An important global consumer trend in recent years is the shift from animal-based products to vegan goods made with certified organic ingredients. Organic protein powder appears as a result of this consumer behavior.
However, is organic protein powder good for you? There’s still a consideration among users as to whether plant-based protein powders are better than conventional blends.
The brief answer is, while the nutritional values may differ, the quality and health benefits are equal.
In this article, we’ll dig deep into why you should go for organic protein powder and if it applies to your fitness goals and health condition.
Why Choose Organic Protein Over Non-Organic?
There’s a misconception that plant-based supplements lack essential nutrients. Indeed, not only does it contain all the elements required for keeping fit, but plant-based protein powder also gains advantages over animal-based one with exceptional health benefits.
Fewer Unwanted Side Effects
We can count organic protein powder side effects on the fingers of one hand. Why?
Organic-based plant protein powders tend to tolerate better than other protein sources.
Unlike whey-based protein powders which may trigger skin reactions, gas, and bloating, especially in individuals sensitive to milk proteins, organic plant protein powders often cause fewer side effects.
To enhance tolerability, we recommend a high-quality protein powder that is 100% dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, non-GMO, and devoid of synthetic or artificial sweeteners.
These seemingly minor changes can have a significant impact, especially for those with gastrointestinal health concerns.
Certain users may struggle with digesting protein due to factors like changes in gut microbiota, reduced stomach acid, gastrointestinal conditions, or sensitivities to processed foods and sweeteners.
If you experience mild symptoms after consuming protein powder, such as bloating, increased gas, indigestion, slight stomach pain, and skin issues, like eczema or rashes, it’s essential to consider the form of protein consumed rather than the protein itself.
Switching to organic protein powders that are free from soy and milk proteins can greatly alleviate many of these symptoms.
More Fibrous Meal
Plants are rich sources of both soluble and insoluble fiber, each contributing to our well-being in unique ways. Insoluble fiber, such as Psyllium Husk, aids in maintaining a smooth-running digestive system.
On the other hand, soluble fiber keeps us feeling satisfied and serene after meals.
While whey protein powders are commonly used as meal replacements for weight loss, plant-based protein powders offer a more natural alternative that not only keeps you feeling full but also promotes leanness and overall health.
While some plant proteins, like soy and quinoa, are complete meals in themselves, others, such as pea protein, may not be.
However, the beauty of plant-based proteins lies in their flexibility. You can combine two or more types to create a complete protein with all the essential amino acids.
Greater Source Of Iron
Don’t worry about going organic making you suffer from nutrition deficiencies. When we tested Garden Of Life protein powders, we noticed iron occupying a high place in their lists of ingredients.
Currently, red meat reigns as the primary source of iron in the International diet. However, for vegans and vegetarians seeking an alternative, pea protein provides an effortless solution.
A single serving of pea protein powder offers a substantial 35 percent of your daily value of iron.
In contrast, the equivalent serving size of animal-based whey protein contains 0 percent of your iron DV.
By choosing pea protein, you not only fulfill a significant portion of your daily iron requirements but also receive an abundant supply of protein.
Fuller For Longer
One of the most significant organic protein powder benefits is that it keeps us full longer.
Plant-based protein sources, such as legumes and beans, come with an added advantage that helps you stay satisfied until your next meal.
In a Food & Nutrition study, young men who consumed a protein-rich meal composed of legumes consumed 12 percent fewer calories in their next meal compared to those who had a meat-based meal.
This shows that plant protein offers a longer-lasting feeling of fullness. The secret lies in the natural fiber present in whole food plant proteins.
Fiber plays a vital role in curbing cravings, promoting digestive health, and regulating appetite.
Is Organic Protein Powder Good For You?
Each person has unique fitness goals and health conditions. Some may find vegan dietary supplements suitable for them, while others whose bodies require a larger source of protein will prefer non-organic protein powders.
Before getting down to find the best organic protein powder for you, below are three of the special cases that need some consideration.
If You Want To Lose Weight
Opting for vegan protein powder offers one of the best reasons to promote and regulate body weight effectively.
While protein powder may not directly cause weight loss, it boasts several advantages that enhance the body’s fat-burning potential:
- Muscle mass promotion
Protein is well-known for its role in muscle production and maintenance.
Building and preserving muscle mass are crucial for weight management, as skeletal muscles (the large muscles in your body) expend significant energy even during periods of rest.
This energy consumption contributes to regulating your basal metabolic rate—the number of calories burned while sleeping, resting, thinking, and performing basic bodily functions.
Basal metabolic rate plays a vital role in the weight loss equation, making the preservation of muscle mass a top priority when aiming for weight loss.
- Combating sarcopenia
Over time, both men and women may experience a gradual decline in muscle mass, a condition known as sarcopenia. Hormonal changes, such as declining testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone levels, contribute to this process.
Encouragingly, studies indicate that vegan protein powder usage can help reduce muscle mass loss and slow down the progression of sarcopenia.
- Synergy with weight training
Research further supports the idea that combining protein powder consumption with weight training can lead to increased muscle mass, thereby aiding weight loss efforts.
If You’re Under Treatment For Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Hypothyroidism
Those with thyroid-related issues should seriously consider switching to plant-based protein instead of traditional whey-based protein powders.
Patients with hypothyroidism often face challenges related to sensitivities (stemming from altered immune function), weight gain (because of reduced metabolism), digestion (because of decreased stomach acid), and inflammation.
By adding organic plant-based protein sources to their diets, many of the issues associated with digesting animal protein (especially whey) in thyroid patients can be reduced or eliminated.
It’s worth noting that a remarkable portion (up to 90% in some studies) of hypothyroidism cases are caused by an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
This autoimmune condition is connected to other autoimmune diseases like Celiac disease. Consequently, they may attempt to go gluten-free and/or dairy-free, only to be hindered by the type of protein powder they use.
Although there may not be an extensive body of evidence supporting plant-based protein over animal-based protein powders, most healthcare providers agree that patients with thyroid problems (and autoimmune diseases) tend to tolerate plant protein very well.
Thus, choosing plant-based protein can be a beneficial option for those dealing with thyroid-related issues.
If You’re Pregnant
During pregnancy, especially in the second or third trimester, your daily caloric needs increase as you are now eating for two. Similarly, your daily protein intake requirements also rise throughout each trimester.
However, meeting these heightened protein demands can be challenging, especially during periods of nausea, vomiting, and severe food aversions. In such cases, pregnancy-safe protein powder can be a valuable solution.
It provides a convenient way to boost your protein intake, supporting the healthy growth and development of your baby.
Additionally, the added nutrients in the protein powder will help keep you feeling energized during this crucial time.
When picking an organic protein powder during pregnancy, be cautious. Make sure the organic protein powder you choose doesn’t contain any added sugar as maintaining stable blood sugar levels is crucial during pregnancy.
Also, it’s critical to know when is the best time to take protein powder in pregnancy. It plays a fairly important role in your baby’s development and your health as well.
What’s more, avoid any powders that contain adaptogenic herbs during pregnancy. Little research has been done regarding its effects on an unborn child.
Generally, while pregnant and looking for an organic protein powder, you’ll want to search for something fermented, that is made from 100 percent food ingredients.
Conclusion
You’re the one who is most aware of the answer to the question, “is organic protein powder good for you?” The sure thing is that organic superfoods will provide you the same quality proteins and health benefits as traditional protein shakes – a perfect choice for vegetarians and picky drinkers.
Please note, you need to consult your healthcare provider’s advice before adding any supplement to your diet if you’re suffering certain health conditions.
After all, it doesn’t matter whether you go organic or not. The top priority is choosing the product that fits your body’s needs, alright?
