Your daily balanced diet consumption must have protein in it. Unfortunately, protein-rich sources such as beef, fish, and chicken are not part of a vegan diet. Moreover, plant-based protein powder and vitamin supplements are now widely available to augment their diet.
Ensuring that your body gets its needed protein also provides the amino acids necessary for the formation and function of the various components of each body system. More so, if you are an athlete or someone who exercises daily.
The typical plant protein sources are grains, legumes, and seeds, synthesized by removing their fat and carbohydrate constituents while preserving their protein content and drying it to become a powder. Due to this, some individuals might have doubts and can take some to adjust to ‘that earthy flavor.’ Furthermore, here are some factors on what you should look for in a plant powder to make adapting to these supplements easier for you:
Check the Ingredients
Before purchasing or selecting a plant powder, be sure to read through the ingredients lists. Although this is time-consuming and may even strain your eyes in the process, it is always better to be safe than sorry.
You must thoroughly read these texts, especially if you have intolerances, allergies, and restrictions. For example, soy has been steer-cleared off recently because of its possibility to cause allergies. Some plants are now even genetically modified organisms (GMOs), but certified non-GMO selections are also available in the market.
You should also check if the product has ‘certified vegan’ or ‘allergen-free’ seals or labels. Additionally, not being content with the vegan tags and ensuring that there are no animal products or isolates in the ingredient list helps. Finally, make sure that there are no fillers and preservatives in the plant powder.
Check for Third-Party Testing
Because there are numerous plant-based protein powder choices available everywhere, you must choose a third-party tested option. Even the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) certified to assure its quality and purity.
Check for Sugars
A little sugar in your diet is okay, but high amounts are not. Thus, be sure that there are none to a few traces of sugar in the product. You may also want an artificial flavor or sweetener-free plant protein product.
Check If It’s Organic
You must always choose an organic product to be safe. Furthermore, you must always check for brands that test for toxicity. For example, brown rice protein powder can become contaminated with arsenic which is harmful to humans. So surely check the label for proof of no arsenic content.
Check If It’s Complete and Enough
Most plant-based protein products do not contain all the nine essential amino acids, thus are incomplete. Some protein sources naturally lack or have low levels of specific amino acids. Mixing your products or getting a powder with blends of different plant proteins improves your chances of completing your protein requirement. A plant powder containing 14 grams or more of the specific plant protein is also sufficient to give you the feeling of satiety and fulfill your body’s needs.
Ask Your Doctor
Although plant-protein powders are generally considered safe, it is better to consult your general practitioner before trying anything new. The healthcare professional would approve or disprove these supplements, especially if you have an underlying health condition.
