If you’ve been working out for a while or you’re just starting a new fitness plan, then you may be considering a protein supplement. We’ll discuss five great reasons to go plant based and recommend a premier source of plant based protein to help you achieve optimal wellness.
One of the biggest concerns of health-conscious consumers wanting to turn away from meat consumption to become vegetarians or vegans is finding adequate protein for their new plant based food regimens.
Their concerns are valid. Proteins can’t be stored in the body for long periods, so they should be part of a regular, well-balanced diet. People who don’t get enough protein may suffer from fatigue, weakness, hair and skin problems, and susceptibility to viral and bacterial infections. Proteins are vital for getting fit through exercise because they are essential for building muscle and healing tissues damaged by workouts.
Fortunately, plenty of supplemental protein powders are available to ensure that a plant based diet can fulfill all your nutritional needs. These come in two categories: those made from whey (a milk-based product) and those made from plants. In this article, we’ll discuss both of these types and show why plant based protein powders are better for your body and your planet.
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Plant Based Protein vs Whey: 5 Great Reasons to Go Plant Based is an original (HealthXWire) article.
Plant based protein vs whey:
Consider the source
Whey protein powders have long dominated the market because they contain all the essential amino acids and thus provide a quick, simple way to boost proteins. These powders are processed from cow’s milk, an excellent natural source of protein. They begin with whey, a liquid byproduct from the cheese-making process that contains protein, water, fat, and carbohydrates. These last three components are removed, and the remaining protein is dried into a powder.
A better alternative is protein powder derived from plants, such as peas, rice, soybeans, and even hemp. Some of these powders are made from a single type of plant, and others combine multiple ingredients to provide a broader range of amino acids in their powders.
Plant based and whey powders contain roughly the same protein per serving – usually between 20g and 30g. Consumers can ensure they get the right combination of amino acids for their needs by talking to a medical professional and reading the ingredients list on each product.
Plant based protein vs whey:
Five reasons to say no whey
Here are the top five reasons you should seriously consider plant based protein powders instead of products made from whey.
First, plant based products are better for people with lactose intolerance, one of the most common complaints against milk-based products. It is estimated that as many as two-thirds of the adult world population suffers from difficulty digesting milk sugar, so relying on a whey-based protein powder could cause discomfort for many.
Second, plant based protein powders can be excellent sources of essential vitamins and minerals. Pea powder, for example, which is a common source of protein, is also a good source of iron. One serving of a pea-based powder can supply as much as one-third of the iron needed each day by an adult. Meanwhile, some whey-based powders contain zero percent iron.
Third, the raw ingredients in plant based powders may contain large amounts of good fats that nutritionists say are needed by the body to help absorb vitamins and minerals. A plant based protein powder containing coconut, another common ingredient, provides many healthy fats essential for good nutrition. Other healthy saturated fats found in protein powders may help regulate appetite, which can help with weight reduction, blood sugar control, and hormone level maintenance.
Fourth, plant based powders often contain fiber, which promotes good gut bacteria, smoother digestion, and better heart health. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that a plant based diet was linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and death from any cause in middle-aged adults.
Finally, some researchers have found evidence suggesting that a plant based diet could play a role in cancer prevention. Other studies have shown that plant based eating can be a helpful strategy for weight loss and type 2 diabetes management.
Plant based protein vs whey:
Quality counts
While plant based protein has many distinct advantages over whey products, consumers still need to ensure the product they choose comes from a manufacturer known for producing high-quality supplements. One company that has been a leader in the field for years is Nuzest, which gets its Clean Lean Protein powder from one of the best plant sources available: yellow peas.
Pea protein is one of the most easily digested plant based proteins, compatible with many diets since it does not contain any of the top eight food allergens. In addition, pea protein powder mixes easily into water and has a smoother texture than other plant based protein powders.
Nuzest has built a reputation over the years for using high-quality ingredients and developing extraction methods to ensure that those ingredients are minimally processed, forming a clean powder.
Plant based protein vs whey:
Plants are cleaner, leaner, and greener
Even if the many personal advantages of using plant based protein powders are not enough to convince consumers to avoid whey products, there is still plenty of evidence that this move helps the environment. According to the World Resources Institute, efficient land use, less freshwater consumption, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions are benefits of plant based protein products.
Given these benefits and advantages, it is no surprise that an International Food Information Council survey found that 28 percent of people in the United States reported eating more protein from plant sources between 2019 and 2020.
If you are serious about improving your body through diet and exercise, using a high-quality plant based protein powder will give you better results than a whey-based product would supply. Besides feeling better about your health, you can also take comfort that your choice to use plant based products is also improving the environment.
Further reading:
Health.com – Is Protein Powder Good for You?
Eat This, Not That – 11 Benefits of Plant Protein
The Cleveland Clinic – Pea Protein: Nutritional Benefits & Types
American Institute for Cancer Research – Pea Protein is Everywhere, Is It Healthy?
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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