Everyone is looking to get an edge with their health, fitness, and overall wellness. Because heart disease, depression, and diabetes are rampant, many people are beginning to look into the benefits of a plant-based diet to help with some of these health issues.
People that go plant-based overwhelmingly report that they feel younger, have more energy, and that the health issues that used to ail them are a thing of the past. The first question that people ask is where the protein comes into play.
Simple answer — plant-based protein.
So what is plant based protein?
Keep reading to learn more about these vegetable protein sources so you can add them to your diet and reap the benefits.
What is Plant Based Protein?
This refers to any protein that comes from plant foods, rather than animals. It’s a misconception that only animal products give you protein.
In fact, some of the best protein sources in the world come from plants. With a little bit of research, you’ll not only get your daily recommended dose of protein, but you’ll also experience a plethora of other health perks.
What Are the Benefits of Plant-Based Protein?
So what makes plant-based protein a great option? Here are just a few of the benefits of plant based protein:
1. They’re Easier for Your Body to Digest
A 9-ounce steak can give you a whopping 70 grams of protein. With such dense protein content, it makes sense that people assume that animal products are the best source of protein.
However, animal products are a lot more difficult for your body to digest. Steak can take upward of 3 days to leave your intestines. Conversely, plant-based eaters get more fiber in their diet along with healthy gut bacteria.
When your body doesn’t have to work as hard to digest your food you’ll have more energy and won’t deal with the sluggish malaise feeling that you get from loading up on chicken, beef, and other animal products.
2. Plant-Based Proteins Are Dense With Other Nutrients
The thing about plant-based proteins is that you also get so much more than just the protein. These food sources are nutrient dense and give you several portions of vitamins and minerals.
Taking in these nutrients can lower your blood pressure, clear up your skin and provide you with rich anti-oxidants that can help you to prevent cancer.
3. They Don’t Come With the Same Hazards That You Get With Animal Products
There’s a reason that people adopt a plant-based lifestyle report that they quickly start feeling better. People that take in high amounts of animal proteins are at higher risk for heart attack, diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, and other issues.
Conversely, taking in plant-based foods can actually start to reverse some of those issues. Even within an hour of adopting a plant-based lifestyle, a person with diabetes will be better able to manage the symptoms. In a few days, your digestive system will change and you’ll find yourself going to the bathroom more often, eliminating toxins that have been trapped in your gut.
After about a week, you might notice a notable dip in your cholesterol levels, along with better blood pressure levels. Do your research into the plant-based lifestyle and you’ll quickly see why getting your protein this way could bode well for you.
4. It’s Friendly for the Animal Lover and Environmentally Conscious
Health implications aside, some people have a moral conflict with eating animal products. If you don’t believe in it, plant-based resources provide an excellent way to get all your protein while knowing that no animals were harmed.
This way, you can pile your plate high and eat to your heart’s content without guilt.
Eating a plant-based diet is also better for the environment, which is music to your ears if you’re trying to live a sustainable lifestyle. You’ll reduce your carbon footprint while improving your diet at the same time.
5. There Are So Many Plant-Based Protein Options
Above all, plant-based proteins are awesome because they’re so versatile. The sheer amount of options you can choose between will have you filling up your grocery list with new items each week.
Some of the best sources of plant-based protein include an assortment of fatty seeds, such as hemp seed, pumpkin seed, and chia seeds. Lentils and garbanzo beans are excellent sources of protein, and also provide you with lots of dietary fiber.
Quinoa is a protein-rich versatile food that you can cook in a number of dishes, similar to rice. A heaping of quinoa and vegetables can give you large doses of protein. Top it off with a few dashes of liquid aminos so that you can enjoy the soy sauce flavor, along with the benefits of several essential amino acids, such as L-Arginine.
L-Arginine helps the flow of blood in your vessels so that you can get better athletic performance, endurance, and overall fitness. This is why so many bodybuilders and elite athletes swear by liquid aminos.
Spirulina and chlorella are some of the best and cleanest forms of protein. You can put them in a smoothie along with fruits and vegetables. The nut family is rich with protein options, including walnuts, almonds, and cashews — plus, everyone loves peanut butter.
Try several recipes to see what you like.
Get Your Fill of Plant-Based Proteins
What is plant based protein? The tips above not only show why getting your fill of plant proteins will revolutionize your health, but also what options you should check out.
Check back for more information on a wide variety of health topics.
