Why are protein powders so good?

[Sandals]

Why, if our bodies do not actually need a whole lot of protein (or so I believe from my readings) do lots of vegans take protein powder? What is the reason for it?

[MysticTree]

Why, if our bodies do not actually need a whole lot of protein (or so I believe from my readings) do lots of vegans take protein powder? What is the reason for it?

No idea. I don't and many if not most here don't. Who says that many do?

[Revvell]

Why, if our bodies do not actually need a whole lot of protein (or so I believe from my readings) do lots of vegans take protein powder? What is the reason for it?

They buy into the propaganda. I don't use them.

[Sandals]

No idea. I don't and many if not most here don't. Who says that many do?

Well I recently visited a health institute and I was amazed at how many people bought it. I haven't used it myself but wanted to find the benefits before trying. I wonder why body builders use it if they get their protein from meat. Just curious is all.

[MysticTree]

Well I recently visited a health institute and I was amazed at how many people bought it. I haven't used it myself but wanted to find the benefits before trying. I wonder why body builders use it if they get their protein from meat. Just curious is all.

Like Revv says, they buy into the idea. Doesn't make it a right idea! I can't see why anyone would need to take a protein powder. We are not short on protein and powders are not natural whole foods.

[Revvell]

I wonder why body builders use it if they get their protein from meat. Just curious is all.

... because they don't. If they could really assimilate the protein from meat, then they wouldn't need or use powders. In actuality, if they'd eat more raw ~ i.e., more amino acids ~ then they'd get more assimilable protein.

[speltrong]

I know someone who is not a vegan, but uses vegan protein powders. He's a body builder and he strongly feels that the protein powder actually does help him bulk up to not normal proportions. I also know someone who has had gastric bypass surgery, and their doctors require them to take protein powder (but then at that point, you've messed with the plumbing in your body, so all bets are off as to what your body can or cannot absorb). But really, I lump protein powders in with supplements and all those other ridiculously expensive superfood caplets, etc. You're spending a bunch of money to effectively flush it down the toilet.

[Sandals]

Thanks for your replies.

I've been lead to believe that we don't actually need that much protein and was just wondering why people take it in addition to meat. Seems like a protein overload to me.

Thanks for the info.

[MysticTree]

Seems like a protein overload to me.



yup!

but also meat is not apparently a good way to get protein anyway. Cooking damages it so a lot is unusable and then it must be broken down into amino acids and then built up into usable proteins for the human body. Better to get it all as amino acids and cut out the middle man.

[Traceyraw]

Grains N Greens thats how I get my protein. I have my blood work checked protein is always normal. Since raw is my life Im trying not to eat processed foods. The powders seem a little too processed for me. There are raw vegan powders on the market if you need it.

[HeatherAnne]

I am bit underweight and for the same reasons many times I feel like trying protein powders but scared of its side effects.

I personally do not believe you have anything to be scared of - with raw vegan protein powders. I've enjoyed adding Sunwarrior or Garden of Life's raw protein powders to my green smoothies, after workouts - they make me feel great, more energy and speed recovery - also make me feel fuller longer. These are the best raw vegan I've found so far - http://www.sunwarrior.com/store/protein-raw-vegan-natural.html and http://www.iherb.com/Garden-of-Life-RAW-Protein-Beyond-Organic-Protein-Formula-22-oz-622-g/22343?at=1

[Raw Angel Mom]

Cook food, junk food and all chemical taste good too, at least this is what our brain think.

You can get a raw protein powder. I would use this only to help to transition to raw food. You will find what you need in leafy greens, vegetable, fruits, nut and seed. Spirulina has a very high contain of protein.
Sprouted legumes is great for protein (mung bean, chick peas, lentils). Sprouted wheat, buckwheat, quinoa etc.... also.

I don't supplement anymore, i don't say never, i just don't feel the need at this time.

All the best

[Papa2X]

I am bit underweight and for the same reasons many times I feel like trying protein powders but scared of its side effects.

What side effects? I don't use much, but I do take some in my green smoothies.... 1/3rd of 1 portion, per day. Before starting my raw program, I used a TON of it because being diabetic it was a nice way to feel full without sugary carbs. At this moment, I am still afraid of the fruits because I am diabetic. Though I try to sip my smoothies and not take in too many carbs at once.