— Health from a biblical perspective —

Dear Friend,

When you hear the word, “coke” you likely think of a soft drink even though it has other, entirely different meanings in the coal and petroleum industries.  The power of advertising.  So it is with the subject of protein.  The societal mind has been conditioned to believe we must strive to get enough of it and that animals are the best, if not only source of same. The power of advertising!

Decades of that self-serving dis-information has prompted an over-indulgence of protein — likely more responsible for sickness, disease, debilitation and early death than any other dietary error.  Advertising has so burned the lie into our minds that — no sooner does one decide to change to a healthier, plant-based diet, than the protein boogy-man ominously asks, “But, where ya gonna to get your protein and B-12?”

Vegan Protein

How?  Where?

“Where do you get your protein?” is our most often received question, to which we answer: From the same place cows get it — GRASS!  Perhaps a bit curt and cute, but entirely true.   We’ve thrived on a plant-based diet for over 5 years, and actually DO eat a lot of grass (TopGreen™, the juice from barley-grass leaves).  Moreover, plants are easier to digest and safer than today’s animal foods.  We wish we’d discovered this healthier, vital lifestyle as children.  Not only have we recovered from “incurable” disease, but many of the symptoms of aging have improved or vanished entirely: dysfunctional bladders, low energy, arthritis, sinusitis, allergies, headaches, dandruff and body odor.  Even wrinkles!  We’ve also lost 70 pounds between us and can now eat as much as we want without any weight concern WHAT-SO-EVER.  If those benefits weren’t enough, our medical costs have dropped from over $4000/month to zero.  ZIP!

Many are surprised to learn that plants provide all the nutrients that health requires.  In fact, it’s nearly impossible to design a vegan diet (eating nothing that ever had a face on it) which does not supply more usable protein than most of the world’s impartial experts advise.  They recommend protein be 2.5 to 8% of one’s daily caloric intake.  ie:

• American Jour. of Clinical Nutrition .... 2.5%¹
• The World Health Organization .......... 4.5%¹
• The Food and Nutrition Board ............ 4.5%¹
• The Nutritional Research Council ...... 8.0%¹

Entire cultures live healthily on the low end of this range and the 8% is considered high by many.  The significance of these figures becomes apparent in view of the following.²

Percent of Calories From usable Protein in common plant foods.

LEGUMES
Soybean sprouts ........................ 54%
Mungbean sprouts ..................... 43%
Soybean curd (tofu) ................... 43%
Soy flour ..................................... 35%
Soy beans .................................. 35%
Soy sauce .................................. 33%
Broad beans .................................................. 32%
Lentils ........................................................... 29%
Split peas ...................................................... 28%
Kidney beans ................................................ 26%
Navy beans ................................................... 26%
Lima beans ................................................... 26%
Garbanzo beans ........................................... 23%

VEGETABLES
Spinach ......................................................... 49%
Watercress .................................................... 46%
Kale ............................................................... 45%
Broccoli ......................................................... 45%
Brussels sprouts ........................................... 44%
Turnip greens ................................................ 43%
Collards ......................................................... 43%
Cauliflower .................................................... 40%
Mustard greens ............................................. 39%
Parsley .......................................................... 34%
Lettuce .......................................................... 34%
Green peas ................................................... 30%
Zucchini ........................................................ 28%
Green beans ................................................. 26%
Cucumbers ................................................... 24%
Dandelion greens .......................................... 24%
Green pepper ................................................ 22%
Artichokes ..................................................... 22%
Cabbage ....................................................... 22%
Celery ........................................................... 21%
eggplant ........................................................ 21%
Tomatoes ...................................................... 18%
Onions .......................................................... 16%
Beets ............................................................ 15%
Pumpkin ........................................................ 12%
Potatoes ..................................... 11%
Yams ............................................ 8%
Sweet potatoes ............................ 6%

GRAINS
Wheat germ ................................ 31%
Rye ............................................. 20%
Wheat, hard red ......................... 17%
Wild rice ..................................... 16%
Buckwheat ................................. 15%
Oatmeal ..................................... 15%
Rye ............................................. 14%
Millet ............................................................. 12%
Barley ........................................................... 11%
Brown rice ....................................................   8%

FRUITS
Lemons ......................................................... 16%
Honeydew melon .......................................... 10%
Cantaloupe ....................................................   9%
Strawberry .....................................................   8%
Orange ..........................................................   8%
Blackberry .....................................................   8%
Cherry ...........................................................   8%
Apricot ...........................................................   8%
Grape ............................................................   8%
Watermelon ...................................................   8%
Tangerine ......................................................   7%
Papaya ..........................................................   6%
Peach ............................................................   6%
Pear ...............................................................   5%
Banana ..........................................................   5%
Grapefruit ......................................................   5%
Pineapple ......................................................   3%
Apple .............................................................   1%

NUTS & SEEDS
Pumpkin seeds ............................................. 21%
Sunflower seeds ........................................... 17%
Walnuts, black ............................................... 13%
Sesame seeds .............................................. 13%
Almonds ........................................................ 12%
Filberts ..........................................................   8%

The above tables answer the protein question eloquently.  Unless one attempted to live on apples alone; he could not help but get enough protein on an entirely plant-based diet.

