As plant-based diets become more popular, many athletes and fitness lovers are switching to vegan protein powders. But what makes them different? Are they really good for building muscle, or is it just a trend?
In this article, we’ll explain how vegan protein powders work and how they help with muscle gain. Keep reading the article because we’ll also give you tips on how to pick the best vegan protein powder for muscle growth.
About Vegan Protein Powder
Vegan protein powders are obtained from plant sources such as peas, hemp, rice, and soy plants. All of these offer a cruelty-free alternative to traditional whey or casein proteins. Therefore, it would not be wrong to say that such powders are the best choices for vegans.
It is also worth mentioning that these powders provide all the essential amino acids that the human body needs to build and repair muscles.
Science Behind Vegan Protein & Muscle Gain
One common misconception about plant-based protein is that it’s inferior to animal-based protein for building muscle.
However, research shows that vegan protein powders are also as effective as whey protein powders. You would be amazed to know the reason that they have all nine essential amino acids present in them. That is why they are also considered as powerful as others that are derived from animals.
Let us share a significant study about this concept here. A study published recently in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that pea protein was just as effective as whey protein. The authors of that study also added that it worked best for muscle thickness during resistance training.
How To Find the Best Vegan Protein Powder?
You need to understand that the hunt for the cleanest vegan protein powder can not be done until you know all the considerable facts about it. As we all know not all products are created equal. Right?
Therefore, it is very important for you to know the things first about a clean vegan powder. This is the only way you can buy yourself the cleanest vegan powder from the market.
Minimal Ingredients: You should understand that vegan powder with fewer ingredients is better. Therefore, it is better to finalize a clean protein powder with a short ingredient list. You should also make sure that the powder you choose is free from artificial flavors, preservatives, or unnecessary fillers, as all of them are not good for your health.
Organic or Non-GMO Ingredients: It is better to choose a protein powder that is made from organic or non-GMO plant sources. This is an essential thing to ensure you’re getting the highest-quality protein. You can choose the powder without harmful pesticides or genetically modified ingredients.
No Artificial Sweeteners: Artificial sweeteners like aspartame or sucralose can cause digestive issues or disrupt gut health, right? Therefore, it is better to look for powders that are sweetened with natural alternatives like stevia or monk fruit.
Complete Amino Acid Profile: It is important that your protein powder contains all nine essential amino acids for muscle gain. Some plant-based proteins like pea or hemp naturally offer a complete profile of amino acids. So, it’s better to choose any of them for best results.
How to Use Vegan Protein Powder For Muscle Gain?
It is very important to incorporate vegan protein powder strategically into your diet to maximize the muscle gain process of your body. Here are some tips that would surely help you in this regard.
Post-Workout Shake: After a workout, you must know that your muscles need protein to repair and grow. If you use a post-workout shake with the best vegan protein powder at that time, then it can speed up recovery and boost muscle protein synthesis.
Protein-Rich Snacks: You can also add your protein powder to snacks like smoothies, energy bars, or even baked goods to increase your daily protein intake.
Consistency Is Key: You need to understand that building muscle takes time so make sure you’re consuming enough protein regularly, not just after workouts. It is better for you to spread your protein intake throughout the day to ensure your muscles get the fuel they need.
Vegan Protein For Overall Health
Beyond muscle gain, vegan protein powders offer a range of health benefits. Many plant-based proteins are rich in fiber that ultimately support digestive health and help regulate blood sugar levels.
Keep in mind that all vegan protein powders are naturally lower in saturated fat than animal-based proteins. This makes them a heart-healthy option.
Bottom Line
It is true to say that vegan protein powders are an effective and sustainable choice for all those who want to build muscle, enhance their performance, or simply boost their protein intake.
Remember, vegan protein powders are entirely safe to use for all age groups. Just make sure you are taking good quality vegan powder to reach your goals in mind.
