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Even if you aren’t training for a marathon, if you’re an active woman or someone who doesn’t always eat a balanced diet, you may want to start using the best vegan protein powders for women. By taking the vegan protein powder, you can develop lean body mass, encourage fat loss, boost energy levels, and ensure you are getting all the nutrients you need. Varieties that contain nutrient-rich ingredients, like hemp, soy, and pea proteins, are the best options for vegans or women looking for a plant-based product. Whether you want to boost your wellness or you are trying to improve your workouts, think about adding protein powder to your morning smoothie or post-workout shake. But wait — what is vegan protein powder again?
What is vegan protein powder?
Vegan protein powder is a supplement used to help those following a plant-based diet get an adequate amount of the recommended daily protein intake. Protein is vital for building and repairing cells, including muscles, and women, especially those who eat a plant-based diet exclusively, should boost their protein with a supplement. Eating too little protein might mean you’re not getting the essential amino acids required to maintain a properly functioning body. Without an adequate amount of protein, you may suffer from a slower metabolism, weaker immune system, brittle nails, hair loss, or exhaustion. While it can’t replace fresh foods with high levels of protein, like spinach and lentils, vegan protein powders can be a great addition to your diet.
Is a vegan diet dangerous?
A vegan lifestyle is healthy as long as you ensure you are getting all the proper nutrients you need. Thankfully, plant-based protein is comparable to the kind that comes from animals. In fact, a study done by the American Dietetic Association found that plant foods can provide all essential amino acids and help with the same functions as meat-based proteins. Research also shows that plant protein may be healthier for a variety of reasons. Dr. T. Colin Campbell, Professor Emeritus of Nutritional Biochemistry at Cornell University and a leader in nutritional research, found in his studies that animal-based proteins may throw off your body’s pH levels. Without a balanced pH, your body has to pull extra calcium out to help alkalize it, which can weaken your bones and deplete your minerals.
Is vegan protein powder good for you?
Now that we know what vegan protein is, here’s the real question — is it good for you? According to Dr. Sarah Cimperman, a New York naturopathic doctor, the answer is yes. By closely reading labels and making sure to include anything missing from your diet, thus offsetting your chances of deficiencies. you may find a vegan protein powder can make a world of a difference in your overall health.
“When it comes to my vegan patients, I’m most concerned that they get enough protein, omega-3 essential fatty acids, vitamin B12, vitamin D, vitamin A, iron, zinc, selenium, L-carnitine, and coenzyme Q10 or ubiquinol. When it comes to vegan protein powders, I recommend looking for products that contain these nutrients,” she tells FIRST. “I also recommend avoiding products that contain additives. Supplementing a whole foods vegan diet with protein powder is a good way to get more of what the body needs.” (For more healthy tips and recipes, visit Dr. Cimperman’s blog.)
Protein Powder Nutrition: What vegan protein powder is best?
When it’s time to choose a protein powder, look closely to see what other vitamins, minerals, and additives it includes to find the best one for you. As always, it’s also a good idea to consult a doctor before taking new supplements. Ready to find your perfect powder? No need to scour the market on your own — we’ve already done the research for you. Keep scrolling for FIRST’s picks for the best vegan protein powder for women.
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Chocoholics will enjoy indulging in this protein powder. With one scoop, you get 20 grams of protein and 50 percent of your daily vitamin intake. You’ll savor every drink that contains its rich chocolate taste. Amazon reviewer laurenrenee writes, "I've tried SO many different kinds of protein powders over the years. I'm not a huge body builder and I don't work out daily, I just want something that tastes good and isn't full of crap. Having a shake every morning is the only real way that I will consistently have a healthy breakfast. I mix 1 scoop of the chocolate with 8oz iced coffee and 4oz almond milk and it's my go-to every single morning. It's not overly sweet and full of fake crap but it doesn't take like cardboard either. It's yummy and filling and I can't imagine buying anything else ever again."
Enjoy a protein boost that tastes like you're indulging in ice cream. A guilt-free way to fill your dessert craving and get 21 grams of protein, PlantFusion Cookies N' Creme Protein Powder is an easily digestible option if your tummy tends to be unsettled after taking vitamins or drinking protein shakes thanks to its enzyme blend. Digestive enzymes are useful when it comes to breaking down foods in your stomach. If you have a condition, such as celiac disease, lactose intolerance, or pancreatic insufficiency, these little proteins will help.
