Tag: Animal protein vs plant protein

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, protein quality is defined by its amino acid composition and bioavailability. The question of whether high quality proteins are easy to digest is often misunderstood, as the answer depends on numerous factors beyond just amino acid completeness, including the protein's source and how it's prepared.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, animal-based proteins like meat, poultry, and eggs are considered "complete proteins" because they contain all nine essential amino acids. This means that individuals following a carnivore diet do not need to worry about consuming all the necessary amino acids, as their animal-based diet provides a robust source.

While animal proteins boast digestibility rates around 90-95%, the average digestibility for plant-based proteins typically ranges between 75-80%. This difference is largely due to factors inherent to plant foods, such as fiber and antinutrients, which can limit the absorption of protein. Understanding how digestible is plant protein is key for anyone on a plant-based diet to ensure they meet their nutritional needs.