FEMALE MUSCLE

Plant-based protein consumption was once confined strictly to the vegan population. This is no longer the case. In recent times, we’ve seen a rising trend in the use of plant-based proteins in the athletic population.

It’s no secret that athletes, especially bodybuilders, love their animal protein.

Studies show that the body does tend to retain the nitrogen derived from animal proteins more easily than plant proteins. This means more muscle gains, less muscle loss, and better recovery.

However, one of the conundrums we face is that the body is happiest in a slightly alkaline state with a pH of about 7.4. A diet high in animal protein and other acid-forming foods combined with hard training and normal life stress can lower pH, making the body more acidic. Even lack of sleep can make the body more acidic. This altered pH increases calcium loss, causes muscle loss, and can create an imbalance between anabolic hormones and catabolic hormones. This translates into less muscle and more fat. A more acidic pH is also an environment needed for diseases such as cancer to thrive. You’re mom knew a thing or two when she said eat your veggies!

Additionally, hard training will naturally increase body inflammation. Certain foods such as animal proteins can increase inflammatory markers in the body. Some inflammation is needed for the adaptation process in any exercise program. Too much inflammation can do more than cost you muscle. Inflammation is at the root of many diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s.

So you may now be wondering how adding vegan protein sources can help you.

• Plant-based proteins are more alkaline in nature, which assists the body in maintaining an optimal pH that supports good health and muscle growth and reduces muscle loss.
• Plant-based proteins can help reduce inflammation. This is one of the reasons you see that anti-inflammatory diets have foods from sources such as seeds, nuts, grains, lentils, legumes, fruits and vegetables and not animal sources.
• Plant-based proteins will provide more nutritional impact. Combining plant sources can deliver a complete amino acid profile. I prefer organic, sprouted seed and grain sources more as they are more easily digested and less allergenic than other vegan plant sources. Sprouting provides better absorption of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and antioxidants.
• Vegan proteins contain a higher amount of nonessential acids. These favor glucagon production. Glucagon is produced in the pancreas and has opposing actions to insulin. Glucagon’s action results in less liver IGF-1 activity. When this is combined with the higher fibre content of vegan proteins, we see improved insulin sensitivity. The action of both results in reduced blood lipid levels, weight loss, and a lower cancer risk due to lower circulating IGF-1 levels. Wow!

As hard-training athletes, we need to look at how we can have the best nutrition possible to support intense physical demands and the biological stress of living in the world today. I believe that there is tremendous value to incorporating raw, sprouted plant proteins sources into our diets.

I’m a fan of Iron Vegan Sprouted Protein. This product contains 17 grams of raw plant based protein from five organic, non-GMO sprouted grains and seeds with no artificial flavours, sweeteners, or preservatives. It also boasts the following:
• A complete amino acid profile
• Better absorption
• Better digestion
• Low allergy risk

I’m the first to say that my body likes meat, but I recognize the importance of using plant proteins to round out my nutrition to achieve the best possible results. Maybe it’s time you give it a try!

For another article about the advantages of plant based protein, click here!