Is Animal Protein Really Superior? A Deep Dive into Leucine and Protein Quality ft. Dr Gabrielle Lyon | Simon Hill MSc
02/11/25 • 34 min
In today’s episode of The Proof, we dissect a video featuring Dr. Gabrielle Lyon discussing protein sources and the importance of leucine for muscle building. I break down her claims, compare animal and plant protein sources, and explore the latest research on muscle protein synthesis and long-term health outcomes.
- Introduction (00:00)
- Dr. Lyon's Argument: Animal vs. Plant Protein (00:17)
- Critiquing Dr. Lyon's Protein Source Comparisons (01:14)
- Evaluating the Leucine Threshold Hypothesis (03:13)
- Plant-Based Protein Sources: A Deeper Look (06:30)
- Scientific Studies on Protein and Muscle Growth (15:40)
- Conclusion (25:17)
Key Discussion Points:
- Dr. Lyon’s Claims
- Comparing Protein Sources
- The Leucine Threshold Debate
- Beyond Muscle Protein Synthesis
Plus, if you watch/listen all the way to the end I share a fun personal story about my 90-year-old grandma who took up walking 10km a day!
Enjoy,
Simon
Want to support the show?
The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also support the show by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and sharing your favourite episodes with friends and family.
This episode is brought to you by:
38TERA
Consider 38TERA's DMN prebiotic supplement a daily multivitamin for your gut. Formulated by yours truly and gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulsiewicz. Use code THEPROOF for a discount at checkout.
Calm
Find your calm anytime, anywhere with Calm, the #1 app for meditation and relaxation. From guided meditations to sleep stories and breathing exercises, Calm helps you reduce stress, improve focus, and sleep better. Visit calm.com/proof for 40% off a premium subscription today.
Function Health
Track, optimise, and thrive with Function Health. Access 100+ lab tests – five times more than a typical physical – including ApoB and LP(a), no doctor approval needed. Get science-backed insights and track your results over time. Skip the 400,000-person waitlist at functionhealth.com/simonhill. Only available to those living in the United States.
Shopify
Shopify, the world's leading e-commerce platform, helps you turn browsers into buyers with the internet’s best-converting check out–up to 36% better compared to other leading e-commerce platforms. To boost your conversion rate, and grow your business, sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/proof.
Pique Tea
Pique's Nandaka provides sustainable, all-day energy and makes you feel like you’re doing something good for your body! Try Pique and get 20% off plus a FREE starter kit when you shop exclusively at Piquelife.com/simon.
Eimele
Eimele Essential 8 is a comprehensive multivitamin that is scientifically formulated to complement your plant-rich diet, increase and sustain your energy, and support the immune system, as well as heart and brain health. Follow this link for 20% off one-time purchases and subscriptions.
Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons)
• Creator of theproof.com
• Host of The Proof with Simon Hill
• Author of The Proof is in the Plants
Subscribe & Connect:
• YouTube
• Spotify
• Instagram: @simonhill
• Twitter: @theproof
• Facebook: The Proof with Simon Hill
Nourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments Guide and download my Two-Week Meal Plan.
In today’s episode of The Proof, we dissect a video featuring Dr. Gabrielle Lyon discussing protein sources and the importance of leucine for muscle building. I break down her claims, compare animal and plant protein sources, and explore the latest research on muscle protein synthesis and long-term health outcomes.
- Introduction (00:00)
- Dr. Lyon's Argument: Animal vs. Plant Protein (00:17)
- Critiquing Dr. Lyon's Protein Source Comparisons (01:14)
- Evaluating the Leucine Threshold Hypothesis (03:13)
- Plant-Based Protein Sources: A Deeper Look (06:30)
- Scientific Studies on Protein and Muscle Growth (15:40)
- Conclusion (25:17)
Key Discussion Points:
- Dr. Lyon’s Claims
- Comparing Protein Sources
- The Leucine Threshold Debate
- Beyond Muscle Protein Synthesis
Plus, if you watch/listen all the way to the end I share a fun personal story about my 90-year-old grandma who took up walking 10km a day!
Enjoy,
Simon
Want to support the show?
The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also support the show by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and sharing your favourite episodes with friends and family.
This episode is brought to you by:
38TERA
Consider 38TERA's DMN prebiotic supplement a daily multivitamin for your gut. Formulated by yours truly and gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulsiewicz. Use code THEPROOF for a discount at checkout.
