In this solo episode, Darin dismantles one of the most persistent myths in nutrition: that plant proteins are incomplete or inferior. Drawing from decades of peer-reviewed research and his own 17-year plant-based journey, he breaks down how plants contain all essential amino acids, how digestibility differs from bioavailability, and why variety — not animal flesh — is the key to optimal health and longevity.

This is part one of a two-part deep dive into protein, performance, and ethics — separating science from marketing and helping you understand where real nourishment begins.

What you’ll Learn

00:00:00 – Intro and Sponsor: Fatty15

00:04:13 – Welcome to the Super Life Podcast

00:04:26 – Plant-Based Living and the Protein Question

00:06:24 – Protein Basics: Amino Acids in Plants

00:07:20 – Dr. Christopher Gardner and the Diversity of Plant Protein

00:09:52 – Protein Quality, Digestibility, and Flesh

00:11:12 – Heart Health: Stanford Twin Trial Results

00:12:02 – Saturated Fat, Polyunsaturated Fat, and Heart Disease

00:13:01 – Stanford Swap Meat Trial: Plant-Based Alternatives vs. Red Meat

00:14:14 – Sponsor: Our Place Cookware

00:17:01 – Longevity and Mortality Data

00:17:49 – Performance and Strength: Protein Requirements

00:20:47 – Easily Hitting Plant Protein Requirements

00:21:43 – Debunking the Carnivore Diet

00:23:02 – Closing Thoughts and Personal Point of View

Find more from Darin:

Website: https://darinolien.com/

Instagram: @Darinolien

Book: darinolien.com/fatal-conveniences-book/

Down to Earth: darinolien.com/down-to-earth/

Elevate your health and wellness journey by becoming a founding member of the newly launched SuperLife Patreon for exclusive content and community access. Join us right now to lock in your founding member status and help us continue making the podcast you love at https://www.patreon.com/c/DarinOlien .

Our Place: Toxic-free, durable cookware that supports healthy cooking. Use code DARIN for 10% off at fromourplace.com.

Fatty15: Get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to fatty15.com/DARIN and using code DARIN at checkout.

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