Protein Powders: Vegan vs. Whey

What is the best protein powder to add to my diet? Is whey the best? Well, let’s start here: Not all protein powders are equal when it comes to nutrients and inflammation.

Up until a few years ago, I used whey protein and had most of my clients as a Personal Trainer do the same. What I didn’t know was how processed whey was and that since it’s a dairy, it can be very inflammatory for a whole heck of a lot of people. What I’ve found is that for most of my clients, switching to a vegan protein powder or amino acid complex or a combo of both is that they have better gut health, less inflammation, better performance and other benefits:

  • better sleep
  • improved skin
  • better recovery after workouts
  • less cravings
  • better reaction time / mental acuity

So technically whey is animal protein since it’s dairy. Let’s start with understanding the difference between animal and veggie-based proteins.

You don’t have to be a vegan to opt for veggie-based meals. While animal-based foods can deliver quick protein fixes and be alternatives to carb-filled snacks, they typically come with an extra amount of saturated fat, calories, cholesterol and sometimes unwanted hormones or bacteria. Not to mention, you may be packing your day with too much protein.

Read on to understand the differences:

http://blog.puriumcorp.com/2017/07/19/animal-vs-plant-protein/

Now that you have a bit more information, it’s time to dig in to whether whey or a vegan source for your protein powder makes sense for you personally.

Things to think about for you:

  • Is bloating an issue even if it’s something that comes up for you off and on?
  • What about skin issues?
  • Inflammation in general?
  • Sleep issues?
  • Problems pooping?
  • Fatigue?

There has been a growing move towards plant-based protein powders during the last year, according to a new report.

The report from 1010data – the world’s leading big data discovery and data sharing platform – showed that plant-based protein powders are continuing to erode the market share of whey protein and gaining traction.

To Read the entire blog post here you go:

https://www.riseofthevegan.com/blog/vegan-protein-powder-sales-are-up

Lastly, it may be a good idea to look at the risks of soy if that is the vegan protein you have been using. Sprouted, organic soy can be great for your health but most soy protein powders are isolates….Read for more info:

http://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/diet-tips/ask-diet-doctor-last-word-soy-protein-isolate

Protein powder ingredients that can be AWESOME:

  • Pea Protein
  • Brown Rice Protein
  • Pumpkin Protein
  • Hemp
  • Quinoa
  • Amino Acid Complex (Vegan)

Stick to organic when possible to avoid toxins like glyphosate and always check sourcing – who manufactures this powder? And how? Best to be “In the Know” whenever you can.

About the author

Mandi Elmore

As a IIN Health Coach, Mandi works with her clients using a "four pronged" approach to health: diet, toxin removal/avoidance, exercise and lifestyle change through individual and group coaching, workshops, teleclasses and group cleanses. She is also a Lyme Disease and Chronic Illness Advocate.

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