10 Incredible Benefits of a Plant-Based Protein Powder

In recent years, there has been a major shift in the way we consume protein across the globe -- especially with regards to protein powders. With an increased awareness of global warming and the impact of several industries across the board, many people are choosing to eat with a greater conscience. Not-to-mention the many added health benefits of eating a plant-based diet.

If you're looking to add a plant-based protein powder to your diet, here are some of the undeniable ways it can improve your health -- backed by science! 

A Look at Plant-Based Protein Powder

Research has shown that animal protein powder is no-longer the only optimal source of protein to be adding to your smoothie. Vegan protein powder yields are just as great and carry with them numerous health benefits over animal protein powder. But how is plant-based protein powder different from animal-based products? 

The great thing about plant-based protein powder is that it's suited to most body types i.e. anyone can use it and tolerate it well. On the other hand, animal-based whey protein is known to cause digestive issues in some people, resulting in certain allergies. 

There are a number of forms of plant-based protein powders, the most popular of which include pea protein, soy protein, coconut protein, and more. Pea protein powder is one of the most highly concentrated forms of protein, too.

In general terms, pea protein contains 25 grams of protein per 30-gram serving. Whereas animal-based protein products, such as whey, only contain 23-grams per serving. It may not be a huge difference, but there is a host of other health benefits associated with plant-based protein powder, too.

Let's look at some of the top benefits of plant-based protein powder for your overall health: 

1. Plant-Based Protein Powder is Easily Absorbed By the Body

Plant protein powder is a whole lot easier to break down, process and be absorbed by the body when compared to whey protein powders. This is especially true for sprouted plant protein. 

Sprouted vegan protein powders are more bioavailable. This means that your body can break it down and use it better for cell growth and to repair muscle tissue. This is great news if you suffer from food intolerances, bloating, IBS, and a slow metabolism. 

2. Most Protein Powders Are a Great Source of Iron

Red meat will always be a great source of iron, but pea protein powder is just as effective, if not more so. One serving of pea protein powder contains 35% of your daily requirement for iron. In comparison, the same serving size of animal-based protein contains 0% of your daily iron requirement.

This means you'll need to eat more red meat in order to meet the same iron intake. In addition to this, you're also getting in added protein, along with iron when consuming pea protein powder. Pea protein can be easily incorporated into your diet as a protein powder -- just like any other whey, animal-based protein powder. 

3. Plant Protein Powder Is Also a Source of Healthy Fats 

Many forms of vegan protein powder double as a source of other essential micronutrients. One of these is healthy fats which are essential in the diet for the absorption of important vitamins and many other functions. A vegan protein powder that is made from coconut protein or contains coconut offers a dose of healthy fats with every serving. 

The healthy saturated fats contained within vegan protein powder can also help to regulate your appetite and weight, control hormone levels, sugar levels, and digestion.  

4. Plant Protein Powder Can Keep You Fuller For Longer

Most plant-based protein powders are packed with tons of fiber. One of the greatest benefits of fiber is that it has the innate ability to keep you fuller for longer. Plant-based proteins contain both soluble and insoluble fiber -- this also assists in a healthy, working digestive system.  

Many vegan protein powders can actually be used as a meal replacement option because of their satiating nature. This is great news for people looking to lose a little weight, while not giving in to cravings due to low sugar levels. 

5. Plant Protein Powder Keeps Your Gut Regulated and Healthy

Vegan protein powders are great for regulating your body from the inside-out. Plant-based powders have a unique gut profile that contains less disease-causing organisms and irritants for the gut when compared to whey products. 

This helps to keep gut inflammation at bay while creating a healthy gut microbiome. Poor gut health can lead to a myriad of health problems, including imbalanced hormones, fatigue, anxiety, and even depression. 

6. Plant Protein Powder Can Boost Your Metabolism

Another benefit of plant-based protein powder is how it works with your metabolism. Plant protein takes longer to digest than regular carbohydrates, fats, and other animal products. Whether you're looking to maintain or lose some weight, protein is essential for not only kick-starting your metabolism but also stabilizing it.  

Due to the high fiber content in plant-based protein powders, it takes longer for your body to digest. The more your body works at metabolizing plant protein, the better your body becomes at metabolizing your food and burning fat.

7. Plant Protein Powder Offers a Boost of Vitamins and Minerals

It's no secret that plant-based diets are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. The same goes for consuming plant-based protein powder. Not only do these powders have the protein you're looking for, but you're also getting a much-needed dose of vitamins and minerals with every serving.

Pea protein, soy protein, and other plant-based protein powders offer antioxidants and vitamins that just can't be found in whey protein powders. In short, plant protein powder offers a quick way to consume your daily vegetable and protein needs in one scoop! These essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants also bolster your immune system and fortify your health.

8. Plant Protein Powders Have Alkalizing Qualities 

Plant protein powders offer excellent alkalizing qualities for the body i.e. the body's natural pH levels can be kept in check. Animal-based foods and even protein powders have a way of throwing this pH level out-of-whack due to their highly acidic nature. To manage this imbalance, the body begins to take essential minerals from our bones to try to regulate pH levels.

Plant-based protein powder and other foods are a great way to combat pH irregularities and keep our alkalinity in check. By adding in leafy greens, spinach, or wheatgrass, along with plant-based protein powder to a smoothie, you have a beautifully balanced meal replacement or snack.

9. Plant Protein Powder Offers Greater Calorie Control 

Due to the fact that plant-based protein powder helps to keep you fuller for longer, this regulates the metabolism and curbs cravings. It's also a great way to control the number of calories you consume in a day if you're looking to track your macros for weight loss, muscle building, or athletic performance. 

Plant-based protein powder is naturally lower in calories due to its plant nature. The truth is that you can eat double the amount of vegetables versus animal-based products and it will be half the calorie count. This means that you can easily track your calorie consumption in a day with plant-based protein powder.

In essence, plant protein powder acts as a far more condensed version of fruits and vegetables, but calorie-wise, it's good for you -- whether you're looking to lose or maintain your weight.  

10. Reduce Your Consumption of Harmful Bacteria

When you consume animal protein of any kind, there's a chance you're consuming harmful bacteria as well as animal-based hormones, too. Unless you choose organic meats, dairy products, or whey isolate protein powders. But if not, your body will absorb these added antibiotics and hormones, as well as some strains of harmful bacteria. Just one of these common strains is salmonella.

By cutting back on your consumption of animal-based protein and incorporating plant-based protein powder to your diet, you can cut out the risk of eating anything unnatural or harmful to your system. All-in-all, this makes for a happier and healthier gut microbiome.

Get Your Plant-Based Protein Powder Fix Here

If you're someone who struggles with your digestive health, you're in the right place! Otherwise, if you're looking for a great plant-based protein powder, we hope this blog has left you with all-the-more inspiration.