Protein is one of the essential nutrients required to ensure the proper functioning of the body. It is used to boost the healing process of the tissue, ensure the growth and development of bones, and aid proper muscle mass. However, our body is incapable of storing protein as it does with carbohydrates and fats, meaning that we need to consume protein and meet the recommended daily amount via natural whole foods and protein supplements like protein whey.
Protein supplements are primarily synthesized from both animal and plant sources. These supplements are high in amino acids, which are also known as the building blocks of our body. Out of the 22 amino acids that contribute towards proper body functioning, sources like protein whey manage to give us 9 essential amino acids to promote maximum health benefits.
There are two different types of protein, namely, plant protein and animal protein or whey protein. Both these protein supplements have their own merits and demerits and have different impacts on our bodies. Let us understand more about these two forms of proteins and the factors that set them apart.
Introduction To Plant Protein
Plant protein is a nutritional supplement that synthesises plant-based and natural sources to produce an absorbable protein that is designed to meet the recommended daily intake. It has been designed keeping in mind the same parameters as the rest of the animal-based and non-vegan sources of protein powders such as protein whey available in the market and offers more or less the same nutritional benefits for those who consume it.
Plant protein is also incredibly versatile since it is completely adaptable to almost every specific diet being followed at the moment. This makes it an ideal choice of nutritional supplementation for almost all age groups, right from children to senior citizens.
Introduction To Protein Whey
Protein whey is one of the most commonly used nutritional supplements available in the market. It is primarily synthesised by isolating a group of protein-rich components from milk during the production of cheese.
After the fatty milk solids have been separated from the mixture due to coagulation, the milky, watered-down substance obtained during this process is then dehydrated and produced into a powder. The resulting protein whey powder is infused with flavouring agents and other such substances to enhance its taste profile and ensure optimal consumption.
Understanding The Differences Between Plant and Animal Protein
While the essence of protein is more or less the same in both forms of supplements, there are certain factors that set them apart. Given below are some of the differences between animal protein and plant protein:
Amino Acid Composition
The protein that we consume ends up being broken down into amino acids, which are utilised to promote the metabolic activity of our body. Different types of protein is infused with different kinds of amino acids, along with varying compositions. While animal protein contains a high level of essential amino acids, plant protein is comparatively lower in a lot of amino acids. Namely, plant protein is low in tryptophan, isoleucine, lysine, and methionine.
Presence Of Nutrients
Protein for muscle is rarely available as a single component and is often present in combination with certain other nutrients. Animal-based sources such as protein whey are often rich in these nutrients, as compared to plant-based sources. Nutrients such as:
- Vitamin B12: This nutrient is primarily found in animal-based sources such as dairy, meat, and fish products. It helps in reducing oxidative stress and improving cognitive function, making it an essential component of nutrition.
- Vitamin D: Apart from spending some time in the sun, consuming food sources such as dairy, eggs, and fish is one of the best ways to meet the recommended daily amount of Vitamin D.
- DHA: Docosahexaenoic Acid is a primary component of Omega 3 fatty acids and is required to ensure the proper functioning of the brain, along with reducing oxidative stress. Sources such as fish oil are very high in this nutrient.
- Heme-iron: Heme iron refers to a highly absorbable source of iron that is commonly present in animal-based sources of protein. It is required for improving blood flow and aiding muscle mass.
- Zinc: Zinc is the second most abundant mineral present in our body and is useful for improving the functioning of the immune system and preventing diseases. You can obtain your daily intake of zinc from animal-based protein sources such as lamb, pork, and beef.
Risk Of Diseases
Animal-based sources of protein for muscle often put us at a risk for developing unwanted complications such as heart disease. Sources such as red meat can potentially end up putting an increased amount of oxidative stress on the heart, causing complications like heart stroke and angioplasty. Processed sources of animal protein such as red meat are also infused with a lot of chemicals that can disrupt the internal functioning of the body. Alternatively, farm-to-table meat has a risk of being contaminated with internal bacteria from the animal, which can tamper with our immune system and lead to a lot of health complications.
Plant-based protein for muscle on the other hand has been derived from relatively safer sources. Since it is naturally free from fat and cholesterol, there is a significantly reduced risk of you developing any potential infections from its consumption. It is also recommended for people who have been diagnosed with lactose intolerance or those who follow specific diets such as vegetarianism or veganism.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, regardless of whether you consume protein whey or plant protein, you need to make sure that your daily nutritional intake is coming from a healthy and balanced diet that consists of natural and whole foods. Make a note to only consume animal-based protein that is minimally processed and supplement your diet with plant-based sources such as nuts and legumes as well. Getting in the proper balance between plant and animal-based sources of protein is key to unlocking healthy nutrition.
