PLANT-BASED PROTEIN POWDER Good or Bad?
Plant-based protein powders are good alternatives for vegans and people with lactose intolerance as they are made using plants. In addition to being vegan-friendly and lactose-free, there are several benefits of plant protein powder such as being low in fat and cholesterol, high in fiber and antioxidants, and promoting better digestion and gut health. They are also a sustainable and environmentally-friendly option compared to animal-based protein powders.
THE PROS & CONS
Maybe you are looking to try a plant-based diet. Maybe you are seeking ways to incorporate plant protein into your diet. Or perhaps you are simply interested in knowing the merits and demerits of plant-based protein powder. Whatever your reasons, we are here to help.
Let’s discover the following benefits of plant protein powder in details:
- Allergy Safe And Comfortable To Digest
- Ideal Supplement FoVegetarians and Vegans
- Improved Heart Health
THE RISE
Plant-based protein powders (also qualifying as vegan protein powders) have enjoyed a meteoric rise in popularity primarily due to the parallel rise in veganism as well as being an effective substitute for whey protein powders for lactose-intolerant gym-goers. Our diets usually have sufficient protein to take care of the requirements of the body. However, this changes once we start working out or becoming physically active. The body cannot store protein and hence, the protein intake has to increase. This is where pre-workouts and protein powders come into the picture.
Whey protein powders were quite the hit initially. Nevertheless, they were ineffective for people with dairy allergies. There were also concerns that animal-based protein powders (whey protein powders, for example) contained saturated fats which made them unhealthy over longer periods. Therefore, this led to the introduction of plant-based protein powder.
Inside plant-based protein powder
An adequate replacement for milk protein supplements, some of the best plant-based protein powders combine different types of plant proteins to create the perfect supplement. The most common plant-based protein powders are:
Soy Protein:
Considered one of the most effective plant-based proteins, soy is digested and absorbed at a moderate rate. It is also an excellent source of glutamine, which occurs naturally in the body but is beneficial in greater amounts during workouts as it enhances tissue repair and limits damage to muscles.
Pea protein:
Pea-based protein has a high rate of absorption in the body, similar to whey protein. However, it is an incomplete protein and should be paired with other plant-based proteins to be fully effective.
Rice Protein:
Brown rice has substantial quantities of vitamin B, and fibre, and is naturally gluten and lactose-free. Rice protein should also be paired with another plant-based protein source to obtain the maximum benefits from it.
The Benefits
Numerous arguments favour plant-based protein powders over other protein supplements. Here are some of the benefits that could encourage you to opt for a plant protein supplement:
Allergy safe & comfortable to digest -
Because it does not contain lactose, numerous side effects are neutralized, such as bloating and gas. Poor digestion, a common side effect of lactose intolerance, is also limited by using a plant-based protein powder. This means that plant proteins are easily digested, absorbed, assimilated, and eliminated, making them perfect for you!
Ideal supplements -
Plant-based protein powders are ideal for vegetarians and vegans as they may not get enough protein from the whole foods they consume.
Improved heart health and minerals -
Plant-based protein powders have been shown to reduce cholesterol levels and reduce markers of heart diseases, according to some studies. Many plant-based protein powders contain micronutrients such as antioxidants, vitamins, fibre, and minerals that are essential for your body.
THE DRAWBACKS
Sounds too good to be true? Plant-based protein powders do have their share of demerits, such as:
Incomplete proteins -
Some plant-based protein powders are often incomplete proteins, meaning they have to be consumed in combination with other plant proteins to gain maximum benefits.
Expensive -
Plant-based protein powders are generally expensive compared to other protein supplements.
TASTE & SIDE EFFECTS
The taste aspect of plant-based protein powders is up for debate. Some consumers feel that plant proteins taste more natural and are much better than dairy-based or other protein supplements. Others feel the polar opposite, vehemently against the natural taste. This is one aspect where you will have to make your stand and decide whether you like the taste or not.
A possible side-effect of consuming plant-based protein powders is that they could hamper daily kidney functions if consumed in large quantities. Our body breaks down proteins for their nutritional content. The waste by-products are flushed out through the kidneys. Therefore, it should be noted that if you consume large quantities of plant-based protein powders, it could have an adverse effect on your kidneys.
Now, you may have a question in your mind-
Which plant protein powder is best?
The best plant protein powder is Scitron Organic plant protein. Scitron’s plant-based protein powder is made from a mix of various plant proteins, such as organic pea protein isolate, organic brown rice protein isolate, and organic quinoa. You are getting 25g of protein per scoop at prices similar to that of whey protein powders! Unbelievable, isn’t it?
The benefits of plant-based protein powder far outweigh the negatives, especially when combined with a healthy lifestyle! One of the best plant-protein powders in India is Organic Pea Protein or Organic Plant Protein Powders, and get the most out of your workouts. Organic Pea Protein powder contains 4.7g BCAAs, 25g protein, and zero sugar in each serving. Organic Plant Protein powder is made out of both pea and rice protein and is available in mocha and peach mango flavours.
Head over to our Scitron homepage to order yours and also check out our wide range of supplements that will enhance your workouts while being free of junk fillers.