Is Plant-Based Protein Powder Good For You?

Protein is on a lot of people’s minds these days, and for good reason. This key macronutrient is required for building and repairing body tissues, including muscle. It is of special interest to athletes, bodybuilders, and anyone focused on building strength and maintaining an active lifestyle.

Dietary proteins include those from animal sources (meat, fish, poultry, dairy, eggs) and plant-based proteins from nuts, legumes, and some grains. Believe it or not, there are also fungal sources of protein, including mushrooms. People with increased needs or dietary deficiencies often opt to supplement with a protein powder product.

And that begs the question: Is plant-based protein powder good for you? The short answer is yes! It can help you meet your dietary needs, for example, or ensure that your body has the necessary building blocks it needs for optimal functioning. But if you are new to protein supplements or wondering how plant-based protein powder can benefit your diet, here are a few things to consider.

What Is Protein?

Proteins are composed of amino acids chained in specific sequences that are essential to the human body. Proteins have many functions, including:

• Building and repairing body tissues including muscle, skin, hair, and nails
• Constructing hormones and neurotransmitters
• Breaking down food and supplying energy
• Supporting key body systems, including the immune and digestive systems

Consuming adequate quantities of protein helps support the body and its functioning throughout the day. 

What Are Essential Amino Acids? 

The body needs 20 different amino acids to create its required proteins. Nine of these are considered essential because they cannot be made in the body; essential amino acids must be obtained through diet. They are histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. 

Animal protein sources provide these essential amino acids, and it’s also possible to obtain all of them from a plant-based protein powder.  A high-quality, plant-based powder without additives like sugar, artificial flavorings, or processed ingredients is a good, healthy way to add protein to your diet. 

Is Plant-Based Protein Powder Good For You? 

Like animal protein, plant-based protein powder contains amino acids and has a number of unique advantages. Protein powders made from soy, pea, and hemp are beneficial for these reasons:

• Environmental Sustainability

Plant-based proteins are an environmentally-friendly option. Since plants are lower on the food chain than animals, less energy is required for their growth. Plant proteins are more sustainable and have a smaller carbon footprint than animal proteins, too. Trading a portion of your animal protein consumption for plant-based protein can significantly benefit the environment.

• Vegan

Those who follow a strict vegetarian or vegan diet often opt for plant-based protein powder. In addition to its smaller carbon footprint, plant proteins do not involve animal-derived products, so they are ethical and cruelty-free. 

• Health and Longevity

Health experts suggest that replacing even a small portion of animal protein in your diet with plant-based protein may positively influence your health.‡ 

In addition to those who follow a vegan diet, plant-based protein can also benefit anyone looking to build muscle. In one demonstrated study, consuming pea protein promoted gains in muscle thickness with resistance training. By supplementing with plant-based protein powder, you can provide your body the building blocks it needs to increase muscle mass.‡ 

Where Can I Find a High-Quality Plant-Based Protein Powder?

Om Mushroom Superfood recently introduced a new Master Blend Plant-Based Protein Powder with our 10-mushroom Master Blend Mushrooms and Adaptogens. This breakthrough product, available in creamy chocolate and vanilla flavors, contains the superfood power of our original functional mushroom and adaptogen blend, but with the addition of 21g of clean, sustainable, and ethical pea protein and brown rice per serving. Obtained from yellow split peas, pea protein is creamy and easy to digest. And since it’s both gluten-free and vegan, it’s made without allergens and can adapt to a variety of different dietary requirements.

Om’s new Master Blend Plant-Based Protein contains the same 10 functional mushrooms and adaptogens as our popular Mushroom Master Blend. It also contains 250mg of KSM-66®, a potent full-spectrum extract Ashwagandha root extract that helps improve resistance toward stress.‡ Two heaping scoops in 12 oz. of water or non-dairy milk yields a smooth, protein-packed beverage. When consumed 30 to 45 minutes after a workout, it provides delicious and nutritious support and 3.7g of BCAAs to support muscle repair and post-workout recovery. 

If you’re looking for a plant-based protein powder that’s nutritious, contains essential amino acids, and provides the added adaptogenic benefits of functional mushroom powder, this new blend is for you. Packed with clean and sustainable whole food powders, it’s also keto-friendly with 1-2g net carbs—making it the perfect partner for any active lifestyle.

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^‡These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Functional mushroom products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.