I N PROF I LE
Plant protein power!
P rotein powders needed for muscle repair and growth. We look at four exciting new options. When choosing a protein powder, the first ones you might come across may be whey- based. Whey is a common by-product of commercial cheese production. However, if you are allergic to dairy products, whey will not suit you. Some people with a mild dairy intolerance may find that whey protein triggers flatulence, bloating and even diarrhoea. Plant-based is better Plant-based protein products, such as pea, soy, hemp, brown rice and sunflower, chia, sacha inchi, pumpkin and watermelon seed, are all great alternatives to whey protein. Plant-based proteins are highly bioavailable and the different varieties work just as well, if not better, than whey protein to preserve and build lean muscle mass, as well as to support fat-burning, supply your body with essential amino acids
boost immunity, gain strength, aid post- workout recovery and regulate appetite. Plant-based protein is much easier for the body to digest than dairy-based whey, so it will not have the same unpleasant side effects. Plus, they tend to have a milder, more neutral flavour, which means that they do not require the hefty doses of sweeteners found in some whey protein products. Pea protein has a complete amino acid profile, while other individual plant-based proteins tend to contain some, but not all amino acids. However, this is easily addressed by choosing a plant-based protein powder supplement that contains a blend of different plant proteins that, taken together, provide a full complement of amino acids. Further advantages which may be enjoyed from choosing plant-based protein products include: they are suitable for vegans; hypoallergenic; naturally gluten- free; low on the glycaemic index (GI); rich in plant-based iron and low in carbohydrates. Look for a brand that has the addition of enzymes, to help you digest the product, as well as the use of sprouted
or fermented plant proteins. Sprouting and fermentation may help to increase the absorption of beneficial phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals; these processes may also help break down ‘antinutrients’ like phytates that might interfere with the absorption of amino acids, minerals and other nutrients. If you’re looking to speed up your progress towards your weight-loss and fitness goals while improving your nutritional intake, choosing plant-based protein will help. Let’s take a look at four of the hottest new plant-based protein ingredients. Belgian pea protein This is made from high-protein yellow split peas, rather than the more common sweet green peas. Pea protein is the only vegan protein to have a complete amino acid profile – it is rich in all nine essential amino acids and also contains branched-chain
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