At first glance, it might sound surprising that broccoli contains more protein per calorie than steak. After all, steak is widely known as a high-protein food, while broccoli is primarily a vegetable. However, when you look at the numbers closely, the comparison makes sense due to the differences in calorie density between the two foods. 

Broccoli is very low in calories because it’s mostly made up of water and fiber, with a modest amount of protein. For example, 100 grams of broccoli contains roughly 2.8 grams of protein and only about 34 calories. That means broccoli has about 0.082 grams of protein per calorie. 

On the other hand, steak is much higher in calories, mainly because it has a significant amount of fat in addition to protein. A typical 100-gram serving of cooked steak contains roughly 25 to 30 grams of protein but also around 250 calories, depending on the cut and fat content. This works out to about 0.10 to 0.12 grams of protein per calorie, which is actually a bit higher protein density per calorie compared to broccoli. 

So, how does the original statement hold? Sometimes it depends on the comparison context—certain sources focus on raw calorie counts or specific cuts. But generally, per calorie, plant-based foods like broccoli often have lower protein density than meat because they contain fewer calories overall and less concentrated protein. However, per 100 grams or typical serving size, steak has much more protein. 

The key takeaway is: although broccoli has some protein and is nutritious, it doesn’t provide the same amount of protein in practical serving sizes as steak. To get equivalent protein amounts from broccoli alone, you’d need to eat a much larger volume, which might not be feasible or practical. 

This highlights the importance of variety in diet. Combining plant-based proteins with animal proteins or other plant sources can help meet protein needs effectively while providing a wide range of nutrients. 

The human stomach is a remarkable organ designed to digest food efficiently, but it faces a unique challenge: it produces strong digestive acids that could harm its own tissues. The main acid in the stomach is hydrochloric acid (HCl), which has a very low pH (around 1.5 to 3.5), making it highly corrosive and capable of breaking down food, especially proteins. However, this acid could also damage the stomach’s delicate lining if it weren’t for the stomach’s incredible ability to protect itself. 

One key way the stomach protects itself is by renewing its lining approximately every 3 to 4 days. The stomach lining is made up of specialized cells that secrete mucus, a thick, slippery substance that coats the stomach’s inner walls. This mucus layer acts like a protective barrier, preventing the acid from coming into direct contact with the stomach tissue. 

Because the stomach’s environment is so harsh, these lining cells are constantly exposed to acid and digestive enzymes, which causes wear and damage over time. To stay healthy and functional, the stomach needs to replace these cells regularly. New cells are continuously produced from stem cells located in the stomach lining, pushing older cells toward the surface, where they eventually slough off and are replaced. This rapid renewal process ensures that damaged cells don’t accumulate and the protective barrier remains intact. 

If this renewal process is disrupted—due to factors like infection, stress, or certain medications—the stomach lining can become damaged, leading to conditions such as gastritis or stomach ulcers. These conditions result from acid eating away at the stomach tissue, causing pain, inflammation, and even bleeding. 

In summary, the stomach’s ability to regenerate its lining every few days is a vital defense mechanism that allows it to function effectively without self-damage, despite producing one of the strongest acids in the body. 

Chronic stress isn’t just emotionally exhausting—it can physically change the structure of your brain. One of the most affected areas is the hippocampus, a small, seahorse-shaped region deep in the brain that’s critical for learning, memory, and emotional regulation. 

When you’re under stress, your body releases a hormone called cortisol. In short bursts, cortisol helps you respond to danger—it’s part of your “fight or flight” system. But when stress becomes constant, cortisol levels remain elevated, and that’s when problems begin. 

High levels of cortisol over time can damage neurons in the hippocampus. It reduces the production of new brain cells (a process called neurogenesis) and shrinks the dendrites—the branches that help brain cells communicate. This damage makes it harder to form and retrieve memories and can affect decision-making and mood. 

Studies using brain imaging have shown that people who experience chronic stress, including those with depression, PTSD, or prolonged anxiety, often have a smaller hippocampus. The good news? The brain is plastic, meaning it can adapt and heal. Practices like mindfulness, regular physical activity, quality sleep, and social support have been shown to lower cortisol and even help rebuild the hippocampus. 

So, managing stress isn’t just about feeling better in the moment—it’s about protecting your brain’s health for the long term. Simple daily habits, like taking a walk, meditating, or talking to a friend, can make a real difference in reducing stress and preserving memory.