If you have recently turned serious about eating clean and healthy meals while ensuring that you get all the essential nutrients, then it is highly likely that you would have read about the benefits of protein powders. Though protein powders in all forms are being consumed at a rapid pace, it is a known fact that many people wonder whether whey protein is better or plant-based supplements.
Whey protein is usually made of whey, the liquid that remains once the milk has been curdled while plant-based protein as the name suggests is created by using different plants. As more and more people are turning to veganism, the demand for plant-based proteins is rising which is impacting the demand for whey protein. But according to experts, this is not the only reason.
According to Anna Whitmore, Marketing Head at Yes Wellness “The demand for plant based proteins is increasing not only because people are committing to the vegan lifestyle, but it is also increasing because people are realizing the health as well as environmental benefits of protein-based powders.
Are plant-based proteins surpassing whey proteins? Read this article on plant-based protein supplements vs. whey to find out.
Table of Contents
Whey Protein
Let’s begin by understanding whey protein better. As mentioned before, whey is generated when milk is curdled during the cheese making process. It is considered better than casein protein (which forms 80 percent of the milk protein) because it’s easy to absorb and it can boost the protein synthesis. Also, people are less allergic or sensitive to whey protein than casein.
The fact that whey protein is considered better than casein doesn’t mean it doesn’t have any side effects. Some of these side effects are mentioned right here.
- Milk allergy is one of the most common allergies found in kids. So, make sure your kid is not one of them before you buy it.
- Many people don’t even know that they are sensitive to whey. They only know when the symptoms begin to show up. Don’t be one of them. Test whey sensitivity before you buy a pack of it.
- People reported side effects like excess mucus production, gas, flatulence and bloating if they consumed whey when they had milk protein intolerance.
- About 75 percent of the global population has lactose intolerance, unintentional cross-contamination can trigger a lot of unpleasant symptoms.
- If you buy whey from a not so reliable source, you might end up consuming a bunch of toxins and nasty hormones.
Plant-Based Proteins
If the side effects of whey powder have motivated you to try plant-based proteins, then we recommend you understand about different plant-based protein options available to you and pick the right one. Your options are:
Brown Rice Protein Powder
Though brown rice has a lot of carbohydrates, it also has a small amount of protein that can be used to create brown rice protein. A scoop of this protein has 24 grams of protein and is rich in fiber, iron, and phosphorus. It is best for people with food allergies as its hypoallergenic and easy to digest. If you want to get nine essential amino acids from your protein supplement, you must pair it with any other plant-based protein powder.
Pea Protein Powder
This is one of the most reliable plant-based protein powders because it’s high in not only protein but several amino acids as well. It is also a dependable source of arginine that helps with muscle prevention, wound healing and regulating the blood pressure and lysine which reduces cholesterol levels, stimulates collagen formation and assists in converting fatty acids into energy. Again, if you want to get nine essential amino acids from your protein supplement, pair pea protein with any other plant-based protein powder.
Soy Protein Powder
It comes from soybeans that are defatted, dehulled and processed. It is a complete protein with all essential amino acids that are needed by your body for growth, muscle building, and recovery. But it doesn’t mean you can have it in excess because excess of anything can be bad.
Hemp Protein Powder
It is produced from nutrient-rich and high protein hemp seeds. It is a near complete protein because it has most amino acids. You can also trust it for your heart health because it has heart-healthy fats. It also has calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium. Pair it with other protein powder to increase your lysine intake as hemp protein doesn’t have enough of it.
Fermented Pea Protein Powder
Last on the list is fermented pea protein powder because it has all the benefits offered by pea powder but is fermented to ensure that you digest it easily. It has all essential amino acids and can help you stay full for longer. It can also enhance the metabolism and calorie-burning capabilities.
And the Winner is…
The winner according to us is plant-based protein powders because you get such an awesome variety of them which allows you to try them all and choose the one you like best.
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