We live in a world of various health trends and people always wonder what the healthiest protein sources are. Many people enjoy making pre-workout protein shakes, but you may be unsure of which protein powder to use. The first thing to keep in mind, when it comes to protein powder, is that you are what your protein ate.
When it comes to protein, you have to take into account the living conditions of the protein source. If you are getting your protein from a hormone-injected cow that lives indoors it’s entire life as opposed to organic vegetables, can you see how the former won’t be as good for your body? To better explain the difference between animal protein and plant-based protein, here are answers to common questions that are asked about them.
Why is animal protein bad for you?
Where do we start? Animal protein is attractive because it is familiar and you know that you get protein if you eat it. Protein that comes from animal sources contains all of the essential amino acids that we need. The downside is that animal protein comes with gifts like cholesterol, hormones, and saturated fats, which can not only make you fat, but also put you at risk for heart disease and stroke. Additionally, animal protein is filled with chemicals that the body cannot properly process. For example, it breaks down into uric acid, which eats away at kidney tissue and can cause kidney stones. This causes digestive problems and can leave toxins in the body, which can inhibit proper organ function.
Whey is a popular protein powder. Can I have that?
There are several problems with whey protein powder. First of all, whey is severely processed, which degrades the quality of the protein. Since whey protein is derived from the liquid leftover when milk is turned into cheese, there are added artificial sweeteners to make the protein powder palatable. These sweeteners are terrible for the body and can lead to digestive problems.
Can I use soy protein powder since it is plant-based?
The problem is that about 94% of soy is genetically modified. Soy happens to be one of the most processed and genetically modified foods in the world, so soy protein products are best avoided.
Why is plant-based protein better than animal protein?
All plants have protein. Some plant-based foods like chia seeds, hemp seeds, quinoa, and buckwheat have all the essential amino acids that the body needs. As long as you eat foods like legumes, nuts & seeds, fruits, and vegetables daily, you will get the protein you need. Plant-based protein powders have little to no artificial sweeteners, are easier to digest, and are more efficiently absorbed by the body.
It is always beneficial to go for plant-based proteins over animal proteins. Avoid soy products and make sure you read the ingredient lists when you are buying products. Stay away from words you can pronounce and try to stick with hemp or pea proteins.
