You mentioned humans as “herbivores” instead of “frugivores.” Which are we?
Humans can greatly benefit from being frugivores, or fruit-eaters. A frugivore is an herbivore or omnivore that prefers fruit over other foods. A frugivore diet consists of raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. This lifestyle is ideal for those who live in low stress environments and do not expend large amounts of energy. The frugivore diet is not practical for the overwhelming majority of Americans who experience stress on a regular basis.
Today, we use the terms “vegetarian” and/or “herbivore” to describe someone who eats a plant-based diet. The term “herbivore” is used to describe an organism that is physiologically adapted to eat plant-based foods. Herbivores primarily eat plants, algae, and photosynthesizing bacteria. An herbivore is different than a vegetarian, who voluntarily chooses to partake in the herbivorous diet.
Humans are primarily frugivores, not herbivores. When compared to other dietary groups such as the herbivores, carnivores, omnivore and graminivore, the anatomy of the human body is most like the frugivorous animals.
What Are Some Natural High or Rich Sources of Natural Protein?
Proteins are chains of amino acids that build muscle tissue in the body. There are a total of twenty amino acids, nine of which are considered “essential” because they can only be obtained from food sources. Even though the protein from individual fruits and vegetables are not complete, they can be combined in order to obtain the adequate amount.
Unlike animal protein, plant protein is low in fat and high in dietary fiber.
Protein rich fruit include:
- Apricots
- Prunes
- Cherries
- Bananas
- Papaya
- Kiwi
- Avocado
- Coconut
- Tomatoes
Protein rich vegetables include:
- Spinach
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower,
- Potato
- Celery
- Kale
- Carrots
Legumes have been found to be the best source of non-animal based protein. Rich in lysine, an essential amino acid, legumes are often mixed with grains. Protein rich legumes include:
- Soybeans
- Lentils
- Black beans
- Chickpeas
- Green peas
- Quinoa
- Alfalfa
- Clover
- Carob
- Brazil nuts
- Almonds
- Peanuts
Good sources of protein can also be found in various herbs and plants such as:
- Chaparral and Moringa.
- Seaweeds: Irish Moss, Blue-Green algae, Spirulina, Chlorella, Iceland Moss, Kelp, Dulse, Nori, Hiziki, Red Marine algae, Wakame
Man-made sources of protein should be avoided because they are generally nonorganic and unnatural.
What About Eating Certain Insects For Protein?
Insects are considered food to many creatures, but are not appropriate for the human digestive system. Even though insects are considered animals, its protein content is not an acceptable replacement for meat protein.
Many humans enjoy eating a selective group of animals such as chickens, turkeys, cows, sheep, pigs, cows, horses, buffalo, deer, fish, lobster, crabs, clams, and shrimp but avoid eating other animals such as elephants, dogs and cats, rats, monkeys, lions, tigers and cheetahs. Why is that?
People are conditioned to eating certain animals because society has made it acceptable and appealing to do so.
Thank you for reading!
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
