All living things need protein for growth and the maintenance of healthy tissue. Humans and animals must eat protein, either from animal or plant sources, as part of their diet, but plants can make their own protein from the natural elements.

Vegetable proteins are exactly what the name suggests – proteins of 'vegetable' or plant origin. There are many plants which contain protein but proteins from pulses (nuts, peas, beans and soya beans) are particularly good sources. It is possible to extract proteins from peas, beans and other pulses. Once extracted the protein is normally marketed as a nutritious powder, or flake or textured concentrate which can be used to make a range of different foods and food ingredients.

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