Protein is crucial in maintaining bodily functions. Vital functions of protein include restoring and developing the body’s tissues, permitting metabolic pathways to occur, managing other bodily functions, and regulating the correct body pH and fluid balance. However, recently a supplement has been increasing in popularity in providing essential protein – the vegan protein powder.
A vegan protein powder is a quick and effective means of increasing protein intake, especially for people who are not consuming enough daily protein. However, not all plant-based protein powders available are made equal. So, to help you choose the best vegan product accessible in the market, here are the top things you should look for in a plant-based protein powder.
It should be organic and natural
You should first ensure that your protein powder is all organic and natural. You do not want the plant protein to be saturated with chemicals like insecticides and pesticides.
This issue is significantly crucial, especially when it comes to soy protein, which is usually produced from Genetically-Modified Organisms (GMO) soy. So, to avoid being possibly exposed to harmful chemicals, it is better to choose an organic and natural plant-based protein powder.
It should provide complete essential protein
Your protein powder must provide all the nine essential amino acids your body needs. Unfortunately, in most cases, a single-source plant protein powder like pea protein, rice protein, and wheat protein does not provide this complete protein list. So, you should ensure that your plant-based protein powder has different blends of different plants that can provide the full list of essential amino acids.
It should be packed with vitamins and minerals
It would help if you opted for plant-based protein powders that also contain vitamins and minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium, zinc, iron, vitamin E, vitamin A, Vitamin C, and many more.
It should be obtained and produced sustainably
When choosing a plant-based protein, sustainable production should also be on the top of your list. You do not want to support companies that harvest ingredients by compromising the environment and the workforce.
So, choose vegan protein powders that are proven to be sustainably sourced. If you are doubtful, you can research the company or ask them firsthand regarding ethics on production.
It should use quality ingredients with no artificial sweeteners and flavors
All organic and natural vegan protein powders do not taste good in most cases. Many companies address this issue by adding several synthetic sweeteners, flavors, fillers, colorings, etc.
Some companies even add a significant amount of sugar such as honey, agave, coconut sugar, rice syrup, etc. So, it is important to check the label for questionable ingredients before purchasing any plant-based protein powders.
Vegan protein powders have been gaining popularity, all for the right reasons. These plant-based protein powders are ideal protein supplements that can help you maintain essential and crucial bodily processes.
However, there are several plant-based protein supplements that you can choose from, so it can sometimes be difficult to determine which is best suited to your dietary needs and your lifestyle.
So, if you are considering buying your plant-based protein powder soon and do not know where to start, then the list above can serve as your guide.