It doesn’t matter if you are into heavy lifting or a jogger, if you are going for enhancing body aesthetics or a healthy body, protein powders are a must-have. Besides the obvious muscle growth, protein supplements with a balanced diet can:
- make you feel fuller for longer, resulting in mitigation of frequent snacking and thus reducing body weight,
- reduce total cholesterol, maintain blood pressure, keep factors of cardiovascular ailments at bay, and
- enhance the natural lustre of your hair and glow of your skin with keratin.
WHY CHOOSE PLANT-BASED PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTS?
With its health benefits stretching to such a wide spectrum, protein supplements are in huge demand. There are two fundamentally different protein supplements in the market- whey and vegan.
Typically, whey protein powders are isolated from whey, a milky liquid by-product from cheese making. Since its source is milk, it contains milk sugar called lactose.
Depending on its protein to fat and carbohydrates ratio, there are three types of whey proteins:
- WPC- Whey protein concentrate which contains the highest fat and carbohydrate content out of the other two. The protein percentage that depends on the concentration of fat and carbohydrate goes as low as 30% and as high as 90%.
- WPI- Whey protein isolate contains at least 90% protein leaving less and less room for fat and carbohydrate.
- WPH- Whey Protein Hydrolysate is basically a protein isolate that has undergone partial hydrolysis- pivotal for protein absorption by the body.
Now, even if you choose to isolate whey protein over concentrated, still the lactose in whey protein supplements is a common food sensitivity.
Choosing isolate whey protein can lower the lactose per serving but you will still be susceptible to some degree of stomach bloating, stomach ache, intestinal cramps and even gas if your body is highly sensitive to lactose.
So why take any chances? If there are protein supplements out there with all the benefits of whey and not its cons, then why not choose them?
‘Them’ here refers to plant-based protein supplements.
Plant-based or vegan protein supplements are derived from plants like soy, brown rice, pea, hemp, flaxseed, and chia seeds to name a few. Since they are extracted from plants and not milk, they are devoid of lactose. Hence, no bloating, no gas, no ache, only body growth.
Now, the protein content from vegan sources may not be as high as plants but when supplemented with the right diet – a good vegan protein can also help you achieve your body’s daily protein requirement.
Numerous brands are serving numerous types of vegan protein powders but it is advisable to choose a blended one. Complementary protein combinations contain extractions from multiple plant sources and the blend produced is rich in key nutrients like 9 essential amino acids, BCAAs, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, to name a few.
4 RAGING FLAVOURS IN VEGAN PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTS
The vegan protein powder market is not behind in the taste aspect. There are vegan supplements for every unique taste bud. You can choose from an extensive platter without compromising on the health features.
Taste is quite an underrated feature when it comes to supplements.
The false idea that “The Bitter the Taste, The Better Is the Medicine” is internalised in us by previous generations. But this idea is not only outdated but also completely untrue.
Taste is quite significant considering it motivates you to consume the product regularly and consistently – and consistency is key to seeing results no matter what your health goals. Studies show that when you consume something with gusto, your body responds to it with even more positivity.
Remember, the supplement should be food for not just the stomach but the brain and heart too. So next time you hunt for a vegan protein powder, keep in mind which of the following famous flavours tickle your tastebuds the most.
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Chocolate
The king of all flavours and rightfully so. It is not only a treat for your taste buds but also your body. The flavonoids extracted from cocoa beans have strong antioxidant powers.
It reduces cholesterol levels, heart diseases, maintains blood pressure. It also mitigates the chances of cancer.
Also, the stress-reducing capacity of chocolate is a globally unanimous statement.
Apart from that, it is highly versatile too. You can use your chocolate flavoured powder to make protein pancakes, protein cookies or just the good old vegan chocolate protein shake/smoothie.
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Vanilla
The vanilla flavour is yet to find its much-deserved glory in the protein industry.
When it comes to protein, because of its alleged chalky aftertaste it is lacking popularity. But still, vanilla flavoured vegan protein powder is your go-to if you prefer adding fruits like banana and guava to your shake.
Its ability to enhance the flavour of other ingredients is what makes it unique.
If its oversweetness or aftertaste is an issue then you mustn’t skip it. Rather, you can go for combination flavours like Vanilla Chai. Vanilla combination flavours have the unique essence and sweetness of vanilla and also the flavour of the second ingredient which vanilla subtly enhances.
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Coffee
Now, caffeine is something that is not recommended by dieticians and for good reasons. But coffee blended with protein cancels the adverse effects of caffeine. Hence, it is quite popular with people who are working towards a lean body, prefer morning workouts or trying to quit caffeine intake.
Coffee flavoured vegan supplements boost metabolism and simultaneously mitigate that raging appetite. Thus, your calorie intakes go down, keeping you lean and healthy.
Coffee also reduces age-related muscle loss, keeping chronic heart conditions related to it at bay.
When it comes to taste, coffee flavoured vegan protein supplements are sweet but not too powerful because of the subtle bitterness.
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Peanut Butter
Peanut butter with its slight saltiness is not only great in taste but also packed with protein because of natural protein encapsulated in peanuts. It is quite famous among gym enthusiasts who are going for weight gain and bigger muscles.
Before using a peanut butter flavoured protein supplement make sure you are not allergic to it. Peanut allergy is pretty common so do test before you consume it.
There are many more flavours besides these four raging ones. Keeping in mind your health needs and taste buds you can choose from a wide variety of vegan protein supplements. One that suits your tastes and bodily needs.
The key is regularity.
If you like what you are consuming, you will go back to it again and again, creating a habit. Establishing such healthy habits is pivotal which can happen only if you share an affinity with what you are eating.
Do not underrate the taste of your vegan protein powder for it is that positive reinforcement that will make a huge difference in your journey to be the best version of yourself.
