1. Introduction

The role of protein in the diet is often an emotional issue. If you wish to confirm this, try to take a steak away from a meat-eater. "But I need my protein" he cries. Tell your friends you are a vegetarian. They may look worried, disturbed—"Where do you get your protein?" they ask, as if you might drop dead at any time.

Perhaps never have so many been so confused over a subject about which they know so little. Much of the information the general public receives about protein comes from special interest groups such as the meat-packing and dairy industries. Consequently, the average person believes that eating large quantities of meat, eggs, milk, cheese, etc., is desirable. They may be full of poisons; they may cause cancer: they may cause heart disease—but, they all furnish that magical substance called protein.

If we are to separate emotion from reason, and propaganda from facts, we must educate ourselves about the true need of the body for protein. We must discover how much protein we actually need, how we can best get it and, after all, just what it is.