Too much protein

The far greater issue is that most people get too much protein ... including vegans.  The latter because some  ill-advised go too heavy on protein-rich plant foods.  In fact, the average American consumes 4-6 times more than is required.³ Referring back to the expert recommendations and for mathematical ease, consider 5% to be a safe figure.  This means that on a 2000 calorie/day regime, 100 should come from protein.  Dividing 100 by 4 yields the number of grams (25).  For perspective, the average American now consumes 100 gms/day, some as much as 150.  This is very bad news, notably for one’s liver, kidneys and bone density.

Protein & Osteoporosis

A common cause of osteoporosis is excess protein.³ Summarizing the medical research on the subject, one of the nation’s leading medical authorities on dietary associations with disease, John McDougall, M.D. writes:

“I would like to emphasize that the calcium-losing effect of protein on the human body is not an area of controversy in scientific circles.  The many studies performed during the past 55 years consistently show that the most important dietary change we can make to create a positive calcium balance that will keep our bones solid is to decrease the amount of proteins we eat each day. The important change is not to increase the amount of calcium we take in.”³

Osteoporosis is fast becoming epidemic in this country.

Protein Phobia

Decades of free teaching materials provided to the public school system by the meat, dairy and egg industries have imprinted our national psyche with a fear of getting too little protein.  They insist we need lots of  it to be healthy.  Animal-derived, of course!  Since the ‘30s, that self-promotional thinking has seeped into and warped nearly every facet of mainstream dietary and health thinking.  It might sound good, but — it’s false!  Quite to the contrary, peer-reviewed studies increasingly reveal that such a dietary approach leads to most of the debilitating and deadly health issues common in our society today.  Although their assertions have been proven false, billions are being spent to perpetuate the lie.  Bombarded by incessant advertising, that error still biases dietary decisions, even to the extent of driving some vegans to over-consume plant-based protein.  Not surprising,  it’s BIG business!

In contrast, overwhelming evidence supports the assertion that a plant based diet almost universally promotes better health, proper weight, more vigor, vitality and longer life.

Are we suggesting that the Bible is wrong when God said, ”Everything that lives and moves will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything" — Gen 9:3.  Of course not.  Our reasons for steering towards a plant-based diet are pragmatic; in fact, wisdom.  It’s more an issue of better and best, not good and bad.  Because of the degraded quality of today’s animal-derived foods and the poor health condition of most folks, plant foods are a better choice for health and weight restoration.  Additionally, plant-basers are less likely to overdose on protein.

The entire protein issue has been mis-framed.  More appropriately, it should be, “How can I avoid getting too much of the wrong kind?”

1. Diet For A New America, John Robbins    ISBN 0-915811-81-2
2. Nutritive Value of American Foods in Common Units; U.S.D.A.
Agriculture Handbook #456.
3. McDougall’s Medicine by John McDougall, M.D.; New Century
Publishers, NY 1985

— From our readers —

I do hard physical labor and found that TopGreen™ gives me energy.  I ran out 3 days ago and need more; can I stop by the office to get more? — Prescott Valley, AZ

The bowel regulator you advised has saved my life!  And, wow — has TopGreen™ helped!  After a long day’s work it was hard getting into that hot car and drive 45 minutes through heavy traffic.  Now I take TopGreen™ before leaving the store.  It gives me more energy and brightens up my mind. — Kirbyville, MO

Since starting on TopGreen™ a few weeks ago, we have lots more energy and my bones have stopped hurting.  As I mentioned on the phone, my fingernails have become healthier and really strong for the first time ever.  Thanks also for the raw corn tip.  Yummy!   — Deming, NM

You may be interested to know that by  using our “energized” water, TopGreen™ totally dissolves by itself. — Nanticoke, PA

Since starting TopGreen™ my fingernails have lost their long-standing ridges and are stronger.  Also, every time I take 2-3 scoops in on an empty stomach — I get an energy boost. — Prescott, AZ

Hypoglycemia & fruit

Q. “The hypoglycemic diet I’m on requires 6 meals of animal protein/day.  How can I possibly eat fresh fruit?”
A. Fresh, whole, ripe and raw fruit (on an empty stomach) is in fact, a good remedy.  It’s processed sugar and its products, plus too much animal fat and protein that promote hypoglycemia.  The standard dietary advice of eating 6 meals/day containing animal protein can temporarily suppress hypoglycemic symptoms; also assures its prolongation.  For more help, please read Fit For Life by Harvey and Marilyn Diamond (pps. 130-132) ISBN 0-446-30015-2. — or write to us.  — ed.

Disclaimer: The Hallelujah Health NEWS newsletter emphasizes nutrition-related health issues, to educate, encourage and provide lifestyle information.  There is no intent to diagnose, treat, prescribe for, cure or prevent disease.  The author or publisher assumes no responsibility for the use or effects of said information.  Hallelujah Health NEWS is a free public educational service, solely to promote a healthier lifestyle.

ABOUT US:  Founded in 1993, Hallelujah Living Ministries is a donation-based, non-denominational Christian outreach to uplift, inform and challenge followers of Jesus Christ.  For more information or a copy of our always-free print newsletter, please include a  postal mail address along with your comments and prayer requests. Thank you for visiting  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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