When it comes to building muscles, does the type of protein—plants or animals—matter?

Muscle protein synthesis increased equally when researchers randomly assigned 24 men to eat either plant protein (from wheat, peas, and corn) or animal protein (milk).

(The study was partly funded by the plant-protein makers.)

What to do

Don’t worry that plant protein builds less muscle than animal protein. For most Americans, strength training—not more protein—is the key to building more muscle. For more on getting enough protein from plants, click here.