More Than Just Protein: Discover the Secret Weapon for Women’s Health & Happiness – It’s Vegan!
Let us start with the Basics.
What is Protein?
In simple words: Protein is a macronutrient and the most essential nutrient that is required for the maintenance and building of body tissues and muscles. Now, these are made of small compounds called amino acids. Although there are hundreds of amino acids that exist in nature, we humans use only 22 of them.
Now comes the interesting part, Humans can produce all but nine of these amino acids it needs. These nine are called essential amino acids and these have to come from food. Now all food generally contains a combination of amino acids in various permutations and combinations but if we speak in general terms animal proteins like dairy, meat, and eggs contain all these nine essential amino acids.
For VEGANS there’s a challenge to have all these nine essential amino acids in one food, Only Soybeans (Tofu, Edamame, soya milk) and Quinoa can be termed as complete as these do have all 9 in the same, for the rest a bit of research needs to be done and combination of two or more protein source is required to get the same for example Almonds, Chickpea, flaxseeds, walnuts, moong dal, peanuts, beans etc., are rich in some amino acids but may lack others. So, a combination of two or more may be required for example a combination of Almonds and flaxseed (Flaxseed has all the essential amino acids except Lysine and is quite low, whereas Almond has good quantities of Lysine) or a combination of Almonds and Chickpea.
Precautions before buying Protein Powders:
Read the labels carefully, and Watch out for various codes, and words like Anti-caking agent, INS 551, etc., All these are Laboratory made chemicals, and although approved by regulatory bodies think twice, will you consume a spoon of Silicon dioxide?
The best thing is if you can source protein through food, Lentils, Nuts and seeds, and vegetables, all have protein. If you want to buy it in ready-to-consume form, Look for Natural protein powders like Sattu, or Natural plant protein brands like Sheer Madness as these do not have any chemical-based or artificial additives, preservatives, emulsifiers or flavourings.
Now let’s have a closer look at how Vegan protein powders help women’s health.
Veganism has become an increasingly popular lifestyle choice and for good reason. People are recognizing the benefits of a plant-based diet, not only for the environment but also for their health. One of the common concerns among women who follow a vegan diet is getting enough protein. Protein is an essential macronutrient that is necessary for muscle growth and repair, and it can be challenging to obtain enough of it on a vegan diet. This is where vegan protein powder comes in.
Vegan protein powder is a great way for women who follow a plant-based diet to supplement their protein intake. It is also an excellent option for women who are looking for a convenient and easy way to get their protein fixed. Let us explore the benefits of vegan protein powder for women’s health and provide some tips on choosing the right one.
Benefits of Vegan Protein Powder for Women’s Health
1) Builds and maintains muscle mass.
Protein is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass, which is particularly important for women. As we age, we naturally lose muscle mass, which can lead to decreased strength, mobility, and overall health. Vegan protein powder provides an easy way to supplement protein intake and support muscle growth and maintenance.
2) Supports weight management.
Getting enough protein in your diet can help with weight management. Protein is satiating, which means it can help you feel fuller for longer, reducing the likelihood of overeating or snacking on unhealthy foods. Vegan protein powder is a convenient and low-calorie way to increase protein intake and support healthy weight management.
3) Boosts energy levels.
Protein is essential for energy production in the body. It helps to regulate blood sugar levels and provides a sustained source of energy throughout the day. Adding vegan protein powder to your diet can help boost energy levels and prevent mid-afternoon energy slumps.
4) Improves recovery time.
If you’re an active woman, vegan protein powder can help improve recovery time between workouts. Protein is necessary for repairing and rebuilding muscle tissue after exercise, and vegan protein powder can provide a convenient and easy way to get the necessary nutrients for recovery.
Choosing the Right Vegan Protein Powder.
When it comes to choosing the right vegan protein powder, there are a few things to consider:
1) Protein source.
The protein source of your vegan protein powder is essential. Look for powders that use high-quality protein sources, such as nuts, seeds, peas, rice, or soy protein.
2) Nutritional profile.
Look for a vegan protein powder that has a good nutritional profile. The powder should contain a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, with minimal added sugars.
3) Flavour and texture.
The flavour and texture of your vegan protein powder can make a big difference in how much you enjoy it. Try a few different flavours and textures to find the one that works best for you.
4) Allergies and intolerances.
If you have allergies or intolerances, make sure to read the label carefully to ensure that the powder doesn’t contain any ingredients that you’re allergic to or intolerant to.
Vegan Protein & Women’s Hormonal Health.
Vegan protein is becoming increasingly popular for its numerous health benefits, including improved hormonal health in women. Hormones play a vital role in a woman’s overall health and well-being, and a plant-based diet rich in vegan protein can help support hormone balance.
How Does Vegan Protein Help Women’s Hormonal Health?
