Is Soy Protein Bad For You
Soy protein is not bad for you. In fact, it is generally considered to be suitable for most individuals and may provide health benefits such as weight loss.
In recent years, these soy protein isolate products have been getting a bad reputation. Many people believe that the majority of health claims for soy are actually false and the result of clever marketing schemes from food companies.
Some of their worst claims to the contrary are as follows:
- 90 to 95% of US-grown soybeans are genetically modified – This means that any soy product you buy is likely to be genetically engineered, and GMO foods have been occasionally found to pose health risks like hormone disruption and fertility problems.
- Lower sex drive –If you are a male and your soy protein intake exceeds 25 grams daily, the isoflavones that are present in soy products can reduce your testosterone levels, causing you to suffer from ased libido or even erectile dysfunction.
- Estrogen levels can get messed up – Isoflavones from soy can activate your body’s estrogen receptors and make your body act as if estrogen is present. Because the structure of isoflavones is similar to estrogen, they can decrease your body’s natural levels of estrogen, and mess with the menstrual cycle enough to reduce fertility in females.
Overall, soybeans have an impressive nutritional record. Each bean contains 30% carbohydrates , 18% oil, 14% moisture, and a whopping 38% protein.
Other evidence has shown that eating fermented soy can::
Are Smoothies A Good Source Of Nutrients
Yes, smoothies can be a good source of nutrients. They can be made with whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, which are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other important nutrients.
Smoothies are also a great way to sneak in healthy ingredients like yogurts, which can provide protein and probiotics, as well as greens like spinach or kale, which can be added for a boost of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
If youre looking for an easy way to boost the nutrition content of your diet, adding smoothies to your routine can be a great way to do so.
Best With Natural Sweetener: Tone It Up Organic Plant
Tone It Up suggests this powder is ideal for active women who need a quick and convenient way to refuel.
This powder may suit people who prefer natural sweeteners, as it contains monk fruit sweetener rather than refined sugar or sweeteners.
Moreover, this protein powder has a creamy natural vanilla flavor and is suitable for people looking for a dairy- and gluten-free option.
Each serving also contains:
In addition to pea, brown rice, and sacha inchi proteins, this powder contains organic kale, alfalfa, broccoli, and spinach. Sacha inchi protein comes from the roasted seeds of a plant native to South America.
This powder contains natural stevia sweetener, has no added sugar, and delivers 120 calories per serving.
This product may suit people who prefer a range of flavors, as it is available in vanilla, chocolate, berry, salted caramel, and coconut almond. There are also different container sizes a person can choose from, starting from 1618 servings.
Below are some of the nutritional values of each serving:
- 6 g of carbohydrates
- 20 g of protein
The company suggests using the powder in the usual way to make a drink or baking with it, replacing between one-eighth and one-fourth of the flour in recipes.
Vega stocks the Protein & Greens powder starting from $29.99.
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Ascent Native Fuel Micellar Casein
Ascent uses only natural ingredients, and it has 25 grams of protein for only 110 to 130 calories, depending on the flavor,” says Tara Collingwood, RD, the team dietitian for the Orlando Magic. “Its also an excellent source of all essential amino acids.
Per serving: 130 calories, 1 g fat, , 5 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 140 mg sodium, 1 g fiber, 25 g protein
Protein Powders For Smoothie Making
Some Soy Flour on rustic wooden background
Looking to bulk up your smoothie? Then chances are youre going to reach for a protein powder. The question is, which one should you choose? As the options get more plentiful, the choice also gets more confusing. Whichever you decide on, be sure to read the nutrition label to see how much you need to use. Twenty to 25 grams of protein is a safe amount to add, but depending on the protein source, that could mean anywhere from half a scoop to two full scoops, says Kelly Pritchett, Ph.D., R.D., a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Heres the rundown on six popular protein mix-ins.
This is considered the king of plant-based proteins and is a great option for vegans and vegetarians. Made from ground soybeans, its a complete protein and has the highest bioavailability of all the plant-based options. Look for soy isolate, rather than soy concentrate, in order to get the most protein bang for your buck.
Hemp
While it is derived from cannabis seeds, hemp wont get you high. What it will do is provide all nine essential amino acids plus Omega-3s and fiber. Hemp is not as protein-packed as other sources , but you can pair it with another plant-based option to create a more complete protein.
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Matching It With Your Goals
While the idea with a protein powder is always to boost your daily protein intake, the use case can vary tremendously.
Some of us buy protein powder to lose weight while some do it to bulk up and build muscle. Therefore, you must always ensure that the product you buy matches your goals in terms of nutrition.
Cost And Where To Buy
You can visit https://us.foursigmatic.com/ for more information on this plant-based protein powder. You can also purchase their products on the website. One container of protein powder costs $25 per month . You can also purchase single serving packets of protein powder for $20. Keep in mind, prices are higher if youre just purchasing Four Sigmatics products one at a time without subscribing.
