The plant-based diet is growing in popularity, and with it is the demand for vegan protein powder. These dietary supplements help hit your daily protein needs; some can even be used as an effective weight loss aid.
But before you buy your next batch of protein powder, there are some things to consider. Keep reading to learn about the essential nutrients to look for in a vegan protein powder.
Amino Acids
Amino acids play a crucial role in muscle growth and recovery, so finding a vegan protein powder unflavored that contains all the essential amino acids your body can’t make is crucial. This is particularly important if you’re training intensely or looking to increase your strength because the proteins your body needs to build muscle require a complete array of amino acids.
An excellent vegan protein powder will be sourced from a comprehensive array of plant-based sources, so it should contain all the essential amino acids your body needs for health. Pea, hemp, quinoa, and soy products are all great options to look for.
It’s also important to avoid added sugar in plant-based protein powders because the American Heart Association recommends limiting your daily added sugar intake to no more than half of your calorie allowance. This can mean choosing a protein powder sweetened with all-natural stevia or other natural sweeteners rather than an artificially sweetened version.
Added Sugars
Vegan protein powders can be a convenient way to boost your daily plant-based protein intake without adding many calories or carbs. But be wary of protein powders that contain added sugars, as they can cause various health problems.
When looking for an excellent vegan protein powder, look for one with high-quality, unsweetened protein sources like peas, brown rice, or hemp. These protein powders can help you feel fuller, improve workout recovery and provide all the essential amino acids your body needs. You may want to look for one that contains an electrolytes supplement as well to aid in hydration
Added sweeteners to vegan protein powder can cause digestive issues, so read the label carefully. Also, if you have food allergies or other sensitivities, choose a vegan protein powder that isn’t processed in a facility where these allergens may be present.
Natural Flavors
If you’re vegan, you’ll need to look for a protein powder that doesn’t contain dairy products or eggs. It should also be low in added sweeteners, preservatives, and artificial flavours.
Natural flavours are extracted from fruits, vegetables, spices, and herbs. They are a great way to enhance the flavour of foods without adding extra sugar.
The only downside is that many natural flavours are highly processed and can have several chemical additives. That can be especially problematic for those with digestive problems or a history of allergies.
The best vegan protein powders are made from plant-based proteins. They are formulated to provide all nine essential amino acids, meaningful amounts of BCAAs (leucine and isoleucine muscle-building compounds), and in some cases organic collagen peptides. They should also be prepared with a blend of other beneficial nutrients, such as super greens, vitamins and minerals, and probiotics. They should also be third-party tested for safety and contain no ingredients that may negatively affect your health.
Leave a Reply