beans

I am a huge fan of plant proteins!

Protein from plants has so many great benefits.

Plant proteins contain all eight essential amino acids.

Animal meat and dairy is acidifying to the blood, and must be converted into toxic ammonia and uric acid, before being excreted.  However plant protein is alkalising and easy for the body to break down and use.  Plant proteins do not result in any toxic waste products and place no burden on the liver and kidneys in their conversion.

I enjoy eating plant proteins from different types of sources.  Here are my top 5:

  1. Broad Beans
    This fresh legume is great over the summer season.  It cooks within minutes and makes a great addition to a salad.  I like double shelling my broad beans.  Infact I like giving my toddler the thrill of shelling the beans in the first instance, and then after cooking, I shell them once more.  This makes the beans so easy to digest and assimilate.
  2. Black beans
    Dry beans require soaking but are well worth this foresight.  I love a black bean dahl or black bean soup.  These beans are protein rich, very strengthening for the body and help drive up energy levels.
  3. Dried Tofu
    Dried tofu is a great source of protein and nutrition and is totally cholesterol free.  I find it has more of a bite than regular tofu and is great to add to soups, stews, stir fries and more.  I use dried tofu by reconstituting its structure by sitting the tofu blocks in hot water with some shoyu or tamari for 10 minutes before including in the cooking.
  4. Quinoa
    Quinoa is a grain rich in protein, containing all the essential amino acids.  I enjoy making a soft quinoa porridge for the mornings using the whole quinoa plus plenty of water, or quinoa flakes which are super fast to cook.  Quinoa also makes a wonderful side dish, pilaf or risotto itself.  It’s light, fluffy quality makes for an easily digestable plant protein.
  5. Tempeh
    Tempeh is derived from the fermented soy bean and is very rich in protein.  Tempeh is most nourishing and substantial and an ideal protein for everyone, particularly athletes, children growing, people recovering or pregnant women.  Tempeh can be flavoured with a yummy marinade or sauce.  I love biting into fried or baked tempeh.
    Do check out my favourite tempeh recipe, served on a bed of iron rich leafy greens.