Are you looking to add more plant-based foods to your diet?
Or are you looking for protein powder alternatives?
Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast looking to optimize your workouts or an ecological warrior, plant-based proteins can offer many benefits to your lifestyle. They put less strain on the planet, fulfill the necessary protein requirements for a balanced diet, and help promote bone and muscle health.
Today, we’ll dive deep into the many ways that plant-based protein powders can benefit you based on scientific research and studies.
3 Common Types of Protein Powders
Whether animal-based or plant-based, protein powders are classified by the type of process used to extract the protein and the amount of protein they contain. Here are the 3 common types of protein powders:
- Protein Concentrates. Made of 60-80% protein, this supplement is processed by heating and using acid or enzymes.
- Protein Isolates. This protein contains 90-95% protein, the isolates go through an added filtering process that further removes fats and carbs from the source food.
- Protein Hydrolysates. This protein goes through another round of heating and uses acid or enzymes to break the amino acid bonds. As such, the human body absorbs the protein more quickly.
Whichever one you choose to supplement your fitness goals, there are plant-based protein powder options for you to use.
5 Advantages of Plant-Based Protein Powders According to Science
The plant-based protein powder industry is expected to skyrocket in the coming years. By 2026, experts predict that its market valuation will reach $16.3 billion.
So, why are more people switching to plant-based protein supplements?
Here are 5 benefits that entice people to choose plant-based protein powders.
#1 – Promotes Environmental Sustainability
The environment is one of the major reasons many choose to use plant-based protein powders over the more common animal ones. And there’s a good reason for that. Recent research finds that a vegan diet can:
- Result in 75% less greenhouse gas emissions
- Reduce wildlife destruction by 66%
- Decrease the demand for water use by 54%
These are all because plant-based foods, including protein supplements, demand fewer resources from the planet than animal-based foods.
#2 – Encourages Muscle and Bone Health
Additionally, vegan protein powders make great pre- or post-workout muscle recovery routines as they’re good sources of protein and amino acid profiles. In other words, they contain the necessary nutrients that increase muscle thickness and promote muscle and bone growth and repair. In return, you experience better athletic performance and improved strength.
In fact, one study found that plant proteins helped older people maintain bone health and enhance muscle mass. Not only that, but it also meets the protein requirements of athletes.
#3 – Safe Against Select Food Allergies
One of the most significant drawbacks of conventional protein powders is that they contain specific food allergens. For example, whey protein originates from cow’s milk. As such, people who are lactose intolerant can't consume it.
But plant-based supplements can serve as an alternative. Since they’re made from plants, they’re more friendly to those with various allergens and food intolerances. This makes them more accessible to people with diet restrictions.
#4 – Contains a Ton of Nutrients
The best plant-based powders carry the nutrients and benefits of their already nutrient-rich whole-food counterparts. For instance, Styrian pumpkin seeds contain many nutrients that you can also find in our Vancouver protein powders.
According to one research paper, plant-based protein sources contain bioactive peptides that have the following benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-cancer
- Lowers cholesterol
- Lowers blood pressure
- Protects against free radicals
Another study points out that plant-based proteins can potentially lower all-cause mortality risks, especially as we grow older.
#5 – Supplements Low-Protein Diets
More and more people are subscribing to plant-based diets because of their many health benefits. But, health professionals often warn about its lower protein content.
One way to supplement this is by including plant-based protein powders in your diet. In fact, a scientific article suggests that 1 liter of plant-based protein shake can increase your protein intake by at least 10-20g because plant protein isolates contain 80% more protein than plant foods.
Plant-based protein powders aren’t only good for the environment, but they’re good for your health and well-being. They can help you improve your workouts and training by increasing muscle mass and strength. At the same time, they’re also rich in nutrients that can fight off cancer, reduce cholesterol and blood pressure, and more.
Looking for more plant-based protein powders in Vancouver?
At Nutrika, we curate a range of nutritious plant-based food products for a fresher and more sustainable diet. Learn more about our tasty snacks, natural oils, and nutritious powders to see what works for you.