Plant-Based Protein For Bodybuilding
Plant protein is scientifically proven to be a viable and arguably healthier way of bodybuilding.
Plant-based proteins include proteins from peas, hemp proteins, as well as brown rice proteins. They are a viable option for those who don’t want milk-based proteins and are also an excellent alternative to animal-based proteins.
Plant protein for bodybuilding has been gaining significant traction in clinical studies and online forums. They discuss the various benefits and advantages it has over your everyday standard whey-type proteins.
A major question asked by those interested in building their bodies has been whether plant protein is better than animal-based and whey proteins. It has often been a subject for hot debates and arguments online for the past few years.
In this article, we will be going over the benefits of choosing plant-based proteins for gains and bodybuilding and their different advantages over other proteins.
We will also bust certain myths that people have against using greens and plant-based protein sources while pursuing gains and bulking or bodybuilding in general.
Understanding The Role Of Proteins In Bodybuilding
Before we delve into the different topics of this article, it is essential to understand the role of proteins in your body and how it helps attain your set goal for body physique.
Protein is one of the three primary nutrients that make up a proper diet, the other two being carbohydrates and fats. Altogether, they are known as the three macronutrients.
These nutrients are crucial for nutrient calculation. This calculation will assess how much of which nutrient you need to consume to obtain the desired results.
Proteins, generally found in most food sources like animal meat and animal-based food sources, are also found in many natural sources that you may not expect. And they are a great source for bodybuilding!
Some of the plant-based consumables that include proteins are:
- Almonds
- Chickpea
- Hempseed
- Chia seeds
- Tofu
- Lentils, etc.
What Are Plant-Based Proteins?
Plant-based protein is often found in its processed form, which is plant-based protein powder. It is a highly popular source of protein that does not use the protein found in animals and animal-based products.
It includes various ingredients and sources processed into complete protein. These are pea proteins, brown rice proteins, hemp-based proteins, sunflower seeds proteins, etc.
Advantages Of Using Plant-Based Proteins
Plant proteins are suitable for people of all ages- elderly, children, teens, and young adults. What’s more, they are completely vegan-friendly! There are many clinically proven advantages of using plant-based proteins for bodybuilding. They can be listed accordingly to their sources, such as:
Sacha Inchi
Sacha Inchi is a source of protein that has many benefits to its name. Ideal for weight loss, it contains omega-3 and healthy fats. It is a complete protein source that helps improve joint and bone health, and skin and hair health.
Sunflower Seeds Proteins
Sunflower seed proteins are also a great source of protein. They come with qualities such as anti-inflammation, lowering of cholesterol levels, and reducing the risks of heart attacks.
Pumpkin Seed Proteins
Pumpkin seeds also come with proteins. They contain antioxidants, reduce the risk of certain cancers, and improve urinary tract health.
Hemp Proteins
Hemp protein is a complete protein source that contains all nine essential amino acids required by the body.
Yellow Pea Proteins
Yellow pea protein is proven to offer many health benefits, such as improving the heart and kidneys’ overall health.
Pea Proteins
Pea proteins are sources of iron and healthy fats.
Thus, consuming plant-based protein powder comes with many benefits. They not only help you feel and look healthier and younger but can also seemingly increase your lifespan.
These plant proteins are clinically tested and come with qualities that boost your immune system, thereby fighting diseases.
Myths Related To Plant-Protein Based Bodybuilding
Often, there is a stereotype of vegetarians and vegans being skinny and weak. This leads to the notion that people with ripped bodies consume loads of meat and animal-based food to obtain such mass!
However, this is all just a misconception. Bodybuilding does not rely on the food source or animal-based food, for that matter. Rather, bodybuilding mainly focuses on the amount of nutrient intake and exercise.
One of the best benefits of consuming plant-based powder and diet is that it contains fewer calories than animal-based ones. Thus, we can consume whole food and feel full without gaining more body fat!
If your goal is to gain muscle and strength on a plant-based diet, you need to focus on food containing higher caloric density such as hefty amounts of grains, tofu, beans, dried fruit, nuts, butter, etc.
Thus, the notion that plant-based protein is inferior and that you cannot get enough protein by consuming plants has no weight or basis scientifically.
Benefits Of Using Plant-Based Protein For Bodybuilding
Plants contain essential nutrients such as healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and antioxidants. Thus, a diet centered on plants can play a vital role in building and maintaining new tissues.
Following are some of the benefits of plant-based proteins for bodybuilding:
- They increase energy and stamina, thus motivating you to push through your workout, whether at home or at the gym.
- Plant-based proteins increase blood flow. This leads to the rapid healing of injuries and providing the muscles with more oxygen.
- They offer increased muscle efficiency, allowing you to do more reps and squeeze out enough energy to complete tough workouts.
It is exemplified by various strength athletes and bodybuilders around the world that plant-based protein is often more advantageous.
People such as Patrik Baboumian, a world-record-holding strongman, American record holder and Olympic weightlifter Kendrick Farris, and many more, have proven that bodybuilding and maintaining muscles and strength is possible while on a plant-based diet. It is not only doable but has more benefits than its animal-based diet counterparts!
And it is also becoming the new norm for bodybuilders and athletes in different sports areas throughout the world.
