Protein is essential no matter what kind of diet you follow; however, there are different types of proteins out there that have an effect on your health. Though there are many distinguishing features that have set whey protein as a standard that does not negate the effect of other plant proteins.
So let us discuss whey protein vs. plant protein – which one should you try?
What is Plant protein?
Plant protein, essentially, are amino acids derived from plant sources. The most common sources of protein among plants are soy, peas, rice, and hemp. Often used as ideal alternatives to animal based proteins, they are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants apart from fibre.
They are more suitable for people with lactose intolerance and/ or vegans. In the battle of whey protein vs. plant protein – plant protein is sometimes more accessible.
Suggested Read: Whey vs. Soy vs. Casein Protein- Which is best for you?
What is Whey protein?
It is one of the 2 milk proteins that is acquired during the cheese making process. It is deemed ideal for people with an active lifestyle.
The reason whey protein is high quality as compared to any other protein is because it has the highest amount of biological value apart from being a complete protein with higher amount of individual amino acids.
Other than that, it helps keep you satiated for longer, is low in carbs, fat and calories while helping preserve the lean muscle tissue during intense exercise. Also, whey has higher digestibility and absorption rate which makes it a quicker fuel to be supplied to the muscles.
Suggested Read –The Best Ways To Consume Whey Protein
Whey protein vs. Plant protein
The most important requirement that either of the protein types (whey protein vs. plant protein) needs to fulfil or meet is that all the necessary parameters for the amino acids should be met for optimum function and results.
A recent study theorised the benefits of using rice protein as compared to whey protein, in two sets of groups. In the study, it was found that both the groups, on supplementation of 48 gm protein each, showed similar amounts of gains at the end of 8-weeks. The slight variation was due to 5.5 gm. of leucine in whey and 3.8 gm. leucine in rice protein, however, the results were almost similar.
Earlier studies suggest that consuming at least 2-3.5 gm. of leucine is important for maximising muscle protein synthesis. The results of studies show that an individual can achieve similar lean mass and strength with whey protein vs. plant protein, provided that the amino acid levels in plant protein are high enough to equate whey to provide a significant effect.
You also need to compare whey protein vs. plant protein in terms of fibre. An additional effect that plant protein may provide is the dietary fibre, whereas in case of whey protein, fibre needs to be added to enhance the nutrition quality of the protein.
Suggested Read: Whey vs. BCAA- Which is better?
As far as texture is concerned in whey protein vs. plant protein, plant protein has received flak over being less in textural quality as whey but it really depends on the overall quality of the product. Whether it is whey protein vs. plant protein, if the quality used is good, it will give you better texture. Whereas taste is more or less a matter of flavours. With time, there have been several flavours that you can choose from as per individual preference.
Takeaway note on Whey Protein vs. Plant Protein:
The bottom-line is that plant protein may appeal more to people with allergies or digestibility issues or vegan choices while whey remains the best option for the rest. Adding to that on a concluding note on whey protein vs. plant protein, it is okay to go for either kind of protein as long as you are getting the necessary amount of amino acids from either source.
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Last modified: September 28, 2017
