Is a plant based protein supplement really a 'Game Changer'?

Documentaries like Netflix's 'The Game Changers' and the surge of plant based diets have sent massive shock waves through the bodybuilding and fitness community, questioning some of the fundamentals of lifting and the unwritten laws of diets and how they relate to training. 

The documentary film mentioned above was released in 2018 and helped draw a massive amount of eye balls to the benefits of a plant based diet for athletes. The gist of the film is the telling of a bunch of success stories of athletes benefiting and excelling from a plant based diet and arguments for plant based diets that extend to non-athletes as well, with references to scientific studies and research. International athletes were interviewed for the film, including; Arnold Schwarzenegger, Patrik Baboumian, and Dotsie Bausch.

There were some neigh-sayers that said much of the documentaries' content was based on conspiracy theories and misinformation, but nevertheless, plant based proteins and diets have seen increased popularity since. 

Whatever your stance on plant vs not - so - pant based, there is no denying that an increase of fruit and vegetables in anyones diet is mega good for the body. We're going to have a look at some of the benefits of natural, planed based proteins powders, what they are and how to best use them.

What are plant based protein supplements?

Plant based proteins powders are a protein supplement derived entirely from non animal based sources, such as hemp, pea, brown rice and soy.

Plant proteins are typically low in essential amino acids compared to animal derived supplements due to them not being 'complete proteins'. 

What are the benefits of plant based proteins?

There are many benefits to plant based proteins. The obvious one is that you are not consuming any products produced by animals, which is great if you are vegan, vegetarian or have specific dietary restrictions such as dairy intolerances or sensitivities. 

Increasing the level of plant based protein in our diet is a great way to help with digestive balance, as they contain fair amounts of fiber, that has been known to reduce gut inflammation and normalise bowl movement. 

Plant based supplements are often gluten free and hyper-allergenic, so can be great for those who suffer from certain allergies. Gluten is often added to other protein powders as a way to make us feel fuller.

Plant based protein powders can also have a positive affect on your metabolism. Protein in general, takes longer to digest than carbs or fat. When you're trying to lose weight, eating protein is important to help kick your metabolism into gear. Your body can also take a while to digest the plant based protein because of all that extra fiber. The more your body works on metabolising the plant protein you've given it, the better your body is at burning the fat you're trying to get rid of. Choice! 

 Can I use it the same way as whey?

The substances they're derived from and some nutritional variations make whey and plant based protein powders quite different. However they can be used in a similar way to get the results you want from working out! Delicious shakes can be made out of pea protein and turn out very similar as ones from whey. You can use the powder as a baking ingredient substitute for yum vegan training snacks too, such as protein slices or pancakes.

Because whey is made from milk, the shakes it produces can often be a little creamier that plant based ones. I would suggest mixing something like pea protein powder with a nut milk such as coconut or almond instead of water to get a more satisfying shake. 

Summary

Although not as full of the essential amino acids as its whey counterpart, plant based proteins can definitely aid muscle recovery and growth just as effectively. 

 

Sportsfuel Spotlight

EHP Labs Blessed Plant Protein

This quality began product is derived from the golden pea plant. Each scoop contains 23 grams of protein, 4 grams of carbohydrates and all of the essential amino acids. 

No dairy, no soy, no gluten and no stress! Any of the flavours from Choc coconut to Vanilla chai will give you a delicious shake after a workout