Striking the right nutritional balance can be challenging when switching to veganism. Traditional diets typically rely on meat, fish, eggs, and dairy as catch-alls for things like iron and protein. When used correctly as a dietary supplement, protein powders offer an entire world of nutrients that are otherwise lost on people. After all, protein is an essential building block in maintaining lean muscle mass, regulating metabolism, and curbing hunger.
Purchasing the right protein powder blend is vital for maximum absorption. Brands like Naked Nutrition and Garden of Life pack a double-digit protein punch with each serving. Vegan protein powders made from rice, pea protein, soy, or hemp have grown in popularity as consumers continue to migrate from eating meat to more humane diets. These products come in an assortment of flavors like chocolate, matcha, coconut, and vanilla; some are even unflavored for easy integration into both sweet and savory foods and beverages. Wellness websites like Gwyneth Paltrow’s GOOP and Kourtney Kardashian’s POOSH tout the benefits of protein products, from aiding digestion to delivering better skin and hair. There are also vegan protein powders that stimulate collagen production for bone and joint health and have anti-aging qualities. Still, protein powders are no substitute for a holistic diet consisting of fruits and vegetables.
According to GNC, “Except for soy protein, most plant proteins are not complete, which means they do not supply all the essential amino acids needed by the human body. By eating these proteins as part of a balanced diet, you will still be sure to get all the essential aminos needed, so fear not! A lot of protein supplements combine amino acids that complement one another’s amino acid profile to make the final protein blend a complete protein.”