Get the sweet satisfaction of a warm, gooey cinnamon roll without the extra calories. Add this powder by MRM to your morning smoothie or mix it in with an overnight oats recipe for a new, protein-packed breakfast. There are no added sugars or artificial sweeteners, but there are plenty of omega fatty acids and iron, making this powder a deliciously healthy choice.
With a whopping 30 grams of protein, this blissful blend of fruits will give you more than half of your recommended daily protein intake. There are no added sugars, but your body will absorb the extra gut health-boosting benefits of the included probiotics. Throw it in a blender with some ice, pineapple, and coconut milk and sip yourself away to the tropics.
There’s something sweetly nostalgic about the classic strawberry and banana combination. Though chocolate and vanilla may seem like your classic, go-to favorite, this powder will give whatever you make a little something extra or take your smoothie to the next level.
This is, hands down, the best gluten-free vegan protein powder. It's vegan and it has no gluten, soy, GMOs, or artificial sweeteners. Natural coconut sugar adds the perfect amount of sweetness and its 18 grams of protein fill you up and keep you going for several hours. In addition to protein, you get niacin, which is good for controlling cholesterol, and magnesium, which is good for protein synthesis and regulating blood pressure.
Deborah Dennis, the founder of the health and fitness community Fit Women Over 40, had members of her group who consistently use vegan protein powder suggest their favorites. Jennifer B. said, "A friend of mine is vegan and she uses [Clean Machine's Clean Green Protein with Lenten]. If I were vegan, I’d have her create my meal plan. She’s an IFBB Bikini Pro, who is a super successful personal trainer and dietician.”
Jennifer B’s suggestion, Clean Green Lean protein powder, is sustainably sourced, making it healthier for you and the environment. It provides you with 20 grams of protein and plenty of omega 3s, vitamin A, fiber, and iron. The vanilla chai flavor is definitely an added bonus and is great for making blended drinks or adding to oatmeal. Reviewers of this vegan protein powder on Amazon appreciated that there was no unpleasant aftertaste and that it mixed smoothly into other liquids.
This vegan protein powder organic product is a coffee lover’s dream. Many reviewers liked the strong coffee taste and remarked that it tasted like a coffee-house made mocha. Incorporate this powder into brownie bars for a sweet treat with a protein boost. Check out this recipe on Amy’s Healthy Baking for a protein-packed pan of brownies. Simply swap the vanilla protein powder with the mocha one!
9. BioTrust Complete Plant Vanilla Caramel Protein
Enjoy the delicate vanilla, caramel flavor of BioTrust’s protein powder. With just the right sweetness, it is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth even though it only contains one gram of sugar per serving. The added enzymes make digesting this blend of hemp, pumpkin, and pea protein simple for even the most sensitive stomachs.
10. Yuve Chocolate with Chia Seeds All-In-One Shake
With this chocolate, chia seed-infused mix you’re getting 15 grams of protein plus eight grams of fiber. Increasing your fiber intake aids in better digestion and staying regular. If you’re looking for a way to switch up how you use your protein supplement, this powder is also great for making nutrient-dense protein balls.
Unflavored protein powders, such as this one, allow you to get your protein without any unnecessary extras. Its versatility means you can add it to quite a few foods and beverages without changing their flavors. One reviewer suggested adding this Naked Pea powder to your coffee, and R. Jacobs, a clinical nutritionist and former strength coach, commended it for its high quality and clean taste. If you’d rather have something with a little more punch, Naked Pea also sells chocolate and vanilla powders.
12. Vega One Organic Coconut Almond Protein Powder
The almond and coconut flavor of this protein powder will make you look forward to having a shake after a tough workout. This powder is also a great way to get your protein fix when you have a busy day ahead. For a tasty drink to sip on, blend with a banana and chia seeds for an extra boost of potassium, fiber, and omega fatty acids.
This clean, high-quality powder from Sunwarrior pulls protein from a whole host of superfood grain sources, including quinoa, brown rice, peas, amaranth, and chia seeds. Certified organic and chock full of all the essential amino acids one could need, this powder is a knockout. Not to mention, because of its superfood composition, it's highly nutritious while still gentle on those with sensitive digestive systems and allergies alike.
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