Want to Know more regarding the Green Goodness!
Fuel Your Body, Nourish the Planet, Let us understand “What is Plant Protein?”
Let us remove some confusion and Myths that exist on the web in regards to “What is Plant Protein?” since Plant Protein is not limited to those chemical-filled highly concentrated Powders available in the market. Also, a balanced meal and exercise are the keys to having a healthy body since building good muscle mass is not limited to consuming protein powders only, instead a balanced approach is required.
To understand Plant Protein, we should first understand what Protein is.
Cambridge Dictionary: Meaning of Protein.
Protein: “Noun”
One of the many substances found in food such as meat, cheese, fish, or eggs, that is necessary for the body to grow and be strong
• Vegans get all the protein they need from nuts, seeds, beans, and cereals.
• Meat and fish are a vital source of protein.
Further Elaborating “WHAT IS PLANT PROTEIN?” & “WHAT IS PROTEIN?”
In simple words: Protein is a macronutrient and the most essential nutrient required for maintaining and building 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 twenty-two 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 food like dairy, meat, and eggs contain all these nine essential amino acids.
For VEGANS (and not for vegetarians since they can have dairy products) 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 nine essential amino acids in the same, for the rest a bit of research needs to be done and so a well-balanced diet with a variety of foods can provide sufficient protein for the body’s needs.
Thus we see ANY FOOD OR A COMBINATION OF FOOD THAT CONTAINS THESE NINE ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID IS CALLED “PROTEIN.”
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 for Lysine and is quite low, whereas Almond has good quantities of Lysine) or a combination of Almond and Chickpea.
Sheer MADness is a Combination of Almond & Flaxseed.
Let us now Dive into the world of Plant Protein AKA Green Goodness!
Let’s dive deep into the rabbit hole now. Plant protein has been quietly booming in popularity, and for good reason! From health benefits to environmental impact, it’s a topic demanding attention. But what exactly is it, and is it right for you? Let’s unravel the mysteries of plant protein and empower you to make informed choices.
Plant Protein Unveiled:
As explained earlier, plant protein is a protein derived from plants, not animals. This includes a diverse range of foods like:
• Legumes: Beans, lentils, chickpeas, peas – these powerhouses pack a protein punch and are budget-friendly.
• Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, chia, hemp – these little guys are protein-rich and loaded with healthy fats.
• Grains: Quinoa, oats, teff – these versatile options offer protein alongside complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
• Vegetables: Broccoli, spinach, mushrooms – even some veggies get in on the protein action.
Benefits Beyond the Plate:
Choosing plant protein offers a multitude of advantages:
• Healthier heart: Studies link plant-based diets to lower risks of heart disease, thanks to lower saturated fat and higher fiber intake.
• Improved gut health: Plant proteins often come with fiber, which nourishes gut bacteria and promotes digestive health.
• Environmental champion: Raising animals for meat has a significant environmental impact. Plant-based protein offers a more sustainable option.
• Animal welfare: Choosing plants aligns with the values of compassion and reduces reliance on animal agriculture.
The Not-So-Secret Secret:
Although explained earlier, repeating the same again: Some plant protein sources are considered incomplete, meaning they lack all the essential amino acids your body needs. But fear not! By combining different plant protein sources throughout the day, you can easily obtain all the necessary amino acids. Think hummus and whole-wheat pita, lentil soup and brown rice, or a veggie burger on a whole-grain bun.
Ready to Get Started?
Exploring the world of plant protein is easier than you think! Here are some tips:
• Start small: Incorporate one or two plant-based protein sources into your daily meals.
• Get creative: Experiment with different recipes and cuisines to discover delicious options.
Now let us understand the definition and manufacturing of Plant Protein Isolate and Plant Protein concentrate, and how these differ from Natural Plant Protein since these are the root cause of confusion for all, and protein powders are getting their bad names also these products are creating confusion among common citizen.
