Reasons Why You Need Vegan Protein Powder in Your Life

Being vegan doesn’t mean that you can’t get enough protein. A well-planned vegan diet can be quite high in this crucial nutrient. Without the right kind of planning and supplementation, it can be difficult to meet your daily macros when following a plant-based diet. If you are thinking about going vegan or are currently following this way of eating, it is important to know the benefits of adding protein powders to your meals. There are many kinds of vegan protein powder available on the market today. With so many options out there, here are 8 reasons why you need vegan protein powder in your life:

1. You Need More Protein When Following a Vegan Diet

Many common misconceptions about protein originated from studies conducted using participants on a meat-based diet. When you increase the number of grains and legumes in your diet, you need to increase the amount of protein you consume, as well. One particular concern is how this might affect weight lifters. If you consume too much protein, your body will break it down and use it as an energy source, rather than storing it as muscle. A study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition suggests the daily protein requirement for weight lifters increases by 10-20%, depending on your body mass index (BMI). For those who consume a vegan diet, the increase in protein consumption is even more drastic.

 2. It Helps Build Muscle

As we just discussed, protein is essential for building and maintaining muscle. Many plant-based foods contain all the amino acids your body needs to connect protein and build muscle. However, to maximize the benefits of vegan protein powders, you should consume them after you exercise. A study published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine found that athletes who were supplemented with whey protein had improved muscle strength and aerobic capacity after six weeks. When you work out, your muscles are broken down, and it’s during this time that your body can rebuild them stronger. Whey protein supplements have been shown to stimulate protein synthesis, making them an essential source of vegan protein powders.

 3. A Good Source of Iron

Iron is essential for many bodily functions, including the transportation of oxygen throughout the body. This makes it extremely important for both vegans and non-vegans, alike. Many people who follow a plant-based diet worry they are not getting enough iron in their diet. This is because iron is mainly found in animal products, like red meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. Vegan protein powders are a good source of iron due to their high concentration of vitamins and minerals. You can use vegan protein powders to increase your iron intake either as a standalone supplement or by adding it to smoothies, shakes, and other vegan-friendly snacks. 

4. Helps with Weight Loss

Protein is not only important for building muscle, but it also helps your body feel fuller for longer periods. This can help you make smarter choices throughout the day and avoid unhealthy snacks and cravings. A study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that women who consumed a diet containing 30% of calories from protein lost more weight than women who consumed 15% of calories from protein. You can use vegan protein powders to increase the amount of protein in your diet. When you consume more protein, your body will use it to build muscle and repair tissues. Since muscles burn more calories than fat, you can use this to your advantage while following a vegan diet. 

5. It’s High in Vitamin D and B12

Vitamin D is essential for the health of your bones and muscles. B12 is important for the proper function of your brain and nervous system. While many vitamin B12 supplements are derived from animals, vegan protein powders can be a great source of B12. Research shows that B12 deficiency can lead to mood swings, fatigue, and even changes in your personality. Many people may not get enough B12 from their diet alone, so it is best to take a daily supplement. You can use vegan protein powders as a B12 supplement to help maintain your mood and energy levels. 

6. Improves Your Mood

As we just discussed, B12 is essential for maintaining the health of your brain and nervous system. Vegans who don’t supplement with B12 often experience feelings of depression and mood swings. When your body is short on B12, it stops producing the chemicals that your mood and emotions rely on. You can use vegan protein powders to boost your B12 intake and avoid these feelings altogether. 

7. It Lets You Eat More Veggies

Many people are surprised to learn that the amount of protein in your diet isn’t the only important factor. The source of protein is just as important. Because many vegan protein powders are made from legumes, they can be an excellent source of protein for vegans. If you consume vegan protein powders derived from legumes, you can use them to increase your protein intake and eat more veggies at the same time. Many people who consume a vegan diet struggle with getting enough protein, especially if they are also following a vegetarian diet. You can use vegan protein powders to increase your protein intake and eat more vegetables at the same time. 

8. Varied Tastes and Flavors to Choose From

For those who follow a plant-based diet, dining out can be difficult, as most restaurants serve meat as their main dish. Luckily, vegan protein powders are easy to make at home, and they come in a variety of flavors. Vegan protein powders make it easy to customize your diet to meet your individual needs and tastes. You can choose between natural, vanilla, and chocolate flavors, depending on what you are craving. You can also use vegan protein powders to make your protein bars at home.

Conclusion

A well-planned vegan diet can be full of nutritious foods and provide benefits such as lowering your risk of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. To maximize the health benefits of a vegan diet, you need to make sure you are getting enough protein. There are many kinds of vegan protein powder available on the market today. With so many options out there, here are 10 reasons why you need vegan protein powder in your life. Keep in mind that there is no perfect protein powder that works for everyone. Be mindful of your nutritional needs and use them as a guide when choosing your vegan protein powder.