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Best Fruits For High Protein Fruit Smoothies
The great thing about protein fruit smoothie recipes is that just about any fruit works. I like using frozen fruit in my smoothies because you can skip the step of adding ice. Try these fruits in your next smoothie:
Veggies and other non fruits add a nutritional punch to shakes, too. Consider spinach, avocado, kale, and cucumber.
Does Vega Protein Powder Cause Bloat
While whole-food plant proteins like soy, beans and lentils can be major gas-producers due to high fiber content, plant-based protein powders like these rice and pea powders are unlikely to cause gas or bloating, since most of the starch and fiber content has been removed, making them a better choice if you want to .
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Side Effects Of Using Whey Protein
- Whey protein isolate can reportedly deplete good bacteria in your gut and might cause digestive problems such as constipation, gas, bloating, and stomach pain.
- It is an animal protein that contains lactose that is not feasible for everyone to digest. Therefore, if youre lactose intolerant that is not good for your digestion. Consequently, owing to indigestion youre bound to feel weak and fatigued.
- Too much intake of whey protein can cause renal problems, especially if you already suffer from them. Medical experts recommend going for the perfect dosage of whey protein. This way you can avoid any long-term damage to your kidneys.
- Whey protein consumption often triggers an escalation of pH in the blood. Our kidneys often find it difficult to metabolize excess protein in our blood. This accelerates blood acidity.
- Long-term intake of excessive whey protein causes bone problems lies Osteoporosis. It causes an abnormal mineral imbalance in the bones that in turn instigates the depletion of the density of bone minerals.
- If you consume whey protein in high quantities then the levels of ketone bodies are present in the blood, an abnormal phenomenon known as Ketosis. A strict that is low in carbohydrates and high in protein, energy is burnt in the body using fat. This puts immense pressure on the liver and causes damage over time.
Dymatize Iso100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder
ISO100 belongs a spot on our list not just because its a low-calorie protein powder but because its a hydrolyzed whey isolate that improves absorption, allowing for a speedier muscle tissue repair process. Will it make a significant difference? Well, thats debatable. But when it comes to muscle-building supplements, any advantage is a good advantage. ISO 100 is also perfect for anyone whos sensitive to lactose, not to mention, itll mix perfectly without clumping.
Theres a nice 25g of protein, 0 fat, carbs, and very low-sugar as well, similar to the Isopure.
Many users all really like the flavor but youll have to decide which you like best if you opt for this low-calorie protein powder.
Product highlights
- Hydrolyzed whey protein isolate, whey protein isolate
- Natural and artificial flavors, salt, soy lecithin, sucralose, steviol glycosides
Who makes it
Dymatize produces some of the highest quality products, led by Dr. Rob Wildman, who has over 50 years of experience developing revolutionary products based on Real Science.
They test their product with elite athletes to ensure theyre top-notch.
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No Added Sugars Or Fake Sweeteners
Sugar is often added by protein powder manufacturers to enhance the taste and texture. However, added sugars arent always healthy, and if youre on a Paleo Diet, healthy eating is clearly your big concern. So, a protein that has a lot of corn syrup, fructose, and glucose syrup is best avoided. Instead, natural sweeteners like monk fruit, dried fruit, or stevia work.
Speaking of sweeteners, protein powders can also have a lot of artificial sweeteners like maltodextrin, aspartame, and Sucralose. These do have their own side effects, even though they help reduce the number of calories youre intaking with your protein shake. But, it can be safer to go with the natural sweetener option in the long run.
Orgain Organic Plant Based Protein
Although the first three products listed here are all whey protein powders, we understand that not all athletes can consume dairy or animal products. For that reason, we wanted to introduce an all-natural, organic plant-based protein powder.
Orgain Organic Protein is completely vegetarian and vegan friendly, made from all-natural ingredients, such as:
- Vitamin K 70 mcg
- Phosphorous 250 mg
Despite its high vitamin and mineral content, we did have a few complaints about Orgain Organic Plant Based Protein.
First, it contains more fat and sugar than all other products listed so far, with less protein. One serving of Orgain Organic Protein contains 3.5 grams of fat and another 6 grams of sugar. This makes it less effective for anyone trying to lose weight. Its also a bit high in sodium, with 180 milligrams in each serving.
Finally, it relies on stevia and sugar alcohol for added sweetness, both of which have been shown to cause digestive problems and cramping in certain populations. If this isnt a problem for you, you may enjoy Orgains three flavorsChocolate, Vanilla, and Peanut Butter. Find it on Amazon and try it out today.
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Paleo And Vegan Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
A smoothie so decadent, it’s just ad if you’re drinking a pumpkin pie. Even more, it’s hard to believe that it’s healthy. This checks off all the boxes for both paleo and vegan dieters, so everyone can enjoy this seasonal healthy treat. A dollop of coconut yogurt on top resembles the whipped cream of a pie, it’s very festive!
