Notes from the Garden: Chef G Writes About Protein
In recent garden notes, we have discussed carbohydrates and vitamins, two important parts of a healthy diet. Today, let’s look at another nutrient that is essential to life: protein.
Protein is a major component of all living matter. It is found in every cell of the body and is needed for growth, maintenance, and repair of body tissues. From building muscles to healing wounds, protein plays a vital role in keeping the body strong and healthy.
Proteins are generally divided into two groups: animal proteins and vegetable proteins.
Animal Proteins
Animal proteins are found in:
- Meat and game
- Poultry
- Fish
- Eggs
- Milk
- Cheese
These foods are often considered complete proteins because they supply the body with all the essential amino acids needed for growth and repair.
Vegetable Proteins
Vegetable proteins are found primarily in the seeds of plants. Good sources include:
- Peas
- Beans
- Lentils
- Nuts
- Soy products
The amount of protein found in green vegetables and root vegetables is generally smaller. However, legumes such as peas and beans provide significant amounts of protein. Cereals and grains, including wheat, also contribute useful amounts of protein, particularly because they are eaten in larger quantities.
Why Do We Need Protein?
Protein serves two primary purposes:
- Growth
- Children require proportionally more protein than adults because their bodies are continuously growing and developing.
- Repair and Maintenance
- Adults primarily need protein to maintain body tissues and repair the natural wear and tear that occurs each day.
If the body receives more protein than it currently needs, the excess can be used as a source of heat and energy.
Protein: Nature’s Building Material
One way to think of protein is as the body’s construction crew. Carbohydrates provide fuel, vitamins help regulate body functions, and protein supplies many of the building blocks needed to construct and repair tissues throughout the body.
Whether it is a child growing taller, an athlete recovering from exercise, or a gardener recovering from a long day’s work, protein is constantly at work behind the scenes.
Chef G’s Garden Lesson
A garden needs sturdy stakes, healthy roots, and strong stems to support growth. Likewise, the body needs protein to build, maintain, and repair itself throughout life.
By including a variety of protein sources in our meals, we help ensure that the body has the materials it needs to remain healthy and active.
And bits n pieces …
Vitamin G’s Cousin: Protein P
There is no official Protein P, but after a long day working in the garden, Chef G believes a hearty bowl of chili loaded with beans might come pretty close. The beans provide vegetable protein, the chili warms the soul, and if accompanied by a responsible serving of Vitamin G (Guinness), the gardener may suddenly become an expert on every topic under the sun.
Scientific evidence for this effect remains highly questionable, but Chef G reports enthusiastic field testing has been underway for many years.
“Carbohydrates may fuel the journey, vitamins may guide the way, but protein helps build the vehicle that gets us there.”