Plant-based protein is among the most effective health supplements that also promote weight loss and a healthy metabolism. They are tailored to meet your body’s protein requirements while also offering high-quality flavor and texture. We have assembled some of the best plant-based protein powders in the market for your convenience. Read ahead to know all about them.
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Is Plant-Based Protein Powder Good for Weight Loss?
Protein powders can help you achieve a slimmer body, especially if you eat a healthy clean diet, and keep active by simply walking or maintaining a healthy workout routine.
Plant-based protein powders will not only help you reduce weight but also maintain lean muscles and maintain healthy metabolic function. The mix does not have to be used exclusively by vegans. Even if you a non-vegan, you can benefit from consuming plant-based protein powder on a regular basis.
Protein is an essential nutrient that helps nearly all of our body functions. There is no way to neglect it from our daily nutrition chart. Yet many of us overlook protein as we choose our food habit. This can prove to have a long-lasting impact on our bodies. To facilitate muscle repair and healthy metabolism, adding a plant-based protein shake to your food habit can do wonders.
Plant-based protein is a good choice to reduce weight as they help burn fat faster and build lean muscle in your body. Moreover, the protein shakes will curb unnecessary hunger pangs.
Are Protein Powders Safe?
Protein powders have been central to many speculations and raised some concerns over the years. However, there has been no proof that indicates the harmful effects of protein powders. Lean protein powders are now used by people in mass, and so far, it has been touted as a convenient way to supplement diets and to meet nutritional requirements.
One way that plant-based protein powders are safer and easier for most people to digest than dairy-based protein powder is that they are lactose-free. Roughly 65 percent of the human population has a reduced ability to digest lactose after infancy (source).
You can also alleviate protein powder safety concerns by checking their ingredient labels and only choose protein powders with clean ingredients.
What is Clean Protein Powder?
Clean protein powders are made of real food ingredients. Here is a list of ingredients to watch out for in protein powders:
- Artificial sweeteners – while protein powders may not be sweet on their own, consuming artificial sweeteners can sabotage weight loss. Blend the protein powder with sweet fruits and vegetables instead.
- Fillers – many protein manufacturers “spike” their protein powder with cheaper amino acids that look and taste like protein powder (source)
- BPA – also known as bisphenol-A, it’s commonly found in plastics and food can liners. It’s also an endocrine disruptor that is linked to many metabolic conditions.
- Heavy metals – such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury. Too much heavy metals can be toxic to the body.
- Trans fats – when mixed into protein powders, they help to produce more pleasant, thick beverages. However, they are also associated with increased risk of heart diseases, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, and even certain types of cancer.
- Thickeners and gums – such as carrageenan, lecithin, and xanthan gum. While some of these are safe and even have health benefits, they can also cause digestive issues and inflammation. Carrageenan is particularly controversial and is not on the approved list for foods with the “USDA organic” label.
Can Plant-Based Protein Powder Make You Gain Weight?
You’ll want to keep track of the amount of protein you consume each day. Excess consumption may store in your body as fat, which may cause weight gain. Moreover, while processing excessive protein, your kidney may experience strain. So, it essential that you analyze your calorie intake and determine the ideal amount of protein you should have per day.
How Much Protein do You Need a Day to Lose Weight?
If your goal is to lose weight, aim for a daily protein intake between 0.73 to 1 grams per pound of body weight. If you are an athlete or very physically active, you should aim for 1-1.5 grams per pound of bodyweight for weight loss.
5 Best Plant-Based Protein Powders for Weight Loss for Women
6. Now Sports Pea Protein for Weight Loss (B001DB4MFO)
This offering by Now Sports is made of a single ingredient – Pea. One scoop of the plant-based protein powder contains 24 grams of easily digestible protein. Moreover, it contains a generous amount of iron which makes the mix ideal for use as a sports drink. You can also drink it after a workout routine or during hiking – basically, anytime you need an energy boost. Simply mix it with your smoothie, or coffee and enjoy a delightful drink.
Features:
- Made of non-GMO ingredients
- Fast absorbing
5. Hemp Organic Protein Powder (B001JU81ZG)
Hemp Organic Protein Powder blends easily with any drink and offers high nutritional values. The product is moderately low on protein, per serving contains 15 grams. So, if you’re not into sports or don’t go to the gym, this may be an ideal choice for you.
Features:
- Vegan certified
- Easily digestible
4. Bob’s Red Mill Soy Protein Powder
Need a delicious protein drink for both day and night time? Bob’s Red Mill Soy Protein Powder is unsweetened, unflavored, and offers very low calories per serving. You will enjoy an immediate energy boost as it contains 17 grams of protein extracted from plant-based protein.
Features:
- Contains no preservatives
- Gluten-free
- Kosher
3. Manitoba Organic Max Protein Powder
Manitoba Organic Max Protein Powder is packed with 20 grams of protein derived from plant-based ingredients and is completely dairy-free. It makes a great drink for your gym training or sports activities. The protein powder is made of only 2 ingredients and contains no added preservatives.
Features:
- Kosher
- Certified USDA organic
- non-GMO and Soy-free
1. Your Super Skinny Plant-Based Protein Powder
Your Super Skinny plant-based protein powder is made of powerful organic ingredients that were naturally dried to preserve nutritional values. Packed with 2 vegan proteins and 3 green superfoods, it boosts your post-workout recovery and helps you curb hunger.
By combining pea protein and hemp protein, Your Super has all of your essential amino acids covered. Adding the superfoods on top makes this easily the healthiest plant-based protein powder on the market.
You can check out my detailed Your Super Review + my results after a month of adding these superfood powders into my diet.
Features:
- Contains all 9 essential amino acids
- Includes metabolism-boosting superfoods
While the benefits of plant-based protein powders are many folds, you will need to be careful with the amount of consumption.
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