The difference between animal and plant protein - Nutritionist's Column Vol.4

October 30, 2019

COLUMN

The human body and protein

What do you think of when you hear the word protein?
For example, I think many people have the image that it is something that athletes and bodybuilders drink, that it makes them build muscle, or that it makes them gain weight.

In fact, protein is highly recommended not only for sports and muscle building, but also for people who suffer from rough skin, dry hair, brittle nails, etc.

Protein in the body

The human body is made up mainly of water, about 60% of it.
Next, about 20% is made up of protein. Protein is an English word, but its origin is Greek and means "the main thing."
In other words, protein has long been recognized around the world as a necessary nutrient for humans. Not only for sports and muscle training, protein is essential for us humans to live, and if we ingest it every day, it exists as a nutrient.

Daily requirement and essential amino acids

The proteins we normally consume in our diet come primarily from chicken, eggs, milk, and legumes.
It is said that the daily protein requirement is 1g per kg of body weight.

It is important to be conscious of protein in your daily diet. Protein is made up of 20 different amino acids. When you ingest protein, it is broken down into amino acids in the body and then synthesized into body protein again.

We do this repeatedly every day. Of the 20 types of amino acids, those that cannot be synthesized by the body, meaning that they must be obtained from food, are called essential amino acids. Since essential amino acids cannot be synthesized in the body, they must be ingested through food.

These essential amino acids are found in various plants and animals in nature, and it is said that these amino acids can be supplemented from outside by eating a balanced diet.

Types of protein and how to choose them

Proteins can be broadly divided into animal and plant proteins. The protein you choose depends on the type of body you want to achieve.

Animal Protein

It is a protein found in animals.
For example, whey protein made from milk is known for its quick absorption, but because it also contains lipids, it is recommended for those who want to build muscle or bulk up.

Plant Protein

It is a protein found in plants.
Soy protein contains almost no fat, so it is recommended for those who want to focus on beauty and health, such as creating a slim body with healthy skin and hair.

Let me explain plant protein in a little more detail. More and more people are living a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. Plants can survive in harsh environments such as strong sunlight and extreme temperature changes, and it is expected that incorporating them into your diet will lead to better health and beauty.

●Soy protein: Protein derived from soybeans. It is slowly digested and absorbed, so you will feel full for a long time and is recommended for those who want to tighten their body line. It also contains a lot of soy isoflavones, which are good for women.
GRØN products that contain soy protein are Green Monster , Red Heat , and Pancake Mix .

●Pea Protein The raw material for Pea Protein is peas. It contains a lot of the essential amino acids "valine," "leucine," and "isoleucine." These three amino acids are collectively called BCAA. It also contains iron and minerals, so it is recommended for those who want to relieve fatigue or improve their concentration.
GRØN products that contain soy protein are Criollo Berries and Matcha All Stars .

Hemp protein is made by crushing hemp seeds and grinding them into a powder. It is a food rich in not only protein, but also vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. It also contains insoluble dietary fiber that stimulates the intestines and activates peristalsis, and soluble dietary fiber that cleans the intestines, so it has a double power to improve the intestinal environment, and is expected to help with constipation and beautiful skin.

●Rice protein: A protein extracted and refined from rice. It is highly digestible and absorbs well, and in addition to protein, it also contains vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber that are good for skin and detox. It is less likely to cause allergic reactions, and is recommended for those who have difficulty consuming whey or soy-derived proteins.

There are various types of protein. Even though they are all called proteins, they have various effects depending on the ingredients they are made from.
Why not choose the protein that's right for you based on your diet and concerns, and live a lifestyle that allows you to easily supplement the protein that tends to be lacking in your daily meals, for the sake of your beauty and health?

Protein Blend Green Monster 20g / 320 yen (excluding tax)

Protein Blend Red Heat 20g / 320 yen (excluding tax)

Pancake Mix & Protein 227g / 900 yen (excluding tax)

Protein Blend Criollo Berries 20g / 370 yen (excluding tax)

Protein Blend Matcha All Stars 20g / 370 yen (excluding tax)

Script by Ayako Ishihara
Photos by Moeko Sawada and team Sano Minami Design Office

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Nutritionist, Food Education Instructor, Food 6th Industrialization Producer Level 4
Ayako Ishihara

A nutritional advisor in the healthcare field and an agribusiness professional.
She is involved in a variety of activities specializing in the fields of beauty and health, including giving lectures to Miss World Japan candidates.

With the philosophy of "enriching the mind and body through food and realizing a vibrant society where people and communities are connected," he founded i-Field Co., Ltd. in 2013 and serves as its representative.
He is a core member of the food team for "DINING OUT," which opens outdoor restaurants in various regions, and also participates in fashion brand projects.
She is also involved in the promotion of local ingredients, product development and production specializing in "health" and "beauty," branding, concept design, food hygiene, sales promotion, training planning and management, etc. She is in charge of nutritional supervision for GRØN's product development, proposing ways to incorporate them more effectively into consumer health.

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