Of interest to the list:

"Role of Arginine, Taurine and Homocysteine in Cardiovascular Diseases,"
Niitynen L, Nurminen M-L, Korpela R, Vapaatalo H, Ann Med; 31: 318-326.

Summary:

Arginine and taurine may protect against cardiovascular diseases, whereas
homocysteine may be a risk factor for them.

Arginine is present in highest amounts in plant proteins; taurine is only in
animal proteins.

Arginine is precursor for nitric oxide, whihc is a vsodilator and inhibits
both platelet aggregation and smooth muscle proliferation.

Despite the fact that the body manufactures 'some' taurine, supplementation
with taurine has been shown to reduce hypertension, cholesterol and platelet
aggregation.

Homocysteine is reduced by folate, B6 and B12.

Animal protein is more hypercholesterolemic and atherogenic than plant
protein because it is high in lysine but low in arginine; plant protein is
the opposite.    On the other hand, plant protein contains no taurine.

Doses of folate between 400 and 500 mcg per day, and B12 between .5 and 1.0
my per day are recommended to reduce homocysteine.

My comments:

1.  This study like others supports human need for both animal and plant
protein:  animal for taurine and B12, and plants for arginine and folate.

2.  CVD risk factors will be reduced to greatest degree by eating both
animal and plant foods in the proper proportion.

3.  To easily intake the recommended 400 mcg of folate, plus the arginine
rich plant protein, one one-cup serving of beans or peas plus one or two
one-cup cooked serving(s) of leafy green vegetables is adequate.  Both
legumes and leafy greens are consumed by contemporary paleo groups.

4.  To easily intake the recommended .5 to 1.0 mcg of B12 daily, as well as
some taurine, requires ingestion of at least one egg or a similar serving of
fish, poultry or meat, daily.  (unless one uses supplements)

5.  It is important to consume both B12 and folate, because consuming folate
alone will prevent megaloblastic anemia (the early sign of B12 deficiency)
but will not maintain the myelin sheath of the nerves--so a person consuming
adequate folate but inadequate B12 can over years develop the neurological
degeneration characteristic of B12 deficiency without ever developing
anemia.  B12 deficiency impairs cognitive functions early on and eventually
causes a creeping paralysis of the nerves and muscles, which begins at the
extremities and works inward and up the spine.  The damage is permanent.

6.  Humans are designed for a mixed diet of animal and vegetable source
foods.    Leaving either kind out of the diet is potentially hazardous.

Don