Calm
Find your calm anytime, anywhere with Calm, the #1 app for meditation and relaxation. From guided meditations to sleep stories and breathing exercises, Calm helps you reduce stress, improve focus, and sleep better. Visit calm.com/proof for 40% off a premium subscription today.
Function Health
Track, optimise, and thrive with Function Health. Access 100+ lab tests – five times more than a typical physical – including ApoB and LP(a), no doctor approval needed. Get science-backed insights and track your results over time. Skip the 400,000-person waitlist at functionhealth.com/simonhill. Only available to those living in the United States.
Shopify
Shopify, the world's leading e-commerce platform, helps you turn browsers into buyers with the internet’s best-converting check out–up to 36% better compared to other leading e-commerce platforms. To boost your conversion rate, and grow your business, sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/proof.
Pique Tea
Pique's Nandaka provides sustainable, all-day energy and makes you feel like you’re doing something good for your body! Try Pique and get 20% off plus a FREE starter kit when you shop exclusively at Piquelife.com/simon.
Eimele
Eimele Essential 8 is a comprehensive multivitamin that is scientifically formulated to complement your plant-rich diet, increase and sustain your energy, and support the immune system, as well as heart and brain health. Follow this link for 20% off one-time purchases and subscriptions.
Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons)
• Creator of theproof.com
• Host of The Proof with Simon Hill
• Author of The Proof is in the Plants
Subscribe & Connect:
• YouTube
• Spotify
• Instagram: @simonhill
• Twitter: @theproof
• Facebook: The Proof with Simon Hill
Nourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments Guide and download my Two-Week Meal Plan.
Previous Episode
Creatine questions and misconceptions | Simon Hill, Msc, Bsc
Think creatine supplementation is all about timing and loading?
You might be surprised. In episode #350, I dive into six frequently asked questions about creatine, inspired by a follow-up review by Dr. Jose Antonio and colleagues. Whether you’re just starting with creatine or already supplementing, this episode will provide clarity and practical insights.
Learn why timing matters less than consistency, whether co-supplements like carbs enhance effectiveness, and if creatine affects blood pressure, fertility, or urine production. This is your ultimate guide to making informed decisions about creatine supplementation.
Key highlights include:
- Does the timing of creatine intake matter?
- Do other compounds enhance creatine’s effectiveness?
- Does creatine affect blood pressure or increase urine production?
- Is creatine safe to use during pregnancy?
- Can creatine supplementation impact male fertility?
Discover insights and supporting studies in the full show notes.
- Introduction (00:00)
- Timing of Creatine Supplementation (02:50)
- Enhancing Creatine Effectiveness with Other Compounds (05:06)
- Creatine and Blood Pressure (06:31)
- Creatine and Urine Production (08:35)
- Creatine Safety During Pregnancy (10:56)
- Creatine and Male Fertility (12:49)
- Recap and Final Thoughts (14:37)
- Outro (17:12)
This episode is brought to you by:
38TERA
Consider 38TERA's DMN prebiotic supplement a daily multivitamin for your gut. Formulated by yours truly and gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulsiewicz. Use code THEPROOF for a discount at checkout.
Function Health
Track, optimise, and thrive with Function Health. Access 100+ lab tests – five times more than a typical physical – including ApoB and LP(a), no doctor approval needed. Get science-backed insights and track your results over time. Skip the 400,000-person waitlist at functionhealth.com/simonhill. Only available to those living in the United States.
Eight Sleep
Upgrade your sleep with the Pod 4 Ultra by Eight Sleep. Clinically validated to deliver up to 1 extra hour of quality sleep per night through temperature control and biometric tracking. Use code THEPROOF for $350 off at eightsleep.com/theproof. Try it risk-free for 30 days, with worldwide shipping.
Calm
Find your calm anytime, anywhere with Calm, the #1 app for meditation and relaxation. From guided meditations to sleep stories and breathing exercises, Calm helps you reduce stress, improve focus, and sleep better. Visit calm.com/proof for 40% off a premium subscription today.
Pique Tea
Pique's Nandaka provides sustainable, all-day energy and makes you feel like you’re doing something good for your body! Try Pique and get 20% off plus a FREE starter kit when you shop exclusively at Piquelife.com/simon.
