Whether you’re on a serious bodybuilding mission – or you want to rebuild muscle mass you’ve lost with age, there’s nothing more important than getting enough high-quality protein.
Protein not only helps you build and maintain healthy muscle mass and body composition, the right type of protein can also help support immune function, reproductive and metabolic health.
As you age, you naturally lose muscle mass, so you need more protein in your diet to help counteract that loss. Bodybuilders, endurance athletes and older individuals all have higher than normal protein requirements.
How much protein do you need? Here are some general guidelines:
- Young adults — 0.8 grams of protein per kg of lean body mass
- Adults — 0.6 to 0.8 grams of protein per kg of lean body mass
- Bodybuilders — 1 to 1.2 grams of protein per kg of lean body mass
- Endurance athletes — 1 to 1.5 grams of protein per kg of lean body mass
- Seniors — 0.8 grams of protein per kg of lean body mass (more with muscle wasting)
Getting enough protein can be challenging when you have an increased requirement. Buying extra meat and other animal products can strain your food budget and provide more calories than you may need.
Many plant foods contain protein, but not all proteins are the same “quality” when it comes to building and maintaining muscle.
Let’s take a closer look at how you can get the protein you need for a healthy body…
A Simple Primer on Protein
All proteins – whether from a plant or animal source – are made up of amino acids, considered the building blocks of life. Your muscles, skin, hair, tendons and cartilage are all made of amino acids.
Protein also helps form your enzymes, hormones as well as your replacement tissues and cells.
Your body can make all but nine of about 20 amino acids in the human body. The nine amino acids listed below are considered “essential” because you must obtain them through your diet:
- Histidine
- Isoleucine
- Leucine
- Lysine
- Methionine
- Phenylalanine
- Threonine
- Tryptophan
- Valine
When any protein – animal or plant – contains all nine of these essential amino acids, it’s considered a complete protein.
No two foods are identical in their amino acid makeup. A food protein might be strong in one or two amino acids and low, or weak, in another. When you combine two or more food proteins, their amino acids can complement one another and form a complete protein.
Biological value, or BV, is another way to look at proteins. BV is the proportion of protein that is utilized by your body for growth and maintenance. Proteins containing all of the essential amino acids have a high BV, and are considered “high-quality” proteins.
Why Choose a Vegan Protein Powder?
You may be wondering why someone who doesn’t follow a vegan diet would want a plant-based protein powder – especially when there are so many excellent high-quality animal-based protein powders to choose from. Let me explain why.
Rapidly growing in popularity, vegan – or plant-based – proteins may be a good choice for you if you…
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Have an allergy or sensitivity to soy or animal-based protein powders.
Cow dairy and soy proteins are two of the most common food sensitivities. In certain individuals, soy and cow’s milk protein can cause bloating, discomfort and inflammation. Consuming soy and animal-based proteins – especially dairy and egg – day after day can lead to the development of allergies.
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Prefer to limit or avoid animal products because of environmental and animal welfare concerns.
Many people choose to limit or avoid animal protein in their diet for personal, health or religious reasons.
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Want high-quality, bioavailable protein from a variety of sources.
Rotating protein sources can support a healthy gut and optimize digestion. Not only does switching up your protein sources help minimize the development of adverse food reactions and sensitivities that can result from daily consumption, plant proteins can provide nutrients not usually found in animal-sourced protein.
Plant Protein: Ideal for Muscle Building at Any Age
What really matters for muscle building are the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) leucine, isoleucine, and valine.
Research shows that supplementing with BCAAs effectively stimulates the synthesis rate of muscle protein and helps prevent the breakdown of protein during exercise. Branched-chain leucine, in particular, helps replace muscle protein damaged by resistance exercises.
In young adults, protein synthesis was found to be 20% higher after ingestion of leucine, proteins and carbohydrates, compared with ingestion of carbohydrates and proteins with no leucine intake.
Whey is often considered the benchmark for promoting muscle thickness and strength. It is certainly my preferred supplemental protein powder.
But what if you can’t or don’t want to use whey – or other animal-sourced protein – for any of the reasons we just mentioned? Can you build just as much muscle mass using a plant-based protein?
