Plant Protein for Longevity

By Dr. Paul Moon DDS, IMD, DHS, DNM

When it comes to protein, vegans have it right. Plant proteins provide complete amino acid profiles for optimal muscle growth and recovery. While athletes may need substantial amounts of protein to support their active lifestyles, we all need nutritious protein sources for good health.

How Protein is Vital for Health

• Increased energy and productivity
• Muscle growth and recovery
• Improved metabolism
• Reduced food cravings
• Necessary for healthy immunity

Plant Foods Make for a Longer Life

Multiple large scale studies show that vegetarians and vegans have longer lifespans. This is believed to be due to the consumption of antioxidant-rich alkalizing plants, and the avoidance of pro-inflammatory meats.

Eating more organic fruits and veggies is essential; however one often overlooked element is to make sure to get your protein from plant sources.

For total protein support, look for organic superfoods that are rich in complete proteins. I prefer a blend that includes the following superfoods:

• Pea (always pick organic to avoid pesticides)
• Fermented Rice (the fermentation optimizes absorption)
• Hemp (also rich in hard-to-find GLA, an essential omega-6)
• Quinoa sprout (choose sprouted for optimal nutrition)
• Amaranth sprout (this ancient grain is protein-rich)
• Millet sprout (another gluten-free grain packed with nutrients)
• Sacha Inchi (these seeds are full of essential omegas)
• Chia Seed (packed with protein and heart-healthy omegas)
• Flax Seed (renowned for how it supports healthy cholesterol)

What to Avoid in a Protein Powder

When proteins are sourced from plant superfoods, you also avoid many of the allergenic ingredients that trigger inflammation throughout the body, wreaking havoc on health.

Specifically, three of the problematic ingredients often found in protein powders are NOT in my preferred protein:

Gluten

This is particularly troublesome for those suffering from Celiac disease; however increasing numbers of people can trace digestive discomfort to gluten intolerance or sensitivity.

Soy

While a plant, soy is a problem for many reasons. It is estrogenic, meaning that it mimics hormones in the body, and an estimated 97% of the soy grown in the US is GMO. This means it has been genetically modified to survive being sprayed with the toxic weed killer glyphosate.

These toxic residues end up in the food supply, and research suggests glyphosate may be linked to fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome.

Whey

Just say no to whey! This dairy protein isolate is a by-product of cheese production and supports factory farms that use confined feeding lots.

Another issue with whey is that as much as 65% of the population is intolerant to the lactose found in dairy products. This can lead to bloating, gas and digestive discomfort.

Why I recommend Organic Super Protein

Whether you are allergic or sensitive to gluten or dairy, or you're simply looking for a healthy, plant-based protein powder, my pick is Organic Super Protein.

18g of Clean, Complete Protein

With protein sourced from plant superfoods, Organic Super Protein comes with all nine essential amino acids (the ones you must get from your diet).

These organic superfoods are also full of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) which are leucine, isoleucine, and valine.

Studies have shown a diet rich in BCAAs can help keep your body in a muscle building state throughout the day, decrease belly fat, keep you full longer between meals, energize your workouts, and much more.

Organic Omegas

Organic chia seed, organic flax seed and organic sacha inchi provide optimal amounts of the essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 in a healthy ratio.

Hemp is also one of the few sources of the hard-to-get gamma linolenic acid (GLA), another important source of omega-6 EFAs.

Energizing MCTs

Inside you'll also find organic coconut oil, a source of MCTs. These medium-chain triglycerides are largely missing from the diets of people eating standard Western diets.

However, MCTs are gaining renown in the health and fitness world because they can help to:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Reduce stored body fat
• Improve energy levels
• Support healthy digestion

MCTs don't need bile salts to be digested and can pass directly from the digestive system to the bloodstream. Therefore, MCTs are often a good choice for those who struggle with digestive problems, fat absorption or lack a gallbladder.

All Good, No Bad

Protein powders can be difficult to digest (especially whey) but Organic Super Protein comes with plant proteins that are easily absorbed, and also provides extra digestive enzymes so there's no digestive discomfort.

This formula stands out for being USDA organic, vegan, and full of superfoods. It's also notable for what's NOT inside: no GMOs, no dairy, no soy, no gluten, no added sugar, no artificial colors, no artificial sweeteners and no toxic additives. When it comes to your health, your body deserves the best nature has to offer.

Paul Moon, DDS, IMD, DHS, DNM Dr. Paul Moon is a leading voice in the natural healing movement, combining clinical experience with compassionate care that looks at the whole person. Dr. Moon's qualifications include Doctor of Natural Medicine (DNM), and Doctor of Dentistry (DDS). He is also board certified as an Integrative Medicine Doctor (IMD).

*This information is intended for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.