8 High-Protein Vegetables

7. Pumpkin Seeds

Once you've ground that gourd into a delicious pie, you might find yourself wondering what to do with the seeds. Roasting them provides a good snack alternative to chips, but did you know that just one ounce provides more than 5 grams of protein, more than half of the protein found in an egg?

In addition to being a plant-based protein bomb, diets rich in pumpkin seeds have been associated with lower levels of gastric, breast, lung, and colorectal cancer. Pumpkin seeds are also rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.

Facing a sleepless night? The L-tryptophan in pumpkin seeds has been suggested to encourage a good night's sleep.

Protein content: 5.2 grams per ounce (roasted)

8. Mung Bean Sprouts

Whether incorporated as part of a veggie stir fry, a topping on a turkey-and-cheese sandwich, or as an added crunch to a salad dish, mung bean sprouts are a great choice for some additional plant-based protein.

Once cup of cooked beans contains 2.5 grams of protein, and is packed with other nutrients such as lecithin, which may lower cholesterol, and zinc, a mineral that plays an important role in optimizing physical performance.

Protein content: 2.5 grams per cup (cooked)