For most vegans, one of their main concerns is that they do not get enough protein. While vegetables, starches, and legumes contain protein, getting what they need can be challenging; this is why vegan protein powder could be a great addition to their diet. Aside from being vegan, one more reason to choose a plant-based protein is that it does not contain sensitive or allergen-inducing ingredients, and this vegan protein diet is a favorite because it is also naturally sweetened.
What is it Made of?
Protein powder is an easy way for you to increase the protein content in your body. Opting for a vegan protein supplement means that the ingredient comes from plants like legumes, grains, seeds, and nuts, instead of animal products such as eggs, meat, and dairy products. Soy, pea, hemp, and rice are the most common sources of plant protein.
How to Prepare Vegan Protein Powder
You can mix the vegan protein powder in your shake after or before a workout session. Blend it with vegetables and fruits for a meal or snack replacement. You can use your vegan protein in a variety of smoothie recipes as another way to increase your protein intake. You may also use the powder in baking without having to add more sugar due to the sweetness of the powder. But, if you are not into the aftertaste of vegan protein, consider adding cocoa powder, pumpkin pie spice, grated orange peel, and extracts such as lemon, almond, or vanilla.
Factors to Consider
Quality ingredients
The vegan protein must be able to provide you with the right balance of the actual product taste and complete, clean protein. Some plant-based powders have a bitter taste and a gritty texture. Avoid these products because sometimes it is difficult to compromise taste over the health factor. You must also feel good about what you are taking for your health, down to the last ingredient. Ideally, you would also want fewer ingredients on the vegan protein label.
Nutrient-dense
It is essential that the vegan protein powder comprises plenty of micronutrients. For example, pea protein gives a large amount of vitamin E, iron, calcium, and zinc, while pumpkin protein has high potassium and magnesium content. You do not need to focus solely on protein, as the intake of other nutrients also plays a big role in your overall health. A diet consisting of vegan protein provides energy and performance benefits, but also be aware of other ingredients when choosing your powder supplement.
Complete protein
When it comes to wheat, pea, and rice protein, you may think that they can provide all your vegan needs. However, these single-source proteins usually do not have all the essential amino acids that your body needs to achieve a total protein intake. The essential amino acids consisting of valine, threonine, methionine, and so on, must be present. On the other hand, you can find some other vegan options such as chia seeds that have complete essential amino acids but do not carry complete protein.
Always choose a vegan protein powder that has a complete protein ingredient to make sure that your body is ingesting all the essential amino acids. Should you decide to start your protein powder diet, remember to read the ingredients thoroughly. It is important for you to personally know what it is you are consuming for your body’s health. If you’re not sure where to start, you can always find your vegan protein powder from Tropeaka, a reputable health and wellness site.
