All human beings need to consume protein in their diet to stay fit and healthy(1), but do you know why? And how does plant protein compare with animal-derived sources? Diving into this topic, we take a look at the power of plant protein with supplement brand Ensure.
What is protein and why do we need it?
Proteins are made up of chemical ‘building blocks’ called amino acids, which the body uses to build and repair muscles and bones and to make hormones and enzymes(2).
The British Nutrition Foundation say a healthy, sustainable diet should include a range of protein-containing foods and recommend eating more plant-derived protein.
One way to boost your intake of plant-protein is with a supplement. Ensure NutriVigor Plant-Based is a food supplement drink that provides 10.5 grams of protein per 230ml serving, along with a host of vitamins and minerals.
Plant protein is just as effective as animal protein
Good news for vegetarians and flexitarians! Researchers have found that plant protein is just as beneficial for building muscle mass and strength as animal protein(3).
Protein sources can vary greatly in the types of amino acids they contain and some sources of plant protein can be lacking in specific amino acids, so for a plant-based diet, it’s recommended to combine different sources of plant protein to ensure your body gets everything it needs(4).
Some great options for adding more plant protein to your diet include food such as tofu, lentils, chickpeas, peanuts and quinoa.
How can a plant-based diet help us?
Research(5) has shown that plant-based diets have been linked to lower rates of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers.
Plant-based protein provides the body with nutrients, fibre and antioxidants that can improve your overall health, suppport immunity and give us an energy boost. However, one risk in a plant-based diet is that it can be difficult to get the full spectrum of nutrients and vitamins your body needs(6).
Ensure NutriVigor Plant-Based contains 27 vitamins and minerals for general health and wellbeing, including vitamins B2, B6 and B12 to help reduce tiredness and fatigue and vitamin D to help our bodies absorb calcium to support muscle maintenance, healthy teeth and bones and a strong immune system.
To find out more about how plant-protein can help to support a healthy diet or for more about Ensure NutriVigor Plant-Based, visit the website.
