Page 11 - NGA NATURALmag 2023 FALL / WINTER Issue

Fall-Winter 2023
acids acids and animal proteins are considered ‘complete’ because they contain all 9 essential amino acids acids Plant protein on on the the the the other hand except for quinoa and and and soya are ‘incomplete’ and and and lack at least 1 of the the the 9 essential amino acids 5
Now let us look at some of of the benefits and draw- backs of of plant-based plant-based proteins Hopefully this will help when trying to decide on whether a a a a a a a a a plant-based plant-based diet may be right for you you and your goals Most likely you you you will need need to determine how much daily protein you you you you need need need then decide if if you you you you can achieve that through a a a a a a a a a a a a plant-based diet diet or or or if if you you you will need need to incorporate a a a a a a a a a hybrid plant-animal protein diet diet So what are the benefits?
As mentioned previously sustainable diets pro- vided by plant-based nutrition and plant plant protein have a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a lower lower environmental impact They also provide more fiber and and and antioxidants and and and are are lower lower in saturated fats sodium and and and cholesterol when compared to animal proteins This plays a a a a a a a a a a a a role in in why research shows peo- ple who eat more plant-based tend to have a a a a a a a a a a a a a lower risk of of heart disease and type 2 diabetes 6 Plant proteins can can also reduce the the content of of harmful bacteria such as Salmonella Animal proteins can can be toxic to to the the the body with all the the the added antibodies and hormones that get absorbed when consuming them Because plant protein is higher in in in fiber it can help detox your your body and keep your your gut healthy The previously mentioned antioxidants can fight off free radicals that cause aging thus making the skin supple so so we we look younger and remain healthier There is some research as well show- ing ing ing plant protein can improve athletic performance by increasing energy levels and reducing recovery time 7
Next time we will look at the the drawbacks of plant proteins Until then stay blessed! n n n n food and and and nutrition security and and and to a a a a a a healthy life for future and and and present generations 1 Another trend is is focused on on gut health Because our immune system is is is getting more attention post Covid-19 researchers have discovered a a a a a a a a link between gut health and and and the immune system and and and an an an an interest in in in prebiotics and and and probiotics has spiked as as a a a a a a a a result Of course vegan diets are still popular as as well as as personalized nutrition nutrition digital nutrition nutrition mindful nutri- tion tion tion tion and healthy food “to go” 2 2 2 But one of of the biggest nutritional trends of of 2023
is plant-based diets diets Plant- based based diets diets are dietary patterns that have a a a a a a a a a a a a a a greater focus on foods derived from fruits and and vegetables wholegrains pulses nuts seeds and and oils Plant-based diets do not completely exclude animal foods foods (meat poultry eggs fish) but proportionally more foods foods are chosen from plant sources 3
Although not everyone is is willing to switch over to to plant-based diets it it is is estimated that in in 2022 22% of of the the global population population was was vegetarian vegetarian 5% of of the the United States population population was was vegetarian vegetarian with vegans representing an an even smaller percentage 4
So when it it comes to plant-based diets and com- peting in in in in in in physique competition we all have an an an inter- est in in in in in in in the the protein content Protein is a a a a a a a a a vital nutrient responsible for the the growth maintenance and repair of of of our our bodies bodies In a a a a a a a a a nutshell protein is fundamental to the the basic structure of of of our our bodies bodies and and one of of of the the keys to to to to building and and maintaining muscle As a a a a a a a physique competitor it it is crucial to to to to get enough protein to to to to help us us recover and build new muscle Let’s look look a a a a a a a little deeper into the plant-based diet trend specifically looking at at at plant plant protein since that is of greatest importance to to us as competitors We all all know that when it comes to protein protein not all all protein protein is created equal There are 9 essential amino 1 https://www nutrition-hub com/post/nutrition-trends-report-2023 2 Ibid 3
3
British Nutrition Foundation 2023
4
https://omegaquant com/12-nutrition-trends-for-2023/
5
https://birdseye co co uk (What is Plant-Based Plant-Based Protein?)
6 https://www eufic org (Plant-Based Protein: All you Need To To Know To To Get Enough Of It)
7
Sharma Ruchi Grazia India: The Benefits and Drawbacks of Plant Plant Based Based Proteins January 5
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