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Resolution Reboot: Is Your Vegan Diet Working?
In terms of vegan protein selections, vegans may miss the mark.
Let me begin by saying I understand the global need to move away from animal protein in terms of resources and planetary sustainability. I also realize common health issues, such as heart disease, can often be linked to diets high in animal products. And I certainly recognize the issue of animal cruelty. So I’m not writing this to advocate the consumption of meat or other animal products.
Why Does This Topic Matter?
When the need for protein is discussed, most people — including vegans — talk in terms of body protein. Most of the time, that means muscle.
As the thinking goes, if I’m not a body builder and don’t plan to pack on many pounds of large, strong muscle, my dietary need for protein is not that great.
But that view doesn’t consider protein’s effect on health. Glucagon and insulin are two hormones produced by the pancreas. They oppose each other’s functions. As just one of many examples, insulin promotes use of glucose for energy; glucagon promotes use of fat for energy.
Protein foods are the only ones that stimulate glucagon, thus the only foods that help to counteract insulin.
