Protein is king!

It’s an undebatable fact about nutrition and the key to a balanced diet. Not only does it build your bones, but it also helps in tissue repair and growth. When you work out, protein performs three crucial functions – repair, maintain, and grow. You intentionally break down the muscle and consume protein to repair and build it back up.

Some people prefer increasing the protein content in their regular diets by consuming lean meats, whole grains, eggs, and dairy products. But today, protein powders are also an option which is less time consuming to prepare and can act as meal replacements. You can add 2 scoops of protein powder to your smoothies, shakes, or just mix it with water or milk along with breakfast. 

The broader question that remains unresolved is which kind of protein powder to consume. Is whey protein better or plant-based? Dairy or non-dairy? What kind of ingredients does it have? Is it flavorful? Yes, it can get very confusing and does require some research.

When you think about anything plant-based, you immediately think of legumes, grains, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. Plant-based protein powders are a mixture of these products. These powders are a great way to cure digestive imbalances as they contain healthy amounts of fiber and reduce the risk of gut inflammation. Like whey, plant-based proteins also keep you fuller for a long time and keep your calorie intake in check.

Like whey, plant protein powder also comes in a few varieties – isolate, hydrolysate, and concentrate. Plant isolate is the isolated amino acids that contain small amounts of fat, fiber, and other substances. They digest slowly, keeping you fuller for a longer time. Plant hydrolysate digests rapidly because the bonds between amino acids are cut off.

This kind of protein powder is useful for muscle repair after an intense workout. And plant concentrate is high in protein but less concentrated than isolates and hydrolysates. This is an attractive option for those looking for more natural ingredients.

The best thing about plant-based protein powder is that it suits most body types, i.e., anyone and everyone can consume it. The most popular plant-based include pea protein, soy protein, coconut protein. Let’s look at some of the other benefits of plant-based protein powders:

1. Easy to absorb:

Plant protein powder is easier to break down and absorbed by the body in comparison to whey. This is an excellent source for those who suffer from digestive imbalances such as bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, food allergies, intolerances, etc. Sprouted protein is the best to cure these problems along with promoting muscle repair.

2. Acts as an antioxidant:

Plant-based diets are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, and so are the plant-based protein powders. Pea, soy, and few others are a powerhouse of antioxidants and vitamins that whey proteins lack. In short, plant proteins are a quick means to get your daily source of fruits, vegetables, and all you need is 1 scoop in your breakfast smoothies.                            

3. Calorie control:

Plant protein powders act as meal replacements. These are naturally lower in calories due to their ingredients. You can easily consume a double amount of vegetables versus animal-based products. Still, you would have consumed lower calories. Since plant-based are high in fiber, they keep you fuller for longer.

4. Alkalizing qualities:

Plant proteins help you track your body’s alkalis, i.e., your natural Ph levels. Animal-based foods can increase or decrease these levels as they are acidic in nature, and for managing this imbalance, your body might take essential minerals from your bones for regulating the pH levels. So, to avoid this, consider adding leafy greens such as spinach or wheatgrass along with your plant proteins for a beautifully balanced meal.

So, what did you choose? Whey or plant-based? The decision is totally yours but be mindful of the budget and how your body reacts to plant-based proteins. If you enjoyed reading this article you can check out another great article at Trusted Nutrition on The 11 Best Sources of Vegan Protein