A recent study compared the effects of vegetable pea protein versus whey protein on muscle strength and thickness in 160 males, aged 18 to 35 years, during a 12-week resistance training program.
Study participants took 25 grams of either pea protein (by itself), whey protein or placebo (containing no protein) twice a day. Bicep muscle strength and thickness were tested before, after and in the middle of the 12-week training period.
The results?
- Supplementation with pea protein promoted a greater increase of muscle thickness, compared to both the whey and placebo groups.
- The superior effects of pea protein were especially pronounced in beginners or individuals returning to weight training.
- No statistical difference was noted between the two protein groups for muscle strength, indicating pea protein was just as effective as whey protein in increasing both muscle thickness and strength.
So, what accounts for the similarity between whey and pea proteins during training in the study?
Whey and pea proteins have a similar amino acid content. Both are rich in the essential BCAAs which play an important role in muscle protein synthesis.
Why I Don’t Recommend Soy Protein Supplements
If soy is both organic and fermented, it can offer valuable benefits for health.
Organic fermented soy includes natto, miso, tempeh, and certain soy sauces. These types of soy have been part of many Asian cultures for thousands of years.
It’s unfermented soy that I find troubling for a number of reasons. This includes fresh, green, or whole, dry soybeans, soy nuts, soy sprouts, soy flour, soymilk, and tofu.
Unfermented soy protein – especially ultra-processed soy protein isolates – is what you typically find in not only many protein powders, but also protein bars and even baked goods and infant formulas.
So what are ultra-processed soy protein isolates? This unfermented soy product is a dried, powdered protein that’s isolated, or separated, from the soybean.
In addition, most non-organic soy today is genetically engineered. That means the soybeans are grown and harvested with the use of glyphosate, a widely used herbicide that can remain in the food after processing.
While the U.S. claims glyphosate isn’t harmful to human health when applied as directed, some studies suggest it may be linked to cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer categorizes glyphosate as a probable carcinogen for humans.
There is yet another drawback to consuming soy… If you are deficient in iodine (many people are), soy can alter your thyroid function.
Introducing Pure Power Vegan Protein With Five Plant Proteins and More
Based on that principle, we’ve blended five plant proteins together into a unique plant protein powder, Pure Power Vegan Protein.
Pure Power Vegan Protein is the perfect blend of high-quality plant proteins from Pea, Hemp, Chia, Potato and Chlorella.
Not only do you get 12 grams of protein in every serving of Pure Power Vegan Protein, you get it with a FIVE-Fiber Blend, a FOUR-Enzyme Blend and absolutely 0 grams of sugar – without artificial sweeteners or gluten.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s in Pure Power Vegan Protein…
One of the Best-Kept Secrets in Plant Proteins
Many people haven’t yet discovered Pea Protein, a vegetable protein source rich in essential amino acids, especially isoleucine, valine, arginine, and lysine.
As we saw earlier in the study comparing it to whey protein, the amino acid lineup of pea protein is comparable to the best animal protein sources.
Its high biological value makes pea protein especially helpful for restoring muscle mass after a strenuous workout.
Made from yellow split peas, non-hydrolyzed Pea Protein is:
- Easily digestible and absorbable.
- Free of soy, gluten, and lactose.
- Well-tolerated by most individuals.
Here’s something you need to know about any protein powder made from legumes…
Foods that are high in protein can also be high in carbohydrates. So, what comes along with the protein doesn’t always present optimal nutrition.
Contrary to what you might expect from whole yellow peas, Pea Protein is a great choice for helping to maintain body composition, as it contains little carbohydrates.
Here’s another plant protein that I believe offers incredible benefits – Hemp Protein.
Hemp Protein: A Powerhouse of Amino Acids and Omega Fats
When most people hear “hemp,” they think of marijuana. While Hemp Protein does come from the seed of the Cannabis sativa plant, hemp seeds do not contain the psychoactive or intoxicating compounds.
Hemp seed protein is a nutritional powerhouse and excellent source of protein with a broad range of amino acids. Plus, it digests easily and has a balanced ratio of essential fatty acids.