1) Balances Blood Sugar Levels.
Blood sugar levels play a significant role in women’s hormonal health. When blood sugar levels spike or drop rapidly, it can disrupt hormone balance and cause mood swings, fatigue, and even weight gain. Vegan protein sources, such as tofu, lentils, and chickpeas, help stabilize blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream. This helps maintain stable energy levels and improves mood and overall hormonal health.
2) Supports Thyroid Function.
The thyroid is an essential gland that produces hormones that regulate metabolism, body temperature, and energy levels. A deficiency in iodine, a mineral necessary for thyroid function, can cause hormonal imbalances and lead to conditions such as hypothyroidism. Vegan protein sources like seaweed, spirulina, and beans are rich in iodine and can help support thyroid function.
3) Helps Reduce Inflammation.
Inflammation is a natural response of the body to injury or infection. However, chronic inflammation can disrupt hormone balance and lead to conditions such as PCOS and endometriosis. Vegan protein sources like quinoa, almonds, and hemp seeds are rich in anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce inflammation and promote hormonal balance.
Best Sources of Vegan Protein for Women’s Hormonal Health.
1) Legumes.
Legumes, including lentils, chickpeas, and black beans, are excellent sources of vegan protein that are rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals. They are also low in fat and help regulate blood sugar levels, making them ideal for supporting hormonal health.
2) Nuts and Seeds.
Nuts and seeds are rich in protein, healthy fats, and minerals like zinc and magnesium that support hormonal balance. Some great options include almonds, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds.
3) Soy Products.
Soy products like tofu, tempeh, and edamame are excellent sources of vegan protein that contain phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are compounds that mimic estrogen in the body and can help support hormone balance in women.
4) Whole Grains.
Whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and oats are not only great sources of vegan protein but also contain vitamins, minerals, and fibre that support hormonal health. They also help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation in the body.
Conclusion:
Vegan protein powder is a convenient and easy way for women to supplement their protein intake and support optimal health. It provides a range of benefits, including muscle growth and maintenance, weight management, improved energy levels, and quicker recovery time. When choosing a vegan protein powder, consider the protein source, nutritional profile, flavour and texture, and any allergies or intolerances you may have. With the right vegan protein powder, you can support your health and wellness goals while sticking to a plant-based diet. Try and source protein from natural food or Natural protein powders, instead of Chemical laden powders easily available in the market.
Now, here are Few Facts before I finish:
These are the same lines from my book “Great Health Comes from Exercise & Nutrition”
a) Everyone is an individual, so what suits me, may or may not suit the next person.
b) If a person has a medical condition, a doctor’s advice and prescribed medication will only help.
c) While buying any protein powder from the market read the labels carefully, and Watch out for various codes, and words like Anti-caking agent, and INS 551( Also known as Silicon dioxide), All these are Laboratory made chemicals, and although approved by regulatory bodies think twice, will you consume a spoon of Silicon dioxide? And Silicon dioxide is just one product, there are numerous others like BHA ( Butylated hydroxyanisole ), BHT ( Butylated hydroxytoluene ) and the list of lab-made chemicals goes on and on with various codes, that we generally ignore.
Hence read the labels especially the ingredients list of the product before buying.
If you are interested in buying chemical-free Natural vegan Protein powder, Health drinks for kids or our delicious but chemical-free Energy bars and Protein bars shop @ Sheer MADness.
One can also buy our Products From Flipkart, Jio Mart or ONDC in India.
d) Exercise is the key to fitness, we should always keep in mind that exercise and nutrition are two sides of the same coin and always go hand in hand. So only nutrition will not help you attain any goals till it is not supplemented with Exercise.
e) Excess of anything is wrong, it can be the best nutrient-filled superfood, but one should consume only recommended quantities.
f) Regarding health, fitness, and nutrition, remember that Rome was not built in a day. Your discipline and consistency is the key.
g) It’s not only Exercise and protein that builds muscles, there are numerous other factors like a healthy gut, numerous macro and micronutrients, your body type and DNA, the amount of rest the body gets, the lifestyle an individual lives, and on and on it goes. Out of all these, exercise and nutrition are within our control, and one should focus on these two primary aspects.
h) For More benefits related to Vegan Protein Powder, I will request you to read the Post: Muscle Growth to Health, Plant Protein Powders are the future.
i) To clear any doubt related to the topic of “Protein” I would request you to read my post “Protein, Everything you should be aware of.”
j) And the most important part: Nothing is better than a balanced meal.
Article by Chef Ashutosh Awasthi.
Disclaimer: Our products are a source of HEALTHY NUTRIENTS and COMPLETELY FREE OF ANY ADDED CHEMICALS.
We do not claim to cure any medical condition.
The information provided is informational, and we do not claim to diagnose or treat a person with any specific medical condition.