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10 sources of plant-based protein for bone health
Peer reviewed by Dr Krishna Vakharia, MRCGPAuthored by Victoria RawOriginally published 1 Jul 2024
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Plant-based diets are growing in popularity. People choose this way of eating for various reasons - to boost their health, help animals, and protect the environment. But switching to a plant-based diet may mean you're missing out on vital, bone-friendly nutrients. One of these is protein.
In this article:
Embracing a plant-based diet can be good for your overall health. However, it may be that this diet lacks some nutrients important for bone health1.
Some of the key nutrients for bone health include:
Calcium - crucial for bone mineralisation (hardens bones).
Vitamin D - helps your body absorb calcium.
Omega-3 fatty acids - regulate bone cell activity.
Protein - contains amino acids for building bone strength.
A lack of the above nutrients, along with other lifestyle factors, may lead to weaker bones that are more susceptible to fractures.
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How important is protein for bone health?
Protein - made mostly from collagen - makes up about half the space inside your bones, while minerals such as calcium make up the rest. Getting enough protein in your diet is important for building and maintaining bone strength - especially as you age.
The British Heart Foundation recommends most adults eat 0.75 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily. This equals around 45 grams per day for a 60kg woman and 55 grams for a 73kg man.
Sarah Schlichter, Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Consultant, Bucket List Tummy says: "A well-balanced diet that includes sufficient energy (calories) and protein intake - as well as adequate physical activity and strength training - are crucial to improve bone health, especially in later life."
What are the best plant-based protein sources for bone health?
Though plant-based foods can be great for your health, their protein content may be lower in essential amino acids than animal proteins. Amino acids are the building blocks that help your body create proteins.
Ana Reisdorf, a registered dietitian from Franklin, Tennessee says: "Protein stimulates the production of a hormone called Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), which increases bone formation, signalling to your body to create new bone cells and improve calcium absorption. Plant-based proteins can be as good for bone health as animal-based protein if you eat a variety of them throughout the day."
Seitan
Seitan is a meat alternative made from wheat gluten, which gives it a chewy texture. It's low in fat, low in carbohydrates, and a good source of selenium and plant-based protein.
Protein content: 21 grams per serving (85 grams)2
Men: 38% of daily allowance.
Women: 47% of daily allowance.
Tofu
Tofu is made from soybeans and comes in solid white blocks. It is sold in a variety of textures - ranging from soft to firm.
Protein content: 15.5 grams per block (122 grams)3
Men: 28% of daily allowance.
Women: 34% of daily allowance.
Elizabeth Ward, registered dietitian and author says: "Soy is one of the only plants that provides complete protein. It has all the essential amino acids your body needs - the same as animal protein. Calcium set tofu is particularly rich in calcium and soy isoflavones, and may benefit bone health. Its fibre content can also help reduce inflammation."
Lentils
Lentils are budget-friendly and packed with healthy nutrients and are high in fibre and protein.
Protein content: 17.9g per cup (198 grams)4
Men: 33% of daily allowance.
Women: 40% of daily allowance.
Black beans
Black beans are an excellent protein source, similar to animal products such as meat, eggs, and milk.
Protein content: 15.2 grams per cup (172 grams)5
Men: 28% of daily allowance.
Women: 34% of daily allowance.
Quinoa
Quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids and its protein content is similar to cow's milk.
Protein content: 8.14 grams per cup (185 grams)6
Men: 15% of daily allowance.
Women: 18% of daily allowance.
Soy Milk
Soy milk - like tofu - is made from soybeans and is a plant-based alternative to cow's milk. It's low in calories and fat, and a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals.
Protein content: 6.34 grams per cup (244 grams)7
Men: 12% of daily allowance.
Women: 14% of daily allowance.
Oats
Oats are a good source of fibre - particularly beta-glucan. They also contain other healthy compounds that are good for your gut and immune system.
Protein content: 10.7 grams per cup (81 grams)8
Men: 19% of daily allowance.
Women: 24% of daily allowance.
Wild Rice
Full of essential nutrients and low in fat, wild rice offers a rich source of minerals, vitamins, protein, fibre, and antioxidants.
Protein content: 6.54 grams per cup (164 grams)9
Men: 12% of daily allowance.
Women: 14% of daily allowance.
Almonds
Almonds are great sources of vitamins, protein, dietary fibre and minerals.
Protein content: 30.3 grams per cup (143 grams)10
Men: 55% of daily allowance.
Women: 67% of daily allowance.
Vegetables
Although all fruits and vegetables contain protein, some have more than others. The following common vegetables have rich sources of protein, each containing 3 grams per 100 grams. This makes up 5% of daily protein allowance for men, and 7% for women.
Broccoli11
Artichokes12
Brussels sprouts13
Sweetcorn14
Dr Chris Mohr, fitness and nutrition specialist, and former Sports Nutritionist for the Cincinnati Bengals and University of Massachusetts Athletic Program, advises: "Combining different plant-based protein sources can help you keep a balanced diet. A good example is combining grains with legumes, such as rice with beans. This provides all the essential amino acids needed for effective protein production. Eating a variety of plant-based protein sources throughout the day can also help you get enough protein without needing to pair foods at every meal."
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Are plant-based processed foods good for you?
Although there are many healthy processed plant-based options available, you should always read the nutrition label before adding them to your diet.
Mohr says that some meat-free fortified foods are designed to be high in protein and can be healthy additions to your diet. However, he warns that many plant-based processed foods can vary in protein content. Some meat substitutes - especially mock meat products like veggie burgers - can be convenient, but aren't necessarily the healthiest choice.
Ward adds: "Any processed food may be higher in added fat, added sugar and sodium, and lower in other nutrients good for bone health - such as potassium and magnesium - than less processed foods. For example, a baked potato has no fat, added sugar, or added sodium and has many more times the potassium and magnesium of French fries, which also have additional fat and sodium."
Eating plenty of plant-based protein-rich sources can help strengthen bones on a vegan diet, reducing your chance of bone loss and fractures. By including a mix of plant-based proteins throughout the day, you can easily meet your protein needs without worrying about pairing specific foods at every meal.
Further reading
5. FoodData Central: Black Beans
9. FoodData Central: Wild Rice
11. FoodData Central: Broccoli
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
Next review due: 1 Jul 2027
1 Jul 2024 | Originally published
Authored by:
Victoria RawPeer reviewed by
Dr Krishna Vakharia, MRCGP
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