- Gone are the days when the term ‘protein powder’ appeared in the vocabulary of only fitness enthusiasts. Some individuals (like people recovering from illnesses, senior citizens, or those on vegan diets) might find it difficult to gain an adequate amount of protein from food. And it is these individuals who find a portable, lightweight, easy-to-use pack of plant based protein powder supremely convenient!
- The said powder comes in two forms – plant-based and animal-based. Choosing between them can prove to be quite a tussle. Here is what a study had to say on this matter –
- “The growing interest in plant proteins as an alternative to animal proteins is due to their comparatively low cost as well as the increase in consumers’ demands originating from health and environmental concerns, and vegetarianism trends.”
- Below are the ways that help you improve your endurance by having plant based protein powder:
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Healthy Source of Fat and Protein
Some of you might have been expecting to read a point related to fats pop up in this article. So, here you go! Plant-based protein powders contain mono-unsaturated fats that are associated with a decreased risk of dying. “Replacing even a relatively small number of calories from trans fats, saturated fats and refined carbohydrates with an equal number from plant fats also seemed to cut a person’s risk of dying by 10 to 15%”, the researchers found.
- Coming to being a healthier source of protein, here is what a study had to say about plant-based protein, especially with regard to developing cardiovascular diseases – “Current evidence supports the idea that CVD risk can be reduced by a dietary pattern that provides more plant sources of protein compared with the typical American diet and also includes animal-based protein foods that are unprocessed and low in saturated fat.” Turns out plant protein took the medal home, in this case!
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Supplies like Vitamins, Minerals & Antioxidants
If you’ve studied biology in school, at a basic level, you’d know what a rich source of vitamins and minerals plants are. Then why would these benefits not be existent in plant protein powder? Not only do these powders have the protein, but they also add multiple vitamins and minerals to your plate.
It might feel like we are re-stating the basics. But here is what a study had to say about the same – “Fruits and vegetables also supply vitamins and minerals to the diet and are sources of phytochemicals that function as antioxidants.”
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Keeps You, Fuller, for Longer
A study conducted by the Obesity Society found that a single daily serving of beans, chickpeas, lentils, or peas could provide an increased sense of fullness. When executed over time, this could help with better weight management and weight loss.
The food items mentioned above are a common ingredient in many plant protein powders. This satiating property of plant-based ingredients can come in handy for individuals who wish to drop a few kilos healthily, and without giving into midnight sugar cravings.
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Boosts Metabolism
Metabolism is a set of chemical reactions in the body that convert food into energy. Our bodies need this energy to do everything – from eating to thinking to excreting. Another benefit of plant protein powder is that it helps with metabolism. Due to the high quantity of fiber in plant protein, your body takes longer to digest it. This means an increased amount of time is spent in metabolizing it.
Also, here’s what a study trying to understand the effect of plant-based diets on the body and mind had to say – “Based on this systematic review of randomized clinical trials, there is overall robust support for beneficial effects of a plant-based diet on metabolic measures in health and disease.”
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Brings Home a Healthier Gut
Research suggests that people who consume animal protein run a higher risk of developing irritable bowel syndrome. Another research compared the gut bacteria of children in Italy, who primarily ate meat, to the gut bacteria of children in Burkina Faso, who ate a diet rich in fiber and pea protein. The latter group of children had healthier gut bacteria and lesser inflammation.
By reducing your consumption of animal protein powder and substituting it with plant-based ones, you can cut out the risk of putting harmful bacteria in your body. Plus, plant protein powders will help you develop a healthier gut system!
- Now that you are well acquainted with some of the benefits of the hero of this article, let us look at some ways to incorporate it in your regular day:
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Breakfast
Greens may not be the preferred way for many of us to start our day. But with a little bit of twist, we can have both some health and some taste!
You could add some plant based protein powder to your morning waffles or pancakes. Or you could prepare a nutritious bowl of oatmeal with the powder. Make sure to top the bowl with some fruits of your choice!
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Lunch
You could stir some plant protein powder into hummus. Or roll those sleeves up all the way to make a protein-rich vegetarian burger!
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Pre-workout Drink
A heavy stomach makes it hard to flex your muscles. That being said, exercising on an empty stomach can make you feel more driven towards either your fridge or your bed. With the help of a pre-workout protein powder drink, you can find the middle ground between a full and an empty stomach. This drink could also be a quick snack before your meetings or during relaxed afternoons.
Just blend a small scoop of plant protein powder (one that is easy to digest), a handful of fruits, and some soy or almond milk. Sip this at least an hour before class.
You could use the same drink to rejuvenate yourself and rebuild muscle, post your workout. Think of it as a nice treat for all the sweat you broke!
Conclusion
The idea behind developing a plant based protein powder was to pack the best that greens had to offer, all in one place. All the efforts put into making this a reality has saved you from going from one superstore aisle to another, looking for which plant item to place on your plate for some increased protein intake. With such a product available in the market, isn’t it worth a shot – you know, giving plant protein powder a try?