by V. Kumar

Created on: September 19, 2009

Meat is considered the primary source of protein in nutrition, and so it is, but there are many other alternatives to it just in case you decide to give it a break.

One way of finding these sources is to have a look at those who practice vegetarianism. The largest chunk of such people can be found in India, where a substantial size of population remains vegetarian through out their life. Another way of finding these alternatives is to have a look at the native eating habits of different cultures.

To begin with, the simples alternatives consist of animal protein itself. Egg is not only a very rich source of protein, it also offers the best quality of protein from the nutritional point of view. The next in line is milk, which contains high quality protein that can take care of the growing calf as well as human needs. In fact, milk is almost like a complete food. Some milk products like cheese are very high in protein content and so are other milk products that allow proteins to be retained. Many such traditional sweets and delicacies are prepared through the globe with a high protein content.

The next is a wonder plant called soybean. Its beans are a major source of protein, but that is not the only way in which it is edible. In the whole of East and South-East Asia, an unavoidable part of the menu consists of preparations made from 'Tofu' - product of soybean. Indeed, soybean and tofu have been a very important ingredient in the diet of people in these countries, and this easily available rich source of protein has played an important role in their history and civilisation.

Lastly, there is world of beans (other than soyabean) which are a staple diet for most vegetarians in India. These people can sustain without tasting a non-vegetarian food (many do not even eat egg) all their life primarily because their nutritional needs are taken care of by these beans cooked in a form of soup-paste called 'dal' or 'sambhar' without which their lunch or dinner is considered incomplete. There are many variety of beans belonging to this category, with different tastes and protein content.

Among the new sources, green algae holds the greatest promise. It has been employed as a source medicational supplement, but many hope that one day it would serve to cater for the nutritional needs of humanity in an unprecedented way.

Thus, one can see, meat is not the only practical source of nutritional protein. In other words, if you want to give it a break, you have a healthy option available.

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