Top 5 Protein Powder Myths Busted!
JAMES COLQUHOUN
Our bodies require protein from what we eat every single day! Some of us may find it a challenge to get enough with busy schedules and little time to whip up a meal. So when we’re rushing to the gym, running late for work, or need a quick snack, a protein powder can be the perfect solution! Today we’re debunking the top 5 most common protein powder myths!
1. Plant Based Proteins Are Not Complete Sources
A complete protein has all essential amino acids — the ones your body can’t produce itself. While essential amino acids are just that, essential, your body can combine different foods to get all the amino acids it needs. Most vegan protein powders combine two types, e.g. pea protein and brown rice. This ensures that the entire range of essential amino acids are in the blend, making it complete.
2. Protein Powder Is Hard To Digest
Some people struggle to digest whey protein, ending up with bloating, excess wind and unpleasant trips to the bathroom. This is for many reasons, including artificial sweeteners, flavors, and additives, but mostly because of the dairy protein itself. However, not all proteins are hard on your digestion. Plant-based proteins are much more gentle on your digestive system as they don’t contain any dairy. Some even come with digestive enzymes to aid digestibility further!
3. Plant Based Protein Is Chalky And Doesn’t Blend!
We understand. You’ve tried one of those protein blends that tastes like ground up rice grits in water, quickly sinking to the bottom if left for a few minutes. But those days are long gone and there are so many plant-based protein options that have been expertly blended to create a smooth, blendable mix! From our experience, pea protein and brazil nut protein powder blend the best.
4. Protein Powders Are Artificial and Highly Processed
Don’t get us wrong, these highly processed powders do exist. But natural, wholesome, minimally processed ones are out there too! When looking for a protein powder, choose organic varieties that contain no added artificial flavor, color, sweetener, or fillers. You can get organic grass-fed whey protein and plant-based varieties that are natural simple and delicious. You just need to check the ingredients list to make sure it’s ‘clean’.
5. The More Protein Per Serve The Better!
A high protein diet has been linked to better weight management due to its ability to suppress appetite for a longer time, as it takes longer to digest. However, when it comes to protein, and protein powders, more per serve is not always better. We all have different protein needs, but those powders that contain 30g, 40g, and even 50g of protein per serve are not doing your body any favors. Your body only absorbs around 20g of protein at any given time. What happens to the rest? Your kidneys flush it out of your system! Our best tip? Choose a blend that has around 10-15 grams per serve, so you can simply adjust how much to have according to your needs.
What’s your favorite protein powder blend?
James Colquhoun is the filmmaker behind Food Matters, Hungry For Change, and Transcendence Seasons 1 & 2 and founder of Food Matters and FMTV. Along with Laurentine ten Bosch, James founded the Food Matters community following the release of the 2008 documentary, giving people the tools (films, books, articles, and guided programs) to take charge of their own health. From here, FMTV was born! It was designed as a place where you can access vital information by watching all of your favorite inspiring documentaries, expert interviews, & recipe videos in one place, and in early 2020 FMTV found it's new home on Gaia.