Are sprouts a good replacement for animal/whey protein?

Question

I find the taste of Whey protein unnatural and was wondering if I could supplement workouts with sprouts, apparently they contain 35% protein.

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/10-reasons-to-eat-sprouts.html?page=1

Would 200g a day of sprouts allow a 160 pound trainer enough protein to maintain lean muscle mass?

Answer 1

I can't find what I would consider a reliable reference for the 35% figure.

As far as I can make out, (mung) Bean Sprouts are about 3% protein. So 200 grams would give you about 6 grams. Alfalfa sprouts have slightly more perhaps 4% protein.

A Guideline Daily Amount or protein for a man would be 55grams and 45 grams for a woman.

So, I'd have to say no, 200g of sprouts would not be enough protein on its own.

http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/custom/602335/2

http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2302/2

http://www.gdalabel.org.uk/gda/gda_values.aspx

Answer 2

I too was in a similar dilemma when I gave up protein shakes. I tried eating way too much protein from a specific source.

• A protein shake is a supplement, a thing that makes up for a deficiency. The thing is that in today's world, especially in first world countries, protein is everywhere and its easily obtainable through eating whole nutrition dense foods.
• Eating large quantities of bean sprouts will lead to certain mineral and vitamin deficiencies. In general, "too much of anything is bad for you, even if its a healthy food".
• Focus on a eating a well balanced diet for an active individual with different foods. Eat enough/moderate proportions, not too much.
• If you are still struggling to meet your protein requirements, try out full fat whole milk or raw milk if its legally available in your country/state and you are not allergic to milk. Milk is a great way to make good healthy muscle gains that stay with you. But remember consume it in moderation and that goes for everything else you eat.

I hope this helps. Lastly, Keep on learning about eating a well balanced nutritious diet. There is still so much stuff we don't know about the food we eat and how it affects our body

Answer 3

A very good source of proteins is uncooked nuts, though they are acidic.

Also super good: green leaves, one of the best things you can eat and to help digestions: make a green smoothie out of it.

Sprouts are certainly good, I can't confirm the quality, as it depends on a lot of other factors, such as: how much do you workout, what do you eat for the rest.