No meat, fish, seafood, eggs or even dairy. With every major protein supplementation option out of the picture, it gets frustrating for vegans to find their wholesome macronutrient source.
Yet, you can get a convenient, comprehensive and flavorful option with vegan protein powder.
But how can you even be sure about the nutrients it offers? Or if they are even good enough to supplement your fitness journey?
Just ensure that your supplement checks off these key elements!
Amino Acid Profile
Do you know that your body requires 20 amino acids to function properly?
That’s not it. Out of these 20, 9 are considered essential amino acids since your body cannot create them independently. Hence, food is the only source to replenish your growing physique with the same. The higher the number of vital compounds, the better will be your muscle recovery.
Protein Per Scoop
The average macronutrient recommendation is 46 – 64g for women and men of 19 to 70 years, respectively, with an inactive lifestyle. The higher the extent of physical training, the more your protein consumption must be. However, with multiple macronutrient-based snacks or meals throughout the day, your carbohydrate intake will be more likely to go beyond the prescribed amount.
That’s why it’s important for your protein to supplement you with a higher dose in every serving.
Sweetening Agents
While added sugars may enhance the taste palette of your protein powder, they can add to your caloric budget without offering any nutrition. You can have a prescribed amount of sweetener as per your body weight. However, steer clear of the following agents as they carry unhealthy chemical components:
- Sucralose
- Acesulfame-K
- Aspartame
- Brown rice syrup
Note: It’s best to consume all-natural sugar in your vegan diet. But you still select a few less harmful options, like coconut sugar.
Nutritional Presence
Is it just a protein powder, or does it contain additional micronutrients?
While you might be looking for a simple vegan powder to supplement your protein intake, it’ll be best if it can offer a variety of benefits.
Usually, your body loses a fair share of electrolytes during workout sessions. A great protein supplement will not only enhance your exercise performance but also ensure that you remain energized throughout the routine.
Natural Emulsifiers
To enhance the blending power of your powder, supplement companies add emulsifying to make it more smooth and palatable.
The most frequently used agents are xanthan gum, guar gum and lecithin. While the previous two components can be used, lecithin can cause some problems. If you’re soy sensitive or want a vegan supplement, stay away from the emulsifier, as it is made of soybeans and egg yolks.
Protein Source
There are a different variety of plan options from which protein is extracted. The most common ones are pea, brown rice, soy, and hemp. Even though all of these come in the vegan category, your supplement choice depends on your weight goal and preference. So, while limiting soy intake, it’s best to avoid the particular variant.
Getting the best out of your vegan protein powder depends on the selection criteria you establish before the purchase. Now that you know the crucial elements to keep in mind, get ready to amp up your muscle-building regimen.
