It was a bestseller in the West, and argues for the potential role of soy as a superior form of protein.

In addition to information on meat production and its impact on hunger, the book features simple rules for a healthy diet and hundreds of meat-free recipes.

"Its mix of recipes and analysis typified radicals' faith in the ability to combine personal therapy with political activism.

With this method of eating, different plant foods are taken together so that their combined amino acid pattern better matches that required by our bodies, termed "net protein utilization".

But while Lappé was correct that combining would indeed result in a more meat-like protein profile, eating a variety of plant foods throughout the day will provide one with all the amino acids required by humans, in amounts which satisfy growth and maintenance.