Plant-Based Protein Guide
What the heck is plant-based, and why is it so important for our bodies and our planet?
The Power of Plant-Based Nutrition
Plant-based diets can provide all the nutrients needed for a healthy, balanced life. With ingredients like pea protein, it’s possible to thrive on plant-based foods that support overall well-being.
In fact, plant proteins have played an important role in human diets for thousands of years, offering a sustainable, nutritious alternative to animal proteins.
What does “plant-based” even mean?
It’s exactly like it sounds — plant-based eating involves eating foods that are primarily sourced from plants.
Generally, plant-based products use ingredients from fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, whole grains, and seeds. The latest dietary guidelines recommend consuming 2.5 cups of legumes per week, highlighting their importance in a healthy, balanced diet. Adopting a plant-based lifestyle can unlock a variety of health benefits while contributing to a more sustainable food supply chain.
Protein isolates vs. protein concentrates
Our proteins are isolates (80% protein purity) made using a solvent-free process.
Our protein has a neutral flavor, making it easy for food manufacturers to create delicious plant-based foods.
How much protein can plants really provide?
Plant-based protein is just as valuable as animal-based protein, meaning you won't need additional protein in your diet if you eat the right plant-based products.
Plant-based
consumers 101
Curious what sets different plant-focused diets apart?
Let’s take a closer look.
Vegan diets eliminate all animal-based foods, including meat/poultry, fish, dairy, and eggs. They also don’t consume food products that are in any way derived from animals, such as honey.
On the other hand, plant-based diets typically allow more flexibility. Those who choose a plant-based diet do not consume dairy or meat, but they may allow themselves to consume other products derived from animals.
The positive side effects of plant-based products
Compared to animal products, eating a plant-based diet tends to be:
- Higher in fiber
- Lower in saturated fat
- Lower in sodium
- Lower in cholesterol
- More ethical (not associated with animal cruelty)
- Better for the environment from a manufacturing standpoint
People who consume plant-based diets are associated with lower risks of:
- High blood pressure
- High serum cholesterol
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
Remember, a plant-based diet:
- Needs to be part of a varied, whole-food diet that incorporates all essential micronutrients (Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3, Omega-3 fatty acids, iron, calcium, and zinc)
- Can be harder to follow. (But we think that’ll improve as more manufacturers learn about the power of PURIS peas!)
Snapshot:
plant-based
products
Plant-based protein milk is an ideal way to reduce dependence on animal-based products. It is excellent for those with lactose intolerance, although those who can consume lactose may still prefer plant-based milk. Many people find plant-based protein milk to have a richer flavor than cow’s milk. Additionally, no antibiotics are used in plant-based protein milk production as may be needed in dairy operations.
PURIS uses pea protein in its plant-based milk formulation. Pea protein is an ideal alternative to soy protein as many of the soybeans planted in the United States are genetically modified. According to the Food and Drug Administration, roughly 94% of the soybeans grown in 2018 were genetically modified. It is also important to note that soybeans have been listed as a top 9 allergen.
