Everything we know about protein is wrong

Of all the contradictory and confusing information out there about nutrition, I always thought that the subject of protein was pretty straightforward.

We all need protein. The amino acids found in protein are known as the ‘building blocks’ of life, as they provide structure for our tissues and cells. Most of the enzymes and hormones in our bodies are also proteins. And, since animal sources of protein are the most complete (ie. they contain all of the amino acids that humans need) then vegans have to work harder to ensure they’re reaching their protein needs.

I’ve always believed this was all pretty uncontroversial. However, I recently encountered two very different views on protein, from two equally trusted sources. 

First, on Dr Rangan Chatterjee’s Feel Better Live More was Dr Mark Hyman. He’s Head of Strategy and Innovation at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine and the author of Young Forev…