If you’ve thought about taking a protein shake anytime recently, then you’ve no doubt heard about plant-based proteins. Over the last decade, plant-based proteins have become extremely popular. In fact, there are so many different choices that it can be confusing for many. So why consider almond protein powder rather than rice protein or pea protein? In this article we breakdown five key areas where almond protein stands out from the others.
Almond Protein Powder – Great Taste and Texture
Protein supplements are a lot like exercise; you’re more likely to do it if you enjoy it! That’s why taste and texture are really important. The problem is that there are so many different types of protein shakes, it can be difficult to find one that tastes really great. We took a look at the top listings on Amazon.com and found that the overall feedback about taste for various different almond protein powders was really good. In fact, many of the people who had reviewed almond protein shakes had tried other vegan proteins and commented that the almond powders didn’t have the bitterness or chalky texture that is often experienced with pea and rice protein powders.
Amino Acid Profile of Almond Protein
When it comes to measuring a protein shakes potency, most people focus on how many grams of protein there are in each serving. While this is important, there is another factor that some believe is even more important. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. Sort of like different instruments that make up an orchestra. Each instrument brings its individual sounds but you really get the best music when they are all playing together. Similarly, the various different amino acids within each protein all come together to create a complete protein that offers lots of benefits. That’s why those amino acids are important. There are twenty different amino acids and each type of protein has a different mix of aminos. This is called an “amino acid profile”. While almond protein may provide lower grams of protein per serving, it has some interesting benefits when it comes to its amino acid profile. Almond protein is particularly high in two amino acids that are important for health and overall recovery. They are glutamine and arginine.
Curbing Hunger With Almond Protein Powder
Some foods digest more quickly than others. That rate of digestion can affect our appetite. Foods that digest quickly, such as starches (rice and potatoes), often leave a person hungry again in a short period of time. The problem with that is that you don’t stay feeling full for very long and so you could potentially consume more food. Proteins that take longer to break down and digest often provide a natural effect of curbing hunger. Almond is one such protein. It’s also relatively high in healthy fats and fiber and these are nutrients that also send signal to the brain that you are full.
Almond Protein Powder is High In Key Minerals
Protein shakes can be expensive, so you want to get as much nutritional benefit as possible for your money. Unlike highly processed proteins like whey, almond protein comes from a natural food source, so it contains more than just protein. Almonds (and almond protein shakes) are generally a great source of key minerals like calcium and phosphorus which are very important for bone health and central nervous system function. It’s also high in key electrolytes like potassium and magnesium. In fact, one cup of whole almonds has more potassium than two medium size bananas. Nice bonus!
Almond Oil – A Healthy Source of Fats
One thing that people notice as they examine the nutritional label of almond protein powder is that the grams of dietary fat are typically higher than what you would find in other protein powders. Don’t let that scare you off! The natural oils in almonds are well known for being used topically to nourish hair and skin but there are dietary benefits of consuming those fats as well. Most of the fats in almonds are monosaturated. Monosaturated fats are known to be beneficial for lowering bad LDL cholesterol levels. Almond oils also contain small amounts of omega 3 fatty acids. A recent study published online in the Journal of the American Heart Association demonstrated an interesting impact on cholesterol. In the study participants substituted a small snack serving of almonds for a snack high in carbohydrates. This resulted in a reduction in LDL and overall cholesterol.
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