“In any mixed diet, even if wholly of plant origin, the protein are sure to be sufficiently varied to compensate for any individual inadequacies in amino acid content, if only the total amount of protein is sufficient.”

Protein is a long molecule chain manufactured by specific amino acids.  These amino acids are responsible for the production of all living organisms, to sustain the growth and maintenance needs of body tissues, bones, hair and nails, for fighting infection and disease, and for certain vital metabolic reactions in the body.  On the whole, there are 22 amino acids out of which 8 cannot be synthesized by the body; these 8 ‘essential amino acids’ must be supplied simultaneously and in correct proportion by the diet.  However, numerous experiments have shown that plant foods provide more than enough of all the essential amino acids. 

A MATTER OF BALANCE

Over 80% of the bodies protein requirements can be synthesized from nitrogen, one of the main substances from which the body builds protein.    Experiments by means of ‘nitrogen balance’ have been carried out by scientists to determine the competency of protein obtained by man. When intake of nitrogen is identical in quantity or exceeds nitrogen loss, then man is said to be in nitrogen balance and to be getting enough protein. 

The use of plant foods as the only source of protein in the nitrogen balance experiments tried on man repeatedly proved that many well known plant foods which are not exceptionally high in protein content are wholly capable of maintaining man in nitrogen balance. 

HOW DID THE ISSUE THAT VEGETABLE PROTEIN IS INFERIOR TO ANIMAL PROTEIN BEGIN IN THE FIRST PLACE?

Two scientists, T.B. Osborne and L.B. Mendel, disclosed their discovery in an American published newspaper in 1914 that the basic cause for the issue that plant protein is inferior in quality to animal protein came from experiments on laboratory animals, especially rats.  When rats were fed with certain vegetable proteins (unless they were supplemented with certain amino acids) they did not grow as fast as on animal proteins.

Whether you believe it or not, almost all studies of protein value have been performed with rats; but evidently protein needs of humans are intrinsically different from those of rats.  Human milk with 6% of its calories as protein can alone support the health and growth of human babies but cannot support the growth of baby rats.  Should we therefore take this as the basis of the argument:  “If human milk is incapable of supporting baby rats, it is also incapable of supporting human babies?  Yet, reliance upon the differences between animal and plant protein procured from the theory about rats, is established as a similar theory about humans.  We cannot continue to base our judgements of human protein requirements on the results of experiments on laboratory rats. 

In America for instance, many native peoples have the necessities of living for generations on corn and beans, as well as rice and beans, both complete protein combinations.  The complete staple food of India is mainly rice and dahl (beans and peas) whereas the traditional combination of Japan is rice with soybean products.

STAMINA, ENDURANCE AND SPEEDY RECOVERY FROM FATIGUE

Experiments at Yale University and at Brussels University, ascertained that vegetarians are more superior than meat eaters in stamina, endurance and readiness of recovery from fatigue.  In Great Britain as many as 40% of the National Cycling records were at one time held by The Vegetarian Cycling and Athletic Club.  All over Europe the majority of cycling winners are vegetarians also. 

Included in the list of famous vegetarian swimmers are, Murray Rose of Australia, world champion and winner of triple gold medal in 1956 Olympics whose meatless diet began since the age of 2.  Apart from having the ability to swim fast, Murray Rose is also capable of spurting ahead at the finish thus demonstrating the superior endurance which derives from a vegetarian diet.  Bill Picker won himself a world record for the swiftest crossing of the English Channel.  Johnny Weissmuller, world swimming champion of 56 world records and Tarzan of the comic strips, was invited to the dedication of a new swimming tank in the Battle Creek Sanitarium.  For the past 5 years he had not made any new records due to his getting older, but when he was put under the guidance of a well selected vegetarian diet for several weeks he was able to compile yet another 6 world records. 

Another very good illustrative example of unusual stamina and endurance are the horse, buffalo, oxen and elephant.  These are the world’s strongest and longest living vegetarian animals have the practical ability to carry burdensome loads and performing arduous tasks in steadfast obedience. 

FIBRE 

Medical authorities believe that high intake of fibre is a good precaution against infections, inflammations of the colon and cancer.

What is fiber and in which way can it help?

“Fibre is simply the undigested portion of certain plant foods - the hemicelluloses found in bran, the pectin in apples, and certain other mucilage’s (a gluey mixture of carbohydrates in plants); and forms of cellulose found in plants.  These substances work in the body by absorbing water and thus helping to form softer, bulkier wastes that pass through the large intestines more rapidly and with greater ease.”

Good sources of fibre and other food values can be found in unprocessed wheat bran, wheat germ, whole grain breads and cereals, leafy vegetables, carrots, broccoli, cabbage, dried peas, beans, nuts, and seeds. 

SOLUTION TO GLOBAL HUNGER AND WASTE OF NATURAL RESOURCES 

Today global hunger is caused by a combination of world grain shortages and the growing demand for grain fed meat, 3-4 pounds of grain feed is needed to produce 1 pound of chicken; 6 pounds of grain is necessary to produce 1 pound of pork and 8-10 pounds of feedlot grain for the bargain of only 1 pound of beef.

Distinct from its nutritional supplement without causing suffering and death to any animal, VEGETAIRIANISM is also the greatest solution to world hunger and waste of natural resources. 

Illustrated below is a TABLE and CHART to help you understand “PROTEIN AS A PERCENTAGE OF CALORIES” (Vegetarian Times – April 1983 edition).