Challenge two in our product comparison series, is between two plant-based protein heavyweights. These contenders are Applied Nutrition’s Vegan-Pro and Reflex’ Vegan Protein.
These two sources of protein are great for those on a vegan diet or vegetarian diet, wishing to find meat substitutes. Whilst meat may be a great source of protein, vegan protein is still protein rich. Although they help vegans and vegetarians, anyone can enjoy these plant proteins in their diet.
This article shows the benefits of consuming vegan protein. It also gives a comparison of two of the finest vegan proteins that help you reach your goals.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CONSUMING VEGAN PROTEIN POWDER?
There’s a reason why considerable amounts of athletes across many different sports are consuming more plant-based foods. Here are three primary reasons why supplementing with vegan protein powders are highly beneficial for you.
Reduce Inflammation
Certain types of animal protein products have been shown to cause swelling and inflammation in muscles and joints. This is the case in individuals who consume high volumes of dairy proteins. These may increase recovery time, causing your workouts to suffer as a result. Vegan protein sources have been shown to reduce this inflammation.
Many vegan protein powders offer anti inflammation properties. These may help improve joint mobility and has been shown to minimize joint problems. Many vegan proteins contain added properties that fight this. For instance, you can find plant-based protein powders with turmeric, cinnamon, green blends and other recovery properties.
Increase Recovery
Most plant proteins provide a higher rate of nutrient absorption compared to animal proteins. These more natural and digestible forms of plant-protein can increase the rate of recovery after exercise.
Plant-based proteins also tend to be lower in saturated fats and cholesterol, compared to proteins from milk, such as whey. This can therefore improve your heart health. A healthier heart also leads to faster recovery times.
Improve Digestion
Many plant protein foods can improve digestion within our bodies. This is because of the amount of fibre they contain to their animal product counterparts which contain minimal amounts. It is even more evident in certain legumes and seed- based proteins such as lentils, hemp seeds, chia seeds and peas. These contain a lot of fibre, all of which help digestion in your bodies.
Some animal proteins like whey can cause bloating and digestive issues in some individuals. Vegan proteins tend to digest easier and promote good processes within the body. This good digestion is ideal for all athletes as it helps you train better, so plant proteins are ideal. It is hard to train well when experiencing bad digestion.
By using the right combination of plant proteins, you can have all the same benefits as animal proteins, and more.
LET’S LOOK AT OUR CONTENDERS:
Applied Nutrition Vegan-Pro
The challenge commences with Applied Nutrition’s plant based protein. It is a high-quality protein powder containing a blend of Soya, Pea, Brown Rice & Hemp.
These help to increase your overall daily protein intake. It is a complete protein, containing the full range of your essential amino acids you need. These are the building blocks for muscle growth and repair. It has a high protein content, packing a hefty 24g of protein per serving.
It is a big contender in the vegan protein world and is a force to be reckoned with.
Reflex Vegan Protein
It’s close competitor follows with Reflex’s plant based protein. This plant food is made from pea protein and contains 18g protein per serving. It also contains LactoSpore, a friendly bacteria and digestive enzymes that aids nutrient absorption in your body.
It’s free from artificial sweeteners and sugars, is gluten free and free from soya, chemicals and GMO’s. It gives Applied nutrition’s Vegan-Pro a serious run for it’s money.
THEY BOTH LOOK GOOD, BUT HOW DO THEY COMPARE INDIVIDUALLY?
Calories
Calories are an important aspect of any person’s diet. Consume more than your body uses, you’ll gain weight, eat less calories than your body needs, then you’ll lose weight. Therefore, it’s important to know how much you are consuming to achieve your goals, whether that be weight gain or weight loss.
The Applied Nutrition’s Vegan Pro protein powder contains 108 calories per 30 gram serving.
Reflex’s Vegan protein contains slightly less calories at 92 per serving. However, the serving size is 5 grams less than that of Applied Nutrition and works out at 110 calories when the same serving size of 30 grams.
The Applied Nutrition’s Vegan Pro powder therefore has less calories than Reflex’s Vegan Protein. However, this is only by 2 calories, therefore the difference between the two is minimal.
Protein
Protein is the building block of everything in the body and especially important to building new muscle in the gym. If you fail to get enough protein it will be more difficult for your body to build more muscle in your body as there will be less protein synthesis. This is where vegan protein powders are a good source of protein as they can provide a large proportion of your daily requirements in one sitting.
The Applied Nutrition’s Vegan Pro gives a whopping 24g of protein per 30g serving, this comes from a combination of Soya, Pea, Brown Rice & Hemp Protein to deliver a premium powder. This is also a complete protein source as the combination of different plant proteins fives the required amino acid profile your body needs.
Reflex’s Vegan Protein on the other hand gives 18g of protein per 25g serving, which works out at 22.8g of protein per 30g serving. This protein comes from peas only, so does not have the same amino acid profile Applied Nutrition’s protein powder has. However, pea protein is a powerful protein source and when included in your diet with other plant foods can still build muscle.
Applied Nutrition’s Vegan Protein therefore has a slighter larger quantity of protein per serving but once again has a very similar amount to Reflex’s protein powder so does not vary greatly.
Nutritional Content
The nutritional content of the protein powders is important as they may help to achieve your goals better and achieve a balanced diet. Some proteins may contain different ingredients and will therefore change the nutritional content of one protein powder to another.
The Applied Nutrition’s Vegan Pro contains very little amounts of Fat, Saturated Fat, Carbohydrates and Sugars. This therefore makes it a very useful product to include into your diet as it massively boosts your protein intake without impacting on your other macros.
As stated previously, it also contains all 9 essential amino acids needed for muscle growth and due to the variety of ingredients also contains more vitamins and minerals from the different protein sources. Furthermore, due to the hemp protein included, the protein will also include some omega-3 fatty acids that is also needed by your body for good health.
Reflex’s Vegan Protein has a very slight increase in fat and saturated fat but this is still very low and also has a low carbohydrate and sugar nutritional value like Applied Nutrition’s. However, it does not contain the same levels of vitamins and minerals Applied Nutrition’s vegan protein will contain. However, where this product gains an advantage is through the added digestive enzymes that make helps the body digest the protein which Applied Nutrition’s vegan protein does not have.
Price
Price is an important aspect of any purchasing decision so it is important to compare. Both products are 2.1kg in size and it is therefore easy to compare the price.
Applied Nutrition’s Vegan Pro is currently retailing for £24.99 as of 29/01/2020, creating a serving cost of 35p.
Reflex’s Vegan Protein is currently retailing for £26.95 as of 29/01/2020 and has a serving cost of 32p
Applied Nutrition’s Vegan Protein therefore has a cheaper overall cost but Reflex’s Vegan Protein has a cheaper cost per serving but this is because the serving sizes are 5g smaller.
SO WHICH ONE SHOULD I BUY?
The Applied Nutrition’s Vegan Pro is clearly dominant in most areas and could be argued to be a better overall product to reach your fitness goals. However, Reflex’s Vegan Protein is a close competitor with elements Applied Nutrition does not have. Both are extremely good proteins and will help achieve your goals.
Want to purchase them now?
Applied Nutrition’s Vegan Pro can be bought here
Reflex’s Vegan Protein can be bought here
