There is an increasing demand for protein powders, not only by bodybuilders but also for general consumers. Whey protein is often considered the best protein because it is easy to digest and process by the body. It also has the best taste and is the most widely available on the market. But whey is far from the only type to merit your consideration.
There are a variety of plant-based protein powders available, in addition to the many animal-product protein powders. You’ll find protein powders of all types and blends. They may have a better or more natural taste than their animal-based counterparts. It is the most widely available on the market. But whey is far from the only type to merit your consideration.
1. It can work JUST as well for you as other forms of protein.
Despite what all the hype (and some invested companies) may say, animal proteins are not the only proteins your body can readily use. Many plant protein sources are complete proteins, providing all the essential amino acids for muscle regrowth. Plus, when combined with the right post-workout fuel, like easily digested carbohydrates, any plant-based protein powder can be excellent for recovery.
2. Plant-based protein might be a solution to an allergy or intolerance.
If you have sensitivities to dairy or other substances like nuts, soy, etc. you will be likely to find your perfect match among the plethora of other plant-based protein powders. Some good choices for most people are pea protein, hemp protein, oat and rice protein, spirulina, and chia seed protein! None of these contain lactose, most have no gluten whatsoever, and are great for sensitive systems in general. Just be sure to check the label for any allergens that might be used at the production plant before you buy it!
Read also: What are Health Benefits of Hemp Protein
3. It’s very sustainable, not taking up as much resources to produce the protein.
We all live on this planet. This means what we give and take from it affects the billions of other people on it, not to mention ourselves and our families. Take into consideration the impact that protein powders have to begin with: Protein is grown from a source, it is extracted, processed, concentrated, dried, and enhanced to finally become the powder you mix into your shake. This process obviously takes time, energy, and resources to create the powder.
Depending on how much of those same factors went into creating each gram of original protein, before it was processed, each gram of protein in one powder could take hundreds of times more resources than another.
It’s a fact that beef is the food product with the greatest ecological impact on the planet by far, with other animal products following closely behind. Plant-based protein yields are much higher per acre of land, far less polluting, and using vastly fewer resources per gram of any animal-sourced protein. Result? You have the chance to positively impact the world with just your choice of protein powder!
4. Plant-based protein actually CAN taste great.
Sure, I’ll readily admit that not every plant-based protein I’ve tried has tasted great. In fact, one or two were actually downright unpalatable. Still, that doesn’t mean that none of them will compare to the taste of whey protein! Highly recommended vegan protein powders include: MRM Veggie Elite in Chocolate Mocha and Chocolate, SunWarrior in Vanilla, S.A.N RawFusion in Vanilla Bean, Labrada Jamie Eason Signature Series Peanut Protein in Peanut, and Nutrafusion Plantfusion in Chocolate.
Personally, I recommend Orgain Organic Protein in Chocolate, and Optimum Nutrition’s Soy Protein in Vanilla and other flavors!
5. You don’t have to wonder about the source as much.
Besides being less sustainable for the planet, a lot more goes into animal protein production that you might not want associated with your food. And again, what is involved is compounded a great deal in whittling down the original product to just the protein.
One thing about animal proteins is that you have to worry a bit more about the hormones that go into most meat and dairy farms. While you may not have to be concerned with just a little of the animal protein powder here and there, the more you consume the more you should think about that factor. If you’re at all concerned about animal treatment, of course, this too is a factor.
Read also: Best Protein Powders For Women
Massive amounts of product have to go into producing each container of product, so it’s no longer the same as drinking one glass of milk or eating one egg. It’s possible that these powders have an impact on many more animals than you would impact with other normal animal product consumption.
A final note: If you decide to go completely vegan, though, you may need to supplement with vitamin B-12, as it is not found naturally in almost any vegan foods! Just something to keep in mind.
