As a "macronutrient" we should be consuming relatively large amounts of protein a day, to stay healthy

Protein is important for building and maintaining muscle mass as well as the cells within your body. While we've mainly always sourced it from foods like meat, it can be obtained from various food sources as well. The most common is Whey protein, which we'll cover below, while new formulations have been made sourcing plant based alternatives. 

With so many places to get a great intake of protein, people still may not be consuming enough protein due to poor dietary habits or limited access to protein-rich foods. Research shows that older adults in the US are often deficient in protein which can lead to various health issues.

With this in mind, most people who start getting conscious about their health, turn to their diet to begin making changes. They look for what foods they can limit eating and which foods they can supplement. When thinking about gaining muscle, protein intake is always the key. 

What's the beef with Whey Protein?

Protein supplements are a convenient and fast way to boost protein intake, but the most common supplement, Whey, has known negative effects that may cause concern while using it. 

Whey protein is a type of protein derived from milk, along with casein. It is produced during cheese production when liquid whey is separated from curds. The liquid whey is processed and refined to extract the proteins, remove the fats and lactose, and then dried to produce a powder. This can make Whey protein a natural allergen to those who refrain from dairy consumption. 

Milk-based protein powders can cause gastrointestinal discomfort for people with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. Protein powders can have high amounts of added sugar, which can lead to weight gain and unhealthy spikes in blood sugar. Some protein powders may contain toxins like heavy metals, bisphenol-A, pesticides, and other contaminants that have links to cancer and other health conditions, as found by a study conducted by the Clean Label Project.

What are some alternatives to Whey Protein?

Whey protein has been a popular dietary supplement for many years, especially among those who are into fitness and bodybuilding. However, due to concerns about animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and personal health, people started to look out for alternatives. Fortunately, with advancements in science and research, manufacturers have been able to develop several alternatives to whey protein.

These alternatives come in different forms, including plant-based options like Soy Protein, Hemp protein, and Brown Rice Protein, as well as non-plant-based options like Egg Protein. Plant-based protein powders are becoming increasingly popular due to their high nutritional value and low environmental impact.

Non-plant-based options like Egg Protein are still widely used and can be a good alternative for people who do not have any dietary restrictions. Egg protein is a high-quality protein source that is easily absorbed by the body and contains all the essential amino acids.

Vegan plant based protein not only helps build muscle but improves skin, joints, and organ health

The popularity of plant-based protein powders has increased as people become more aware of the impact of animal-based industries on the environment and their health. Vegan protein powders offer numerous health benefits over animal protein powders, including better digestive tolerance, and are suitable for most body types.

In addition to being a good source of protein, a vegan protein diet can improve joint, skin, and organ health, enhance cardiovascular health, provide variety to your diet, and help maintain a clean and healthy environment by reducing the negative effects of animal agriculture. These animal-based products are often treated with chemicals and antibiotics, which can be harmful to your health. 

Consuming less dairy and meat products has been shown to improve joint, skin, and organ health, leading to increased joint mobility and reduced symptoms of arthritis. Additionally, choosing plant-based protein sources can enhance cardiovascular health by improving heart health, boosting recovery speed, and sustaining longer endurance.