Best of all, the fatty acids in hemp seeds are present in the ideal ratio, contributing valuable plant-based omega-3, -6, and -9 fats.
Two main proteins in hemp seed protein, albumin and edestin, are rich in essential amino acids with profiles comparable to soy and egg white. Hemp’s edestin content is among the highest of all plants.
While soy may have a higher overall protein content, hemp protein may be easier to digest. Hemp doesn’t contain soy’s oligosaccharides and trypsin inhibitors, which can affect protein absorption.
Hemp also doesn’t have an adverse effect on your hormones and thyroid, like what’s possible with unfermented soy.
Chia – An Original Superfood of the Americas
One of the original superfoods of the Americas and a highly prized staple of the Aztec diet, chia was valued for the energy, vigor and staying power it offered this ancient civilization’s warriors.
A very early form of fast food, Native American Indians packed the seeds for long trips, adding water to them at mealtime. The seeds would expand from the liquid, providing not only energy for their travels, but a feeling of fullness, too.
Chia seeds contain 18 amino acids, including all the essential amino acids, making it a high-quality, complete protein.
When chia seeds are milled, they remain gluten-free and take on a delightfully nutty taste.
As an added bonus, chia seeds contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential omega-3 fatty acid. Researchers believe natural food sources of ALA may help support heart health, and help counteract the adverse effects of excess linoleic acid (LA) from processed foods.
Our Pure Power Vegan Protein includes chia for all its exceptional benefits.
Power-Packed Chlorella With No ‘Green’ Algae Taste
Pure Power Vegan Protein contains 100% natural golden chlorella, a unique microalgae powder that's:
- Mild in flavor without a “greens” taste.
- 50% vegetarian protein by weight, with no fillers or additives.
- A highly digestible protein source.
- Gluten free and non-GMO.
Golden chlorella also contains 18 amino acids, including ALL the essential amino acids, and a variety of naturally occurring compounds, such as carotenoids and plant sterols, B vitamins, calcium, potassium and magnesium.
Supportive of your body’s normal detoxification processes, golden chlorella contains two primary amino acids: arginine and glutamic acid.
Arginine promotes immune and heart health, and supports muscle mass growth and healthy energy levels.
Glutamic acid is especially valuable for your brain, as it supports cognition, learning and the transfer of information between nerve cells.
The Protein Powder With the Most Essential Amino Acids
One of the newest vegan protein powders on the market today is also one from an unlikely source: potatoes.
Potato protein contains more essential amino acids than any other protein powder, and contains more BCAAs than whey protein.
With its high BCAA and essential amino acid content, potato protein is the perfect vegan protein for building and maintaining lean muscle and aiding recovery after exertion.
Our Potato Protein…
- Is highly bioavailable, highly digestible and fast absorbing.
- Has a higher biological value than casein and is equal to eggs.
- Has a nitrogen content remarkably close to animal protein.
- Offers low allergenic potential, making it a great choice for those with allergies.
Concentrated from fresh potatoes, potato protein is extracted by a specialized technology to preserve its nutritional value.
An Added Bonus: Two Unique Blends to Support Digestion
In addition to the stellar lineup of five exceptional plant proteins in Pure Power Vegan Protein, we’ve added two additional blends to support your health in even more ways: A Fiber Blend and Enzyme Blend.
Our unique 5-Fiber Blend includes:
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Acacia – Valued for centuries for its food uses, acacia is harvested from the sap of the Acacia Senegal tree
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Inulin – A naturally-occurring type of polysaccharide but with no caloric effects, this soluble fiber promotes intestinal function
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Bamboo – Sourced from bamboo trees, bamboo fiber is an indigestible polysaccharide and fiber that supports intestinal health
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Pea – An insoluble fiber that helps promote regular bowel movements
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Apple – Contains both soluble and insoluble fibers for intestinal and bowel health
We also added a 4-Enzyme Blend, including the digestive enzymes protease, amylase, and lipase, and the metabolic enzyme, bromelain, to help support digestion.
