Vegan and vegetarian diets are on the rise in popularity – and for good reason! More people than ever before are turning to a non-meat diet to live healthier lives while reducing their impact on the environment. However, when on a vegan or vegetarian diet you must ensure you get enough protein in your diet. This can be a challenge as protein is typically found in animal products such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy. But with the global spreading of veganism and vegetarianism culture, it’s easier than ever to get vegan protein supplements. If beans, legumes, nuts, and lentils aren’t enough to get your daily protein intake, some supplements can fill in the gaps. It’s important to make sure that you get your necessary amount of protein each day, as it’s essential for general health as well as for achieving fitness goals.
What is Protein?
Protein is an important nutrient that our bodies need to function at their best. Protein is made up of smaller units called amino acids, of which there are 20 that our bodies cannot synthesize on their own. We must get these amino acids from food, and the most common way to do so is by eating protein-rich foods such as dairy, eggs, meat, and fish. All cells in the body are constructed using protein. The enzymes needed for digestion and metabolism are also made of protein. It is a major component of skin, hair, nails, muscles, and tendons. Protein helps keep our bones strong and also aids in blood clotting.
Importance of Protein for Vegans and Vegetarians
Vegetarians and especially vegans need to pay special attention to getting enough protein in their diet. This is because many plant-based sources of protein lack a complete amino acid profile, which means that they do not contain all the amino acids that your body requires every day. To get enough protein every day, then, you will need to eat a variety of plant-based sources of protein to compensate for this deficiency. One way to ensure that you are getting all the amino acids that you need is by eating complete proteins from different sources throughout the day so that the amino acids your body needs will be present in each meal. Some examples of complete proteins include quinoa, edamame, seitan, tofu, and peanut butter. There are also many great vegan protein powders on the market today that can be added to shakes or smoothies as another way to boost your protein intake daily and help you reach your fitness goals.
Vegan Protein Supplements
Vegan protein powders are popular among individuals that want to maintain a healthy lifestyle but do not want to consume meat. Vegan proteins come in many different flavors that you can add to your favorite smoothie or protein shake. They are a great way for individuals who do not consume meat to get the protein necessary to keep their bodies running at an optimal level.
No matter what your reason for choosing a vegan powder may be, there are numerous benefits. The biggest benefit is that it is healthy for your body and contains no cholesterol and very little fat. This is a big deal for those who have heart problems and need to be careful with their diets. The other great benefit of choosing vegan protein powder is that you can use it in anything you would use regular protein powder. Vegan powders will mix well with just about any liquid you put them in and they can be used in shakes, smoothies, and even baked goods.
Different Types of Vegan Protein and Benefits
There are several different types of vegan protein powders out there. Some are derived from soy, some from pea, some from hemp, and others from rice. The two most popular types of vegan protein powders are soy-based and pea-based.
Soy protein is a complete source of vegetable protein that contains all of the essential amino acids our bodies can’t manufacture on their own. It’s also high in fiber and contains no saturated fats or cholesterol. Soy protein contains more branched-chain amino acids than any other source as well, which are important for building muscle tissue. Soy provides other essential nutrients like vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, A, and E. It also has calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium. The texture of soy protein may be an issue for some people who aren’t used to it, but since it has more of a floury texture than a chalky one, you’ll probably find that it blends better with liquids than other kinds of proteins do. Soy is also quite versatile, so you can add it to just about anything without noticing much difference in flavor.
Pea protein is also an amazing natural protein source. It contains all the essential amino acids, and it’s easy to digest. Pea is also very low in calories, which makes it even better for individuals who are watching their calorie intake. It has a slightly nutty flavor that blends well with other ingredients. You can add it to smoothies and baked goods, as well as a wide variety of savory dishes. Adding pea protein powder to your diet will help you consume more fiber and vitamins A, B1, B2, and B3.
There are two other popular kinds of vegan proteins: hemp and rice. Hemp protein powder is a great source of both protein and omega 3 fatty acids. If you want to go with rice protein powder, make sure it’s brown rice protein powder and not white rice protein powder. Brown rice protein contains more nutrients than white rice protein does. You can find all of these sold separately or as a mix of few to provide as much nutritional value as possible.
To Sum Up
With the growing popularity of vegan diets, it’s no surprise that the demand for vegan protein powders is also on the rise. While there are many options at your fingertips, the best ones will be easier to digest and pack in more nutrients than their competitors. That’s why it’s important to do your research before you decide on which one you’re going to purchase.