{"id":3227,"date":"2021-11-22T16:00:08","date_gmt":"2021-11-22T16:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ultimatehealthreport.com\/are-plant-protein-powders-as-good-as-whey\/"},"modified":"2021-11-22T16:00:08","modified_gmt":"2021-11-22T16:00:08","slug":"are-plant-protein-powders-as-good-as-whey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ultimatehealthreport.com\/are-plant-protein-powders-as-good-as-whey\/","title":{"rendered":"Are Plant Protein Powders as Good as Whey?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Whether you\u2019re a frequent gym-goer or just trying to improve your diet, a common dietary goal is to eat more protein. After all, it\u2019s been well-advertised for years that protein is a necessary part of a healthy diet to build lean body mass and make meals more satiating.<\/p>\n
Beyond repairing and building muscle, protein has plenty of other vital functions not to be taken lightly. For one, the amino acids that make up the protein you eat support neurotransmitter and hormone production. Second, you need enough protein to support the immune system and maintain strong bones.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s no wonder that among the fitness crowd, protein powders have long been held in high regard. They\u2019re a convenient way to get a hefty dose of this macronutrient after you\u2019ve beaten your body up in the gym or at any other time of day to make sure you\u2019re getting enough of it.<\/p>\n
Most active people require at least 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of bodyweight to support training needs. That means a 125-pound (57-kilogram) woman should aim to consume no less than 68 grams of protein each day. A powder that delivers 25 grams of protein will contribute 38 percent of this daily need. Keep in mind that women going through menopause and post-menopause need even more protein because as estrogen levels drop, it\u2019s harder to build and maintain muscle. Consuming more protein can help prevent too much loss of lean body mass.<\/p>\n
The New Whey<\/b><\/h2>\n
For decades, whey has been the king of protein when it comes to supplement powders, essentially monopolizing the market in the protein supplement category. But now, the emergence of a new breed of plant-based protein powders has been a boon to vegans and those with dairy sensitivities.<\/p>\n
The rising tide of plant-only powders coincides with the increasing popularity of plant-based eating for health and environmental reasons. And by employing new isolation and filtering technologies, manufacturers have been working hard to improve the taste, solubility and protein quality in plant-based protein supplements. In the past, those in the market for plant protein struggled to find a product that provided the right blend of essential amino acids that also didn\u2019t taste like stale grass clippings. If you know, you know.<\/p>\n
These days, all sorts of vegetables, beans, grains, seeds and nuts are being turned into powders to give your shakes and smoothies a protein punch. But how do they stack up to the mighty whey, and how do you get one that works to build muscle without unwanted baggage?<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s everything you need to know about plant-based protein powders.<\/p>\n
What Are Plant Protein Powders?<\/b><\/h2>\n
Though production methods can vary among manufacturers, plant-based powders are essentially made by dehydrating a food item if needed, grinding it into a powder and then isolating the protein from the fat and carbs. Protein isolates go through an additional filtration step after being extracted. This process creates a product that\u2019s roughly 90 percent protein by weight, meaning fewer carbs and fats.<\/p>\n
These days, you can find some powders that contain soy or pea protein isolate. Just keep in mind that with isolates, you\u2019ll receive less fiber and micronutrients found in the actual plant food. It\u2019s not a big deal if you\u2019re looking to focus on protein in your powder and eat plenty of whole-plant foods to get all the fiber, vitamins and minerals you need.<\/p>\n
Although plant powders typically have more earthy or vegetable flavors than whey and other animal-based protein powders, this is generally mild.<\/p>\n
The most popular plant-based protein nowadays is sourced from peas. According to Bloomberg, peas are the fastest-growing source of protein in the plant-based category of the market. Compared to green peas, the protein content is even higher in split green and yellow peas, which is the core ingredient most often used to make pea protein powder. Since pea protein does not contain soy or wheat, it makes for an attractive alternative for customers with food sensitivities and allergies.<\/p>\n