A lot of people are under the impression that animal protein is better than plant-based protein. This relates to protein powders and general protein sources alike. The reason people believe that animal protein is superior probably has something to do with the fact that plants don’t seem as strong as a big animal. Well, we need not forget that most of those big animals (e.g. elephants, giraffes, cows, buffalo, horses, and rhinos) only eat plants.
People don’t take into account that vegan protein powders help you achieve your desired results better than animal protein powders. Here are some interesting facts about vegan protein powders.
Here Are Some Pros
High Fiber
Vegan protein powders are typically rich in fiber because they are derived from plants. Fiber is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Non-vegan based protein powders can often cause digestive discomfort and require added fiber to help smooth out digestion or relieve constipation.
Easily Digested
To stay in the digestion vein, vegan protein powders are easily digested and absorbed by the body. Animal-based protein powders can often bring about digestive consequences, so make it easy on your body and switch to vegan protein powders.
It Is Complete Protein
Incomplete protein powders do not carry the nine essential amino acids, which the body cannot make on its own; complete proteins do have those amino acids. Vegan protein powders often get viewed as incomplete, but almost all of them are complete and contain those nine amino acids in varying levels. Not every vegan protein powder is comprised of complete protein, so make sure you are avidly reading ingredient lists when you buy your protein.
Healthy Fats
Animal-based protein powders often have extra calories and added fats, whereas vegan protein powders have healthy fats that assist bodily functions. Vegan protein powders are usually rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for cardiovascular and brain health.
Here Are Some Cons
Some Contain A Lot Of Sugar
People occasionally buy plant-based protein powders without reading the nutrition labels. Getting the right flavor profile can be tricky when using plant-based foods. For instance, you might have an easier time achieving a vanilla flavor when using sweeteners, syrups, “natural flavors,” or concentrates. It is also easy to achieve these flavors by using a lot of sugar and added flavors. We aren’t saying that plant-based protein powders should taste bad, but we are saying that the “natural flavors” you read on the nutrition label may not be all that natural.
Some Contain Maltodextrin
A lot of protein companies use this common, highly processed food additive. It is primarily made from genetically modified corn and it is put in protein powders to help them mix easier.
High Heat Method
Not every plant-based protein company uses this method to make protein powders, but some do. Certain high temperature processing methods essentially destroy the nutrients in plants and make it difficult for your body to process the protein powder.
