2017 is set to see a trend in plant-based protein powders and it’s easy to see why. Gluten, lactose and dairy-free, suitable for vegans and delicious, it’s fair to say that this new protein source ticks all the right boxes. There are now more than half a million vegans in the UK, a figure which has risen by 360 percent in just 10 years. Following a diet which is plant-based is one of the fastest growing lifestyle movements with many pro athletes, such as Serena and Venus Williams, leading the way.

9 health benefits of protein

Why is protein so important why might you want to supplement your diet?

Builds lean muscle mass
Assists muscle repair
Provides the building blocks for cell renewal
Suppresses hunger
Can assist in weight loss
Stabilises blood sugar
Stabilises energy levels
Sustains energy for longer
Improves brain function

So which plant protein is better for you?
100 percent plant-based pea protein powder compares very well to the most commonly used whey protein powder – with pea containing 78 percent protein compared to whey at 77 percent. In the battle of the protein powders, pea outperformed whey on complete nutrition, whilst whey was found to be absorbed more quickly. Both were indicated as beneficial pre and post workout, and good for building lean muscle, supporting weight loss and increasing energy levels.

The plant-based protein rising stars
It’s not just pea protein that is available. Check out these others too…
Rice protein has 68 percent protein and is a source of dietary fibre
Pumpkin seed protein has 65 percent protein and is rich in omega 3 fatty acids
Spirulina powder (an edible blue-green algae) has 56 percent protein and is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. It is also a complete protein containing all of the nine essential amino acids.
Hemp protein has 55 percent protein and is also a complete protein.
Chia seed protein has 36 percent protein and is a source of B vitamins and a broad spectrum of minerals.

The hardest challenge with plant-based proteins is that many do not contain all nine essential amino acids so going for the ones that do, such as spirulina or hemp, or combining a broad group of plant proteins ensures that all of these bases are covered.

Indigo herbs has created Super Protein Powder with these nine health benefits in mind. This is a blend of five protein powders, including pea, rice, pumpkin, hemp and chia, and contains 65 percent protein, including the amino acid leucine, the muscle mineral magnesium and brain boosting B vitamins. Get yours here

Why not try this protein shake recipe? You’ll need:
1 tbsp Super Protein Powder, or a plant-based protein powder such as pea, hemp, rice, pumpkin or chia seed.
1 tsp spirulina powder
1 banana
250ml plant milk, coconut water, fruit or vegetable juice
Large handful of spinach

Blend at high speed until smooth and serve up in a shake bottle to go.

These protein powders are available from indigo-herbs.co.uk