Plant protein vs whey protein is a common dilemma that is boggling the minds of all the fitness lovers. With the already existing amount of speculations surrounding the word “Protein” when it comes to gymming and weight loss, the popularity of Plant Protein has only added to the thrill.
The answer to this big question in our minds- What to choose: Plant Protein or Whey Protein can only be addressed by knowing what exactly is the difference between Whey Protein and Plant Protein. So let’s together embark on this short trip to unwind the truth behind both the types.
I bet any body builder or fitness lover out there must definitely be aware of what exactly Whey Protein is. So, let us start with our new friend- Plant Protein. What really is it and why should you take it?
Plant Protein
- Gluten free and dairy free, Plant Protein has been found to be good for the heart and kidneys
- Plant based Protein Powder is easier to accommodate for your stomach and does not hold risk of any allergy from dairy products or gluten.
- Another good point is that unlike a lot of other Proteins, it does not cause any bloating.
- The best part though is not what it contains but what it lacks-unlike animal based Protein Powders, it does not contain any cholesterol and trans fats.
A complete Protein in itself, it contains all the nine amino acids that the body can not produce on its own and is rich in Arginine which plays a vital role in quick muscle growth.
Let us cast a look at some of the benefits of Plant Protein which all the fitness freaks here should be well aware of. After all we have the right to know about any product before using it, especially if it concerns our body.
- Say A Quick Goodbye To The Extra Weight: Not only does Plant Protein increase your metabolism like other Proteins but it provides an additional boost to the metabolism rate as it is rich in fiber. This fiber takes additional time to digest, thus helping the body burn the extra fat we so much want to get rid of.
- Takes Care Of Your Heart: Research has shown that one benefit which some Plant Proteins enjoy over other Proteins is their ability to lower high blood pressure, thus being a boon to the fitness and body building enthusiasts who are vulnerable to heart disease and have to be very cautious while taking any animal based Proteins.
- Yes! Fats and Slimming Can Go Hand In Hand: Plant based Protein Powder contains some essential fats which cause weight loss. These are not found in Whey Proteins or any other animal-based Protein Powders and are generally known to be present in Coconut containing Plant Protein Powders.
Similar Article: Pea Protein vs Whey Protein: Difference between them
Whey Protein
We barely need to discuss what Whey Protein is but just to reflect the difference between the two in our minds, let us take a glance at what it is.
- Whey Protein is one of the two proteins found in milk and is obtained when milk is coagulated to form cheese. It is considered to be a complete Protein with all the essential nine amino acids present in it.
Whey Protein also has many types. Let us talk about some of them –
- Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC): Whey Protein Concentrate is the least expensive type of Whey Protein available in the market and can be easily flavored. A couple of Whey Proteins you should venture into while searching the right product for yourself are MFF Whey Protein 70 and MFF Whey Protein 80. They outrun a lot of other Whey Proteins in many contexts. MFF Whey Protein 70 is especially for the youngsters who need to manage it from their pocket money.
- Whey Protein Isolate (WPI): It is a more improved version of Whey Protein Concentrate in terms of Protein concentration (which is almost 90%) and less amount of fat and lactose. MFF 100% Whey Protein is an 80:20 ratio blend of Whey Protein Concentrate and Whey Protein Isolate. Unlike other Whey Protein blends, it is rich in WPI as well.
- Whey Protein Hydrolystate (WPH): It has 80-90% Protein. Though the hardest to work with, this is the best type of Whey Protein you can have with 28% more insulin. Sports and medical nutritional product makers prefer this form of Whey Protein Powder.
You can get a deeper insight into the types of Whey Protein and the advantages of the various Whey Protein products offered by My Fit Fuel in our article dedicated entirely to Whey Proteins at: 3 Different Types of Whey Protein.
Difference between Plant Protein and Whey Protein
A brief comparison drawn between Plant Protein and Whey Protein can help you know the differences between the two in a more precise way:
Plant Protein (25 grams) | Whey Protein (25 grams) | |
Calories | 162.5 | 157.4 |
Carbohydrates | 8.8 | 8.7 |
BCAAs | 5.9 | 7.8 |
Protein | 25 | 25 |
Fat | 2.6 | 2.1 |
*The figures might vary slightly with different products.
Now the big question- Do you really have a reason to substitute Plant Protein for Whey Protein Powder?
Analyzing the above table and looking at various expert reviews including those of professional gym trainers and doctors, it can be realized not really until and unless you are a vegan or someone allergic to dairy products and gluten.
A person without the above reasons would not like to cope with the slightly dirt like flavor of Plant Protein and the extra calories in comparison to the yummy smoothies that can be made from Whey Protein. The final call is ofcourse yours!
(I have reduced the description as much as possible. The description of the types itself is just a couple of lines but I need to mention the name of the product for marketing.)