Unfortunately, plant-based proteins do not have a good reputation. And this is quite unjust. The majority of people, on the other hand, believe that animal proteins are inevitably superior.
Vegan protein powders, on the other hand, offer certain specific advantages that many people are unaware of. Here are ten unexpected facts about the under-appreciated category of plant-based, vegan protein powders (in no particular order).
1. Complete Proteins
One of the main reasons why people dismiss vegan protein powders is that they believe plant-based proteins are inadequate. This isn’t always the case, though. This misunderstanding stems in part from some muddled wording.
When it comes to proteins, the phrases “complete” and “incomplete” are used to assess whether or not a protein has all nine necessary amino acids, which the human body cannot produce on its own. 9 of these amino acids are found in varying amounts in several vegan protein powders.
2. Hypo-Allergenic
People who are lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy products may have problems with milk-based proteins like whey or casein. Many vegan proteins, on the other hand, are allergy-free. Soy, on the other hand, is an exception and can produce life-threatening allergic responses.
3. High Fiber
Vegan protein powders are often high in fiber because they are made from plants. Fiber is essential for maintaining the health of your cardiovascular and digestive systems, despite the fact that it is typically overlooked in many people’s diets.
4. Fats That Are Good For You
While protein gets all of the focus, the additional nutrients in a vegan protein powder may have a significant impact. Omega-3 fatty acids, which have been demonstrated to promote cardiovascular health and cognitive function, are abundant in several plant-based protein supplements.
5. Great For Cooking And Baking
Although the most common application for protein powders is to mix them with water and drink them as you rush out the door, there is a lot more you can do with them, especially vegan protein powders.
These plant-based proteins make moist, fluffy baked items with a higher protein content. Vegan proteins with a savory flavor, such as pea protein, are better suited to soups and sauces.
6. Easily Digestible
If you’ve ever tried a high-protein diet or merely took a couple scoops of whey on an empty stomach, you know how difficult it can be for your digestive system. Plant-based proteins, on the other hand, are softer on the stomach and don’t cause as much discomfort.
7. Bioavailable
Plant-based proteins are easily absorbed and utilized by your body, in addition to being gentle on your digestive tract. While this may seem self-evident, certain protein sources are not particularly bioavailable, which means your body can only utilise a tiny portion of the protein you consume.
8. Rich In Antioxidants
Vegan protein powders include phytochemicals (chemicals created by plants that are good to us) and antioxidant vitamins, much like the complete plant from which they’re derived. These substances promote immunological function, strengthen your skin, decrease cholesterol, and may protect you from a variety of ailments.
9. High Concentrations Of Minerals
Likewise, these plant products are high in minerals that may sustain a wide range of biological systems.
10. Highly Adaptable
Vegan protein powders may be utilized in a number of ways because they have a mild flavor and can withstand cooking and baking. You’ll probably be able to pick from a variety of vegan protein powders to obtain just what you want and need, depending on your demands.
Here Are Some Advantages Of Vegan Protein Powder
1. High Fiber
Because vegan protein powders are made from plants, they are often high in fiber. Fiber is necessary for a healthy digestive tract to function properly. Non-vegan protein powders can induce digestive distress, necessitating the addition of fiber to aid digestion and ease constipation.
2. Easily Digested
Vegan protein powders are readily digested and absorbed by the body, keeping with the digestive theme. Vegan protein powders are less likely to cause digestive issues than animal-based protein powders, so go easy on your body.
3. It Is Complete Protein
Complete proteins contain the nine necessary amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own. Incomplete protein powders do not contain those amino acids. Vegan protein powders are sometimes misunderstood as being lacking in certain amino acids, yet virtually all of them are complete and include those nine amino acids in variable amounts. Because not all vegan protein powders include complete protein, make sure you check the ingredient lists carefully before purchasing.
4. Healthy Fats
Vegan protein powders offer beneficial fats that aid body functioning, but animal-based protein powders have more calories and additional fats. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for cardiovascular and brain health, are commonly included in vegan protein powders.
Here Are Some Cons Of Vegan Protein Powder
1. Some Contain A Lot Of Sugar
Plant-based protein powders are occasionally purchased without reading the nutrition labels. When employing plant-based meals, getting the proper taste profile can be difficult. When utilizing sweeteners, syrups, “natural flavors,” or concentrates, for example, you may find it simpler to get a vanilla taste. Using a lot of sugar and additional tastes is also a simple way to generate these sensations. We’re not suggesting plant-based protein powders shouldn’t taste good, but the “natural flavors” listed on the nutrition label might not be all that natural.
2. Some Contain Maltodextrin
This ubiquitous, highly processed food ingredient is used by a number of protein businesses. It is largely derived from genetically modified maize and is used to aid in the mixing of protein powders.
3. High Heat Method
This approach isn’t used by every plant-based protein firm, but it is used by several. Certain high-temperature processing processes effectively degrade plant nutrients, making it harder for your body to digest protein powder.
What To Look For In A Vegan Protein Powder?
1. Protein Bioavailability
Snyder believes that the ability of a supplement’s protein bioavailability, or its capacity to be absorbed and utilised by the body, is the most crucial aspect to consider when choosing a supplement. Snyder advocates using plant-based protein supplements derived from a range of plant-based bioavailable sources instead of whey protein, which isn’t vegan. “At the very least, I advocate sprouted sources,” she adds, adding that hemp protein and brown rice protein are also good options. “I also don’t think soy protein powders are a good idea.” Pea, pumpkin, sunflower seed, sacha inchi, and chia proteins are among the other highly accessible vegan protein sources.
2. Non-Gmo And Organic
Snyder also emphasizes the significance of selecting a non-GMO, organic formula. She exclusively recommends protein powders manufactured from components farmed without fertilizers or pesticides because she believes in a food system that honors both animal welfare and the environment.
3. Quality
The quality of a product is mostly determined by its components. Snyder advises picking protein powders manufactured from pure, high-quality components, as you should with any supplement. This covers goods that don’t include any synthetics or fillers. While it’s simple for a supplement business to say its products are clean and high-quality, you’ll need to examine the ingredient list carefully and conduct your own investigation into the firm’s methods to be sure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is The Point Of Vegan Protein Powder?
Vegan protein powders include all nine essential amino acids required for the development of healthy and powerful muscular tissue. They may augment a nutritious diet by combining superfoods like quinoa with regular beans and grains.
Which Vegan Protein Has The Highest Protein?
Quinoa. Quinoa is a seed with white, red, black, and mixed variants available. Quinoa is a complete protein, which means it includes all 22 amino acids, making it a wonderful alternative to carbs like rice and couscous. 100g of quinoa (cooked weight) provides nearly 4g protein.
Are Vegan Protein Powders Beneficial To Your Health?
Allergy Risk is Reduced. Vegan protein powders, as opposed to animal protein powders, can help you avoid common dietary allergies such as casein and whey. However, some plant-based protein powders contain soy, which is another major dietary allergy.
Does Vegan Protein Powder Give You Energy?
Vegan protein powder can cause a boost in glucagon, which means you have more fuel accessible without the energy crash that comes with sugary meals.