Sources of Plant Protein

• All types of beans are high in protein and B-vitamins. Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images

  Plants contain an assortment of amino acids that make up protein. However, it usually takes a combination of more than one type of plant to equal a complete source of protein. The only plant-based protein that is considered complete is the soybean. Complete proteins contain all nine of the essential amino acids that the body cannot manufacture on it's own. This is why vegetarians need to combine many different plant-based proteins to supply their bodies with everything it needs. The nine essential amino acids are phenylaianine, lysine, valine, isoleucine, methionine, threonine, leucine and tryptophan.

Kidney Beans

• Add raw kidney beans to your salad or simply eat them plain. red kidney beans image by GeoM from Fotolia.com

  Kidney beans provide the body with ample amounts of protein. These beans are not complete proteins, but they do contain some of the essential amino acids that the body needs such as tryptophan. Kidney beans are also a good source of other nutrients such as vitamin B1, potassium, iron and vitamin K. The World's Healthiest Foods website says that kidney beans are a good source of cholesterol-lowering fiber. Fiber also helps to regulate the digestive system and prevent stomach upset and other digestive issues. Raw kidney beans contain the most potent course of nutrition because cooking destroys essential nutrients.

Soybeans

• Always buy organic, locally grown soy whenever possible. Soy beans on green leaf image by Monika 3 Steps Ahead from Fotolia.com

  Soybeans are the only complete source of plant protein because this type contains all nine of the essential amino acids that the body needs, and even a few non-essential amino acids. Soy is also a good source of fiber and minerals and nutrients, such as potassium. However, not all soy is good for the body. Jeffery Smith at the Huffington Post reports that genetically modified soy causes infant mortality and sterility in hamsters.

  However, "Alive" magazine says that fermented soy is beneficial for digestion and mineral absorption. The World's Healthiest Foods website also shows that soy has cholesterol-lowering benefits. Buy only organic, non-genetically modified soybeans so that you can benefit from this food without taking the risks that genetically modified foods are linked to.

Peanuts

• Snack on protein-packed peanuts throughout the day. nuts image by asmik from Fotolia.com

  Peanuts are also another source of plant protein. This food is high in Omega-3 fats, vitamin B3, copper and vitamin E. The World's Healthiest Foods website says that peanuts are beneficial for health health. A study published at the British Journal of Nutrition showed that people who consume peanuts four times per week had a 37-percent reduced risk of heart disease compared to people who rarely consumed peanuts or other types of nuts. Each additional serving of nuts each week lowered the risk even more. Eat a handful of peanuts or another type of nut at least four times each week.