- 6 Tbsp canned pumpkin, frozen overnight in an ice cube tray
- 3/4 cup coconut milk
- 1 Medjool date, pitted
“I really love this weight loss smoothie because it tastes super-decadent, but in reality is just loaded with a ton of natural, unprocessed, and healthful ingredients. The cocoa powder is a good source of flavonoids that are both brain and heart-healthy, and also makes the smoothie taste like I’ve added a ton of chocolate. In addition to the healthy cocoa, this smoothie also has other healthy ingredients like raspberries which are a source of immune-boosting vitamin C, and spinach that’s a source of energizing B vitamins. If I have this smoothie post-workout, I’ll also add a plant-based protein like sprouted rice or pea protein to help my muscles recover more quickly.”
by Kristin Reisinger, MS, RD, CSSD, founder and owner of IronPlate Studios
- ½ cup frozen mixed berries
- Handful of spinach
- 8 oz unsweetened Silk almond milk
- 1 scoop plant-based vanilla protein powder
NUTRITION: 230 calories / 2.5 g fat / 20 g carbs / 5 g fiber / 7 g sugar / 26 g protein
by Cassie Bjork, RD, LD of Redefined Weight Loss
Best For Flavor Options: Levels Grass
This protein powder is suitable for individuals looking to build lean muscle or lose fat. It is also a good option for people who do not eat soy or gluten. However, it is not suitable for vegans.
Eight flavors are available, including pure chocolate, vanilla cinnamon, chocolate peanut butter, and strawberry. A person can also opt for an unflavored whey protein.
Furthermore, the product page lists the nutritional values that come with each 1-scoop serving:
Taking protein powder may come with a few benefits.
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The Benefits Of Protein Powder For Women
Women need protein for so many reasons. It helps to:
- Reduce appetite and hunger levels
- Increase muscle mass and bone strength
- Reduce cravings and desire for late-night snacking
- Boost metabolism and increase fat burning
- Maintain weight loss
- Support hair, skin and nails
- Build and repairs cells in the body
When it comes to weight loss in particular, one study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that overweight women who increased their protein take from 15% to 30% of their calories ate 441 fewer calories each day without intentionally restricting anything. So if youre looking to shed a few pounds without restricting yourself, investing in the best protein powder for women could be a good idea.
Why Mix Protein With Water
Mix protein with water because as much as wed love to indulge in the best and most delicious chocolate milkshakes all day, being physically fit means cutting the fluff and pumping your body full of as many clean, healthy nutrients as possible.
Mixing protein powder in water accomplishes two goals:
If you want to lose weight and gain lean muscle, you have very little nutritional wiggle room.
When you mix whey powder with water, you are getting all of the good with none of the bad, unless you’re trying to bulk up. And in that case, you might want to add some milk in there for the extra calories.
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What Is Gnc Total Lean Shake
GNC Total Lean Shake markets itself as a hunger-suppressing alternative to solid meals. Its meant to be taken as a substitute to food, and as a result, contains boatloads of nutrients as well as fiber and protein.
Here are a few key features:
- 25 g protein, 8 g fiber, 23 vitamins and minerals. This does seem to have the macros a real meal would have, albeit without the carbohydrates.
- Hunger-satisfying. Dietary fiber has been shown to suppress appetite.
- Best used with their program. No supplement can work in isolation.
What Types Of Smoothies Should You Avoid
This all depends on what your goals are. As a general rule of thumb, Mitsios says that you should steer clear of smoothies that contain excessive sugar due to frozen yogurt, sugary yogurt, or high-glycemic-index fruit . Smoothies with these bases cause sugar levels to spike, which can lead to a blood sugar spike and quickly becomes a recurring pattern, causing even more sugar cravings throughout the day.
Maeng adds to this, noting that store-bought smoothies can be too high in carbs or fat. âSometimes it has added sugar which is totally not necessary,â she adds. âIn order for you to fuel yourself properly, balanced macronutrients are the key.â
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Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Protein Powder
Why is plant protein better than animal protein?
Plant-based protein powders deliver the same results as animal proteins, but theyre better for the environment and no cruelty to animals is needed.A recent study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition showed that brown rice had similar results to whey protein when used to promote muscle growth with resistance training.
Is plant protein harder to digest?
Plant proteins are generally hard to digest than animal proteins. This isnt necessarily a bad thing. A longer digestion process may help you to feel fuller for longer, which can aid those trying to lose weight.Digesting protein more slowly can also reduce the absorption time of carbohydrates, which in turn can help to keep blood sugar levels regular.
Why is vegan protein powder more expensive?
Vegan protein is more expensive than whey protein made from real food before its turned into powder. Whey is usually a waste product thats leftover from cheese making and would otherwise be disposed of.Also, because there are still more omnivores than vegans, theres a bigger demand for whey protein powder. It can therefore be made in bulk, which makes it cheaper to manufacture.Many omnivores and vegetarians assume that something marketed as vegan isnt for them. In reality, plant-based protein powder could be the best option for most people.
Can you build muscle with vegan protein powder?Does vegan protein powder make you gain weight?