut/seed which is selected — there can be tremendous health benefits gained from adding a selection of raw nuts/seeds to an intake of foods.
In the early days of transitioning to a more healthy lifestyle, especially at the point when somebody is craving high amounts of protein, nuts and seeds are also a good transition food, keeping an individual full and satiated for a while, and helping with the process of switching over to a more healthy consumption of foods.
As you grow more advanced in your wellness and vibrance, you will see that there are definitely drawbacks to nuts and seeds, especially when eaten in large quantities, and also due to the fact that certain nuts/seeds have a very high ratio of Omega 6 / Omega 3 fatty acids, which can throw off the body’s balance (more extensively covered in a later section).
Due to the high-protein constitution of nuts and seeds, eating too much of this category can result in excessive acid-forming digestion and leaving the digestive system of the body overly acidic. Also please remember that the main reason to eat food is for fuel, and eating protein-heavy foods requires much more energy to break down — so these foods can drain somebody of their body’s energy, rather than providing raw fuel for the body to energize, heal, repair and regenerate itself.
All in all, the absolute fixation with protein — with most Americans eating 200 grams per day or more — is an absolute misdirection of focus and unfortunate obsession with an element that at its best is a tertiary aide and side-note in terms of food consumption. At its worst — when consumed in excess and especially regarding animal protein — excessive protein consumption can overly acidify the body within hours and can be absolutely deadly over enough time.
Protein definitely has its place, or more accurately amino acids do, in helping us achieve optimal vitality. Just always remember how the elements of the earth fit together, complement each other, and the roles that each of them play.
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