Notion
Notion is the all-in-one workspace that helps you organise your work and life seamlessly. It’s been the backbone of The Proof since 2018, streamlining everything from guest bios and show notes to managing episodes. With Notion AI, you can take your productivity to the next level—generate ideas, summarise content, and organise tasks effortlessly. Try Notion for free at notion.com/theproof and experience the difference for yourself!
Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons)
- Creator of theproof.com
- Host of The Proof with Simon Hill
- Author of The Proof is in the Plants
Subscribe & Connect:
- YouTube
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- Instagram: @simonhill
- Twitter: @theproof
- Facebook: The Proof with Simon Hill
Nourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments Guide and download my
Next Episode
Are Podcast Hosts Spreading Health Misinformation? Plus 4 New Studies You Need to Know | Drew Harrisberg, Bsc
In this episode, I sit down with Drew Harrisberg to break down four new studies covering selenium intake, plant vs. animal monounsaturated fats, workout recovery strategies, and resistance training techniques. But beyond the science, we also discuss a critical issue in health communication—the responsibility of podcast hosts when platforming health claims.
Using recent episodes of Diary of a CEO featuring Dr. Mindy Pelz and Dr. Sarah Berry, we examine how misinformation spreads, why extreme views persist, and how listeners can differentiate science from pseudoscience.
- Introduction (00:00)
- Ross Walker: The Comedian Cardiologist (03:23)\
- The Importance of CGM and Misleading Health Advice (12:29)
- Scientific Method and Logical Consistency (24:29)
- Debunking Myths: Seed Oils and Health (32:59)
- The Power of Anecdotes vs. Scientific Evidence (42:54)
- Jordan Peterson and Elon Musk's Viral Clip (50:13)
- Personal Humility and Dietary Failures (53:07)
- Study on Recovery Modalities: Hot vs. Cold Baths (01:00:56)
- Minimum Effective Dose for Resistance Training (01:19:34)
- Selenium Intake and Brazil Nuts (01:31:14)
- Monounsaturated Fats and Type 2 Diabetes Risk (01:48:32)
- Concluding Thoughts (02:21:01)
Key Discussion Points:
- Dr. Sarah Berry’s Diary of a CEO appearance and the backlash
- The seed oil controversy—do they really cause inflammation?
- How to spot red and green flags in health claims
- Four new studies on nutrition and exercise, including whether training to failure is necessary for muscle growth
For more details and supporting studies, visit the full show notes: https://theproof.com/podcast/
The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. Visit http://theproof.com/friends for exclusive discounts.
This episode is brought to you by:
38TERA
Consider 38TERA's DMN prebiotic supplement a daily multivitamin for your gut. Formulated by yours truly and gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulsiewicz. Use code THEPROOF for a discount at checkout.
Eight Sleep
Upgrade your sleep with the Pod 4 Ultra by Eight Sleep. Clinically validated to deliver up to 1 extra hour of quality sleep per night through temperature control and biometric tracking. Use code THEPROOF for $350 off at eightsleep.com/theproof. Try it risk-free for 30 days, with worldwide shipping.
Calm
Find your calm anytime, anywhere with Calm, the #1 app for meditation and relaxation. From guided meditations to sleep stories and breathing exercises, Calm helps you reduce stress, improve focus, and sleep better. Visit calm.com/proof for 40% off a premium subscription today.
Function Health
Track, optimise, and thrive with Function Health. Access 100+ lab tests – five times more than a typical physical – including ApoB and LP(a), no doctor approval needed. Get science-backed insights and track your results over time. Skip the 400,000-person waitlist at functionhealth.com/simonhill. Only available to those living in the United States.
Momentous
My go-to supplement brand for protein and creatine is Momentous. Get 20% off your first purchase by using the code LIVINGPROOF at checkout at livemomentous.com
Eimele
Eimele Essential 8 is a comprehensive multivitamin that is scientifically formulated to complement your plant-rich diet, increase and sustain your energy, and support the immune system, as well as heart and brain health. Follow this link for 20% off one-time purchases and subscriptions.
Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons)
- Creator of theproof.com
- Host of The Proof with Simon Hill
- Author of The Proof is in the Plants
Subscribe & Connect:
- YouTube
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- Instagram: @simonhill
- Twitter:
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