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AIIMS gastroenterologist rates 10 vegetarian protein sources for gut health: Your flavoured protein bars don't fare well

AIIMS gastroenterologist Dr Sethi rated 10 vegetarian protein sources for gut health, including lentils and paneer. He dispelled myths about protein bars, too.

Updated on: Sep 12, 2025, 08:26:02 IST
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A large chunk of Indians prefer a vegetarian diet, and those who are health-conscious among them are always in search of vegetarian protein sources to fulfil their everyday protein content, while also keeping in mind how it impacts their gut health. But, often, there's a lot of misinformation around the best vegetarian protein source.

Discover what a gastroenterologist rates your favourite high-protein vegetarian foods. (Freepik)
Discover what a gastroenterologist rates your favourite high-protein vegetarian foods. (Freepik)

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In an Instagram post shared on September 11, Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist trained at the AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford universities, rated 10 vegetarian protein sources for gut health on a scale of 1-10. Let's find out what the expert rated your favourite protein source:

Vegetarian protein sources rated according to their gut health impact

The gastroenterologist rated popular vegetarian protein sources in the Instagram video, like chickpeas, paneer, almonds, lentils, Greek yoghurt, lentils, and more. He also busted the myth that flavoured protein bars (with gums, sweeteners) and deep-fried soy nuggets or fake meats are a great protein source and good for your gut health, too.

  • Chickpeas: 6
  • Edamame: 4
  • Almonds:
  • Tofu: 5
  • Lentils: 8
  • Quinoa: 7
  • Paneer or cottage cheese: 9
  • Greek yoghurt: 10
  • Flavoured protein bars (with gums, sweeteners): minus 5
  • Deep-fried soy nuggets or fake meats: minus 10

Can a vegetarian diet help you lose weight?

A high-protein diet promotes muscle maintenance and aids in weight loss by increasing satiety and maintaining healthier blood sugar levels, bone health, metabolism, and faster healing from injury. In an Instagram post shared on April 2, Canada-based weight loss coach Saachi Pai revealed that she lost 40 kg and shared 20 vegetarian protein options she ate during the journey. The list featured food items like paneer, toor dal, Greek yoghurt, green peas, and more. Find her list here.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

  • Krishna Pallavi Priya
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Krishna Pallavi Priya

    Krishna Priya Pallavi is a journalist with over 9 years of experience, covering health, fashion, pop culture, travel, wellness, entertainment, festivals, mental health, art, decor, fitness, and sex and relationships. She is an alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dhenkanal, and holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi. Her strong academic foundation informs her analytical and detail-oriented approach to storytelling, helping her uncover stories where none seem to exist. Before joining Hindustan Times, Pallavi worked with some of India’s leading media organisations. She spent close to three years at India Today, where she honed her newsroom skills and developed a sharp editorial sensibility. She also worked for over a year and a half at Vagabomb, ScoopWhoop’s feminist digital platform, where she explored stories through a gender-sensitive, socially aware lens. Pallavi has a deep interest in global fashion trends and international fashion seasons, and enjoys interviewing celebrities and tracking pop culture movements—interests that frequently translate into engaging, reader-friendly stories. Alongside lifestyle and entertainment, she has a keen eye for impactful health and wellness journalism, regularly interacting with doctors, designers, and digital content creators to bring nuance and credibility to her work. Born and raised in Haryana, Pallavi remains deeply connected to her ancestral roots in Odisha. Her ability to spot fresh angles brings curiosity and depth to stories she pursues. When not chasing deadlines, she enjoys spending time with her dog, planning her next vacation, reading, running new trails, and discovering new destinations.Read More

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