Delving Deeper into Plant Protein: Isolates, Concentrates, and the Natural Option
We’ve established that plant protein is a powerful force for health and sustainability. But within this green world, there are various forms to consider, each with its own characteristics. Let’s explore the differences between Plant Protein Isolates (PPI), Plant Protein Concentrates (PPC), and Natural Plant Protein
1. Plant Protein Isolate (PPI):
Imagine the protein equivalent of skim milk. PPI undergoes extensive processing involving water extraction, filtration, and drying. This removes non-protein components like fiber, carbohydrates, and fats, resulting in a powder boasting 90% or more protein per serving.
Manufacturing:
• The specific process varies depending on the plant source. Soybeans, for example, might involve defatting, isoelectric precipitation, and membrane filtration.
• This multi-step approach yields a highly concentrated protein.
Benefits that is not so beneficial:
• High protein content, To be consumed only under Doctors supervision, if he/ She at all Prescribes the same on special deficiency conditions, Havent heard a doctor prescribing these concentrated powders for the common man since these directly impact the kidney due to high concentration, but yes if a person has some medical condition and high concentrated supplementation is required the doctors do prescribe.
• Lower in calories, carbs, and fat compared to other forms, but since we require all for a balanced approach, these concentrated powders are not so helpful.
Few other Drawbacks:
• More expensive due to extensive processing and chemical treatment is done.
• Lack beneficial fibers and micronutrients as compared to natural plant protein powders.
• Taste can be bland, requiring flavoring in supplements, again these flavours are all chemical based.
2. Plant Protein Concentrate (PPC):
Think whole milk compared to skim. PPC undergoes less processing than PPI, retaining some non-protein components like fiber, carbs, and fats. This translates to a 60-80% protein content per serving.
Manufacturing:
• Processes like chemical separation is generally used, although there is a method of “Hot and Cold” but is not commercially viable. Result Chemical laden products (Hexane is used in various steps in plant protein filtration. Read the post for clarity:
• This results in a less refined product compared to PPI.
Benefits that are not so beneficial:
• More affordable than PPI but the products are chemical-filled.
• Have a richer taste due to the presence of additional components and all these additional components are laden with chemicals.
Few other Drawbacks:
• Lower protein content per serving compared to PPI.
• Higher in calories, carbs, and fat compared to PPI.
3. Natural Plant Protein:
This refers to consuming protein directly from whole plant-based foods like legumes, nuts, seeds, and grains. No chemical processing is involved,(Simple methods like roasting, toasting, grinding etc. Are involved though) ensuring you get the complete package of nutrients, including protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Only Benefits:
• Most affordable option.
• Provides the full spectrum of nutrients naturally present in the plant source.
• Wide variety of delicious and naturally flavorful options available.
Drawbacks that are helpful:
• Protein content per serving is generally lower than PPI or PPC, hence easily absorbed by the human system, and no severe impact or side effects have ever been cited on the kidney, liver and other organs. (Still, read the ingredients since nuts can be allergic for a few)
• If the manufacturer’s intents are good, these can be made chemical-free, by roasting, grinding, and straining.
Products of The Brand Sheer MADness follow these simple steps only.
Remember: Combining different forms of Natural plant protein throughout the day can help you achieve a balanced and nutritious diet. Ultimately, the key is to choose options you enjoy and can sustain in the long run.
So concluding with the Definition again “Any Plant-based food or a combination of food” that has all the nine essential amino acids is “Plant Protein”, and Plant Protein doesn’t mean concentrated chemical-filled powders generally available in the market and sold as “Plant Protein isolate” and “Plant Protein Concentrate” and social media influencers promoting these as “PROTEIN”
Remember, the “right” diet is the one that works for you. Whether you’re dipping your toes into plant-based eating or a seasoned pro, remember to explore, enjoy, and nourish your body with the vibrant world of Natural plant protein and balanced meals!
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.
