Journal Critique

Journal Critique
The demand for the sources of nutrients have increased over the recent years. With the occurence of
climate change, unbalanced biodiversity, and threats on human health, the search for alternative sources of
nutrients impose challenge on part of the of the health care team members since it plays a vital role in the
promotion of health and prevention of diseases. The critical review article, “Plant proteins as high-quality
nutritional source for human diet”, by Sa et al. (2020) provides information about the alternative source of
nutrients specifically proteins in plants. The critical review state different varieties of plants that can be used
as an alternative source of proteins which is one of the needed nutrients in order to achieve an optimal level
of nutrition.
According to the critical review published by Sa et al. (2020), proteins is one of the macronutrients
essential for the human body. Amino acids which can categorized as non-essential and essential are the
building blocks of protein which has specific functions in maintaining homeostasis. Essential amino acids
namely the histidine (His), isoleucine (Ile), leucine (Leu), lysine (Lys), methionine (Met), phenylalanine (Phe),
threonine (Thr), tryptophan (Trp), and valine (Val) are the amino acids which can be only acquired through
consumption of foods since they cant be produced by the human body. On the other hand, non-essential
amino acids such as alanine (Ala), arginine (Arg), aspartic acid (Asp), cysteine (Cys), glutamic acid (Glu),
glycine (Gly), proline, (Pro), serine (Ser), and tyrosine (Tyr) are series of amino acids which the human body
can produced or synthesize.
Significant informations pertaining to the nutritional quality of protein found in plants are
ascertained by examining the quantity of contents of essential amino acids that they contain. According to the
technical report series of World Health Organization/FAO/UNU Expert Consultation (2007), the
recommended maintenance amount of protein intake to avoid deficiency from 6 months to adult individuals
is 0.66 g protein/kg per day. Various plants containing essential amino acids were also identified in the
critical review. Consumption of legumes particularly soybeans, chickpea and pigeon pea have been
extensively studied to have potential in fullfiling the demand for source of amino acids, however several
studies also shows that it has deficiency on sulfur amino acids such as methionine,cysteine and tryptophan
which plays vital role in maintaining the immune system. Moreover, protein digestibility is one of the
concerns since heat treatment reduces compound that allows the human body to digest protein. Protease
inhibitors, phytates, polyphenols, fibers, haemagglutinins, and non-starch polysaccharides are the ascertained
anti nutritional factors that reduces protein quality but on the other hand can be a benefit since some study
shows that they reduce occurence of some cardiovascular, chronic and gastrointestinal diseases (Boye et al,
2012).
In addition, cereals such as corn, wheat, barley and rice is abundant in lysine amino acid while
pseudocereals such as quinoa, amaranth, and buckwheat have high-quality protein, fibers, unsaturated fatty
acids, and also includes adequate levels of vitamins and minerals. Seeds such as chia, sunflower, and flaxseed
have desirable profile of protein. Watermelon seed also has contents of Leucine and Arginin. The leaves of
pereskia aculeata contains tryptophan which is the precursor of serotonin needed in regulating sleep
Bamboo leaves and shoots which is widely available in the Philippines also has potential to provide adequate
quantity of protein for consumption. Other plants known to have favorable protein contents are almonds,
nuts, and even agro-industrial by-products such as watermelon seed, pumpkin seeds and lipids extracted
from sunflower seeds . Lastly this article simply shows that it is a must to find alternative source of nutrients
to ensure food security since population is continuosly increasing and resources are very limited.
Furthermore, findings of this critical review can be a useful tool for me as a future registered health
care professional because as a nurse one of the competencies that must be enhanced is being resourceful in
finding means to fullfil the needs of the clients. In addition, in health care settings, nurses encounters various
kinds of patients wherein certain circumstances such as social status and nature of disease must be
considered first in giving health education. One example scenario is some patients or clients which belong to
marginalized sector of society don’t have adequate finances to buy dairy products and meat or individualas
that have been diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases have restriction on some foods such as meat. Thus, as
a nurse who is aware of the sources of nutrients, I will be able to educate them that plants such as bamboo
shoots, legumes and nuts widely available in the surrounding contains desirable amount of protein. In that
way, they will be informed with the alternative ways in acquiring essential nutrients parallel to their financial
capability and without compromising the status of their health.
References:
Boye, J., Wijesinha-Bettoni, R., & Burlingame, B. (2012). Protein quality evaluation twenty years after the
introduction of the protein digestibility corrected amino acid score method. British Journal of Nutrition,
108(S2). https://doi.org/10.1017/s0007114512002309
Sá , A. G. A., Moreno, Y. M. F., & Carciofi, B. A. M. (2020). Plant proteins as high-quality nutritional source
for human diet. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 97, 170–184.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2020.01.011
WHO/FAO/UNU Expert Consultation (2007). Protein and amino acid requirements in human nutrition. World
Health Organization Technical Report Series, 935, 1–265 ISBN 92 4 120935 6

Journal Critique

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