No Artificial Sweeteners – Just Nature’s Finest Gifts
To make protein powders appear lower in carbohydrates, manufacturers sometimes use artificial sweeteners like sucralose or aspartame to sweeten their products.
However, with the public’s increased awareness of the potential dangers of artificial sweeteners, many manufacturers are now turning to sugar alcohols, like maltitol, sorbitol, glycerol, glycerin or xylitol to reduce the total calorie count because they have fewer calories than sugar itself.
Some of these sugar replacements can cause intestinal discomfort in certain individuals.
High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), sometimes disguised as corn sugar, glucose or fructose, is a chemically converted, corn-based sweetener that studies show is increasingly linked to obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Plus, it is typically made with genetically engineered corn.
And watch out for agave… Depending on its processing, it can contain as much as 90% fructose — nearly double that of HFCS.
We’ve achieved an ideal amount of sweetness with two substances derived directly from plants: Stevia and Luo Han Guo Juice Concentrate. Both add just a light touch of natural sweetness, without any undesirable aftertaste.
Stevia is derived from the leaf of the South American stevia plant, and has been used to sweeten South American dishes and drinks for many centuries.
Luo Han Guo is a naturally derived sweetener, but it's a bit more expensive and harder to find. In China, the Lou Han fruit has also been used as a sweetener for centuries, and it’s about 200 times sweeter than sugar.
10 Reasons to Stock Up on Pure Power Vegan Protein
Pure Power Vegan Protein comes in three delicious flavors – Chocolate, Vanilla and Sweet Cinnamon.
Here are a ten reasons why I believe Pure Power Vegan Protein belongs on your protein powder shelf. It:
- Is packed with FIVE kinds of plant proteins, with all their essential amino acids intact, providing 12 grams of protein per serving.
- Includes proteins high in BCAAs for maintaining and building muscle.
- Has 0 grams of sugar per serving and is lightly sweetened with 2 plant-based sweeteners instead of potentially unhealthy sweeteners.
- Tastes great with no “greens” taste.
- Includes a 5-Fiber Blend to promote regularity and intestinal comfort.
- Contains a 4-Enzyme Blend for digestive support.
- Is easily digested and tolerated by most individuals.
- Contains no preservatives, and is gluten-free and non-GMO.
- Mixes easily and smoothly with water or other liquids.
- Comes packaged in an eco-friendly and convenient gusset pouch instead of a plastic container, saving both space and fuel.
Available in three popular flavors, Pure Power Vegan Protein is the perfect blend of high-quality proteins, ideal for any time of day for a quick energy charge and protein boost.
What’s the Right Protein Powder for You?
We offer multiple options for a high-quality protein powder. Which one is right for you?
Pure Power Vegan Protein: Suitable for vegans and meat eaters alike, includes a great-tasting blend of five high-quality plant proteins including pea, hemp and chia, together with the microalgae chlorella. Plus, it contains a five-fiber blend to support your digestion. Available in Vanilla, Chocolate and Sweet Cinnamon.
Pure Power Whey Protein + Probiotics: This premium product is designed to boost your overall health and fitness levels. It contains a unique blend of high-quality whey protein (20 grams per serving), chia seeds and probiotics to give you a boost in your exercise regimen or for simply enhancing your overall health. Available in Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry and Banana.
Organic Miracle Whey®: This great-tasting and immune-supporting protein powder contains whey protein concentrate sourced exclusively from grass fed cows from New Zealand. It is loaded with more proteins, vitamins, minerals and immune-regulating nutrients than other milk-based proteins. Available in Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Blueberry, Banana, Chai and Original.
Build for the Strongest Version of You – Order Pure Power Vegan Protein Today
Your body needs the right ingredients so you can become the strongest version of you. And that starts by choosing products that promote health and muscle building – not ones that can work against you.
Pure Power Vegan Protein provides you with the highest quality of vegetarian protein available today for optimal nutrition and bodybuilding power – no matter what type of diet you follow.
Not only does it taste delicious, but it also offers a well-rounded array of high-quality power-packed proteins, equal to any protein powder on the market, along with omega-3 fatty acids, enzymes and fiber.
Discover the “new” generation of protein powders, and order your supply today.