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Cheap Protein Sources: Exploring Affordable and Nutritious Options
Introduction to Protein Deficiency and Cost Concerns
Protein is a crucial nutrient for maintaining body composition and metabolism. However, protein-rich foods are often expensive and not readily available in many developing countries, leading to widespread protein deficiency1. This article explores various affordable protein sources that can help address this nutritional gap.
Whey Protein: An Inexpensive By-Product
Whey protein, a by-product of cheese making, has emerged as a cost-effective protein source. It contains all nine essential amino acids and is low in lactose, making it a complete protein. Historically considered waste, whey protein is now recognized for its benefits, including muscle building and fat loss1. Its affordability and nutritional value make it a viable option for populations in developing countries.
Plant-Based Proteins: Sustainable and Affordable
Plant-based proteins, such as those derived from legumes, cereals, seeds, and nuts, offer a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to animal proteins. These sources are not only cheaper but also have a lower environmental impact. Pea protein, for instance, is non-GMO, gluten-free, and has low allergenicity, making it a promising substitute for more expensive animal-derived proteins3 5.
Single-Cell Protein from Agro-Waste
Single-cell protein (SCP) produced from fruit peel wastes is another innovative and affordable protein source. Using locally available fruit peels like papaya, pineapple, and watermelon, SCP can be produced through fermentation processes. This method not only provides a cheap protein source but also helps in waste management. Papaya peel, in particular, has shown high protein yield, making it an excellent substrate for SCP production4.
Microalgae: A Functional Protein Source
Microalgae, such as Arthrospira platensis and Chlorella vulgaris, are gaining popularity as functional foods rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. These microalgae are marketed globally and are considered excellent sources of biologically active nutrients. They offer a sustainable and relatively inexpensive protein source compared to traditional animal proteins2.
Insects: A High-Protein Alternative
Insects are another emerging protein source, with protein content ranging from 20% to 75%. The market for edible insects is growing, with predictions of reaching $1.2 billion by 2023. Insects provide a high-protein, low-cost alternative that can help meet the nutritional needs of a growing global population2.
Conclusion
Addressing protein deficiency requires exploring and incorporating various affordable protein sources into the human diet. Whey protein, plant-based proteins, single-cell protein from agro-waste, microalgae, and insects all offer viable, cost-effective alternatives to traditional animal proteins. These sources not only provide essential nutrients but also contribute to sustainable food practices, making them crucial in the fight against global protein deficiency.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Whey Protein Supplement: An Exclusive Food or Need of the Hour: Review
Whey protein supplementation is a cost-effective, easily available, and essential protein source for developing countries, providing all 9 essential amino acids and benefits like muscle building and fat loss.
Literature ReviewFood Proteins: Potential Resources
Alternative proteins like legumes, cereals, seeds, and nuts, microalgae, and insects are becoming more popular in the food industry to address protein deficiency and rising meat costs.
Pea protein isolates: Structure, extraction, and functionality
Pea protein isolates show promise as a nutritious, non-GMO, and allergen-free alternative to animal-based proteins, with extraction techniques and cultivar impacting their performance in food applications.
Highly CitedProduction of Single-Cell Protein from Fruit Peel Wastes Using Palmyrah Toddy Yeast
Papaya peel waste is a suitable substrate for protein-rich cell biomass production using palmyrah toddy yeast, with the optimal fermentation conditions being pH 5.0, 25°C, and 24 hours.
Plant proteins as high-quality nutritional source for human diet
Plant proteins offer a diverse, high-quality nutritional source for human diet, with potential for reducing animal protein dependence and meeting environmental and social needs.
Highly CitedVegetable foods: a cheap source of proteins and peptides with antihypertensive, antioxidant, and other less occurrence bioactivities.
Plant-derived foods contain bioactive proteins and peptides with potential health benefits, including antihypertensive, antioxidant, and antithrombotic properties.
Highly CitedEvaluation of fermented African mesquite seed (Prosopis africana) on growth and nutrient digestibility of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings
45% of fermented African mesquite seed meal can replace soybean meal without compromising Nile tilapia growth performance and nutrient digestibility.
RCTImpact and consequences of dietary riboflavin deficiency treatment on flesh quality loss in on-growing grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella).
Optimal riboflavin levels improve fish flesh quality and reduce reactive oxygen species, while riboflavin deficiency treatment reduces flesh quality in grass carp.
Non-RCT
Animal StudyProtein supplementation improves muscle mass and physical performance in undernourished prefrail and frail elderly subjects: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
1.5 g kg-1 d-1 of protein supplementation is most beneficial for preventing sarcopenia and frailty in prefrail or frail elderly subjects at risk of malnutrition.
RCT
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedProtein - Which is Best?
A proper combination of animal and vegetable proteins can provide similar benefits to animal sources, with casein protein supplementation providing the greatest benefit for increased protein synthesis for prolonged duration.
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