The first thing that most people automatically think of when they think of protein is meat. But these days, with the ever-increasing popularity of vegetarianism and veganism and the significant rise in cost of meat and other staple foods in South Africa, we know that there are dozens of delicious and more affordable plant-based options to choose from when it comes to getting your daily dose of protein.
The general recommendation for protein intake per day is 0.75g of protein per kg of body weight for women and 0.84g/kg for men. However, these are just general recommendations, and you may require more or less depending on your lifestyle and other conditions. It’s always best to consult your doctor to determine what’s best for your health.
One of the best things about plant-based proteins is that they are often less expensive than animal-based proteins. In this article, we’ll highlight 4 delicious and affordable whole-food protein sources available from livloNG ‒ your supplier of health and natural products.
Black Beans
One cup of cooked black beans equals 15g of protein. Not only are these beans an excellent source of protein, but they are also highly digestible and full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that promote heart health. Not to mention, they’re mouthwateringly tasty!
Used as a staple in South American and Caribbean cuisine, black beans are an extremely versatile ingredient. We recommend trying black bean nachos loaded with salsa, grilled veggie burger, and black bean burrito bowl.
Brown Lentils
Out of the four main types of lentils, brown lentils are the most common and therefore the most affordable. These lentils have a nutty yet creamy taste, which lends itself to a wide range of cuisines and dishes.
Thanks to their high levels of protein, brown lentils are a staple ingredient in most vegetarian pantries. In order to get 30g of protein/day from lentils, you’ll need to consume 150 grams of cooked lentils. Get your lentil protein fill in a delicious lentil curry, a hearty lentil soup, or even a comforting shepherd’s pie.
Kabuli Chickpeas
There is an astonishing 19g of protein in half a cup of chickpeas! However, chickpeas need to be consumed with other foods, like rice or wheat, as they aren’t a complete protein source.
Known for their large size, Kabuli chickpeas are a type of pulse that has a delicious creamy texture. Once soaked in water overnight, you can use them for dishes like curries, hummus, falafel, and so much more. Chow down on chickpeas in this Egyptian Kushari dish or this three bean chaat recipe for lunch.
Moringa Seeds
Moringa has taken the health food industry by storm, with moringa seeds and powder flying off the shelves. One cup (140g) of moringa seeds contains 2g of protein and 235% daily value of vitamin C! Add moringa seeds to a flavourful smoothie to start your day, or make some moringa energy balls for a healthy snack.
Are you looking for a trusted source from which to purchase health and natural products in South Africa? Here at livloNG, we value sustainability and healthy eating, and we offer a range of plant-based protein sources on our website. You’ll also find natural supplements and teas. Have any questions? We invite you to contact us today.