Vegan protein powders are great for building muscle, and so is whey. To know which is right for you, you need to know everything you can about both plant-based and animal-based protein powders. To learn about what makes these options good or bad, take a look at this article from the team at BeVego.
Pros and Cons of Vegan Protein Powders
Plant-based protein powders have some brilliant benefits, as well as a few drawbacks that you need to be aware of.
Benefits of Vegan Protein Powders:
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Plant-based protein powder is typically more nutrient-dense than dairy protein powder. As well as having a high protein content, it typically also contains a higher number of antioxidants and vitamins than whey protein. These compounds are essential for good all-around nutrition.
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Another benefit of vegan protein powders is a fairly obvious one: people who have an allergy to dairy or otherwise struggle to digest it may find plant-based options much more convenient. Plenty of people around the world have some form of dairy or lactose intolerance, and if you’re one of these people, then a plant-based protein might be ideal for you.
Drawbacks of Vegan Protein Powders:
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Firstly, it’s worth considering that a lot of plant proteins are incomplete proteins. This means that you may need to eat a variety of different plant proteins in combination to have a truly healthy diet and receive all the benefits.
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Also, plant-based protein powders are typically more expensive. Having to pay a premium can be an incentive for some people as it’s often a mark of quality. However, it can make plant-based protein powders inaccessible to other people. For that reason, BeVego has created an affordable, plant-based protein powder trial pack comprising of four flavors so you can sample all our flavors without breaking the bank.
Pros and Cons of Whey Protein Powders
Just like the vegan options, whey protein has its share of benefits and drawbacks. So, let’s talk about them.
Benefits of Whey Protein Powders:
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A great benefit of whey protein is that its a complete protein. You don’t need to carefully balance different incomplete proteins to ensure a fully effective diet. Instead, whey protein will serve you well.
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While it’s not a primary benefit, it’s worth thinking about: whey protein can actually boost your immune system. Whey is a rich source of the amino acid cysteine - this amino acid can boost levels of antioxidants in our cells, leading to increased immunity.
Drawbacks of Whey Protein Powders:
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The main drawback of whey for most people is that they’re intolerant in some way. In some regions of the world, over 80% of people are lactose intolerant, meaning whey protein would be unsuitable for them. While you can get whey options more suitable for someone with lactose intolerance, vegan alternatives are often easier to source.
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Too much whey protein can be very bad for your health. It can lead to weight gain as excess protein is stored as fat, and can put a strain on your kidneys and liver. If you have pre-existing kidney or liver problems, make sure to talk to your doctor before incorporating whey into your routine.
To sum up: whey or vegan protein powders both have their benefits, and you’ll probably be able to tell from our pros and cons which one is right for you. If you’re just getting started, then it might be wise to opt for a vegan option - it will be easier on your digestive system, and far better for your all-around health.
BeVego is a premium supplier of plant-based & vegan protein powders for professional and amateur athletes alike. Visit our shop to browse our great range of flavored vegan protein powders and superfood supplements. We stock a variety of bundles, combos & accessories to suit any taste, budget, or preference. Get in touch with us to find out more.
