Mysty PfefferFad diets come and go, but God’s plan for nutrition is trustworthy and stands the test of time. Despite all the confusion, you and I can trust Him and His Word for guidance. In all matters of spiritual and physical health, He will not steer His creation wrong.
Take protein sources for example. Good quality protein is essential for growth and development, pregnancy stages, as well as to maintain hormones, muscles, and bones. Although there are several competing theories demonizing one source over another, the simple truth for what is good is available in the bible.
Genesis 1:29 “And God said, ‘Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.”
Plants that yield seed for food are grains, beans, and legumes. When we consume these items in their fullness, they supply quality amino acids (the building blocks of protein) to meet our nutritional needs.
Quinoa, a seed, and soybeans (a legume with all nine essential amnio acids), provide a complete protein source in a vegan (plant only) diet.
In order to meet complete protein nutrition in the plant-based diet, other grains and beans must be combined. In assessing the sources of protein intake in this case, please investigate the number of pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides sprayed on these crops before ingesting them daily or giving them to your little ones.
The same is true for animal sources of protein. God told Noah after the flood,
“Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. As I gave you green plants, I give you everything.” Genesis 9:3
We learn later through the covenants and ceremonial law, “every moving thing” is not bottom feeders, reptiles, or scavengers that clean up the dead bodies of other animals. (Leviticus 11) Nor is it anything that has its lifeblood still present.
Specific animals were listed in Leviticus for burnt offerings, as well as specific organs. Duly noted is that with every animal sacrifice is also the firstfruits of grains. Whatever grain, organs, or meat is left on the altar, “Aaron and his sons shall eat” (Leviticus 6:16, 18, 26. 7:6,15,18. 8:31, 10:13-14)
Based on the biblical text, a clear picture of what is a healthy protein is established. As New Testament believers feel the freedom from “clean” and “unclean” restrictions placed on the people of Moses’ day, it is wise to note these items are not “spiritually” unclean for we are covered by the blood of Jesus.
However, they remain “physically” unclean as their flesh and fat absorbs today’s toxic chemicals, viruses, and pollution they consume.
Scientifically, protein quality is measured in various ways. A protein efficiency ratio, biological value, net protein utilization, and net digestibility corrected amino acid score are a few methods used to determine protein quality. (2)
None of these measures are 100% accurate or tell the whole story of what is taking place in the body. Therefore, considering all the measures in relation to the proteins listed below may help give a rough estimate of best sources.
Benefits of Quality Protein
Therefore, a quality protein is one that is easily digestible, has an adequate amount usable by the body, and helps a body grow and maintain muscles, bones, and hormones. My top picks for all of these qualities are:
- Eggs
- Salmon
- Lean Beef
- Quinoa
- Almonds
- Peas
- Turkey
- Milk/cottage Cheese
- Lentils
- Whole Grains
You can find a general protein nutrition requirement at Protein Calculator.net
If you need some recipes with quality protein, take a look at the blog. I’m here to serve you if you need coaching too!
Reference:
The Holy Bible, ESV, 2016
Hoffman JR, Falvo MJ. Protein – Which is Best? J Sports Sci Med. 2004 Sep 1;3(3):118-30. PMID: 24482589; PMCID: PMC3905294.
