When someone says protein source, people usually think about animal meat. It is understood as an ideal part of the diet is meat or meat products, eaten five to six times a day to achieve quality muscle and increased energy. Hence the saying, “without animal meat, one cannot achieve the daily protein requirement”.
However, this has become a thing of the past as there is growing support for using an alternative to meat products among professional athletes, powerlifters, and bodybuilders. The alternative is plant-based protein products. It is common as a diet among vegans and vegetarians due to its numerous long-term health benefits.
Why Choose Protein From Plants?
Protein is very important for muscle building and repair. A little bit of protein can improve many aspects of your health, from your body’s muscles to skin, nails, and hair. Protein is an essential nutrient apart from carbohydrates and fats. The amino acids found in protein-rich foods perform an important task within your body, more so from vegetables and fruits.
It is a common notion that the sources of protein are beef, chicken, pork, eggs, milk, and other meat and dairy products. However, some plants also have enough protein that our body can use when taken properly. There are 22 amino acids found so far, and 11 of these are essentials. One way or another, you can get all these from vegetables and fruit-based foods.
This revolutionary idea that protein from plants functions the same as the protein we get from animals gives us more benefit in the long run. Aside from building and repairing muscles, organic-based foods are not genetically modified. GMO foods have harmful effects on the body that are usually beyond repair. So, choose plant-based protein products that are also GMO-free. In this way, you save yourself from the long-term adverse effects of GMO foods. Overall, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables gives essential vitamins and minerals important for optimum immune function.
Furthermore, plant-based foods are low in fat and calories compared to meat products. They are gentle on stomachs as well. An active lifestyle is a healthy lifestyle, and taking plant-based protein products is the right choice any time of the day.
How Much Protein Do You Need?
If you follow a vegan diet, an online calculator helps guide you on how much is enough. Aside from that, there are many online groups from where you can determine what exact plant is available in your area.
The standard serving of protein is one gram per pound of the weight of an individual. That is if you are an aspiring bodybuilder or desires a perfectly fit body. Usually, you divide that by how many meals you ate in a day.
Proper nutrients intake every three hours or so guarantees that your muscles are always nurtured and nourished, providing the best chance for muscle development and achieving desired results.
This period of the pandemic has taught us valuable life lessons. What better way to stay sustainable and healthy during adverse times like the pandemic and lockdowns than going organic?
