I’m watching TV and a Kashi Cereal commercial comes on. Their sales pitch is this: One serving of Kashi has the same amount of protein as an Egg! Essentially, they’re saying that I don’t have to eat eggs anymore; I can eat cereal instead of eggs and I will receive the same amount of nutrients (because that’s what protein is: a nutrient).

No two nutrients are created equal nor do they affect the body in the same manner when ingested; i.e. this cereal example, 10 grams of soy protein =/= 10 grams of egg protein. The protein present in Kashi is soy-based. It doesn’t matter if it’s Organic or Fair-Trade or Local; it’s still SOY and not an EGG. Are people really THAT gullible or is the American public just that uneducated about their diet? I am stereotyping that both are true. The food industry is well aware of this fact and they capitalize on it with money as their goal, not a healthier public. 

There are several factors that come into play on a biological/physiological level when choosing the “right” nutrient…

1) Nutrient Source (Quality) – Animal vs Plant 

2) Nutrient Ratio (Quantity) – Fats : Carbohydrates : Proteins

3) Nutrient Type – Fats, Proteins, Carbohydrates, Vitamins, Minerals

4) Bioavailability – The body’s physical ability to use 3’s

5) Digestibility – Issues? Intolerance? Insensitivity? Dehydrating? Constipating?