As more people are choosing to follow plant-based diets, the demand for plant-based protein bars has increased significantly. Plant-based protein bars offer a convenient and healthy way to meet daily protein requirements and provide an array of benefits. In this article, we will explore the benefits of consuming plant-based protein bars.
Good for the Environment
As with all plant-based or vegan protein bars, they’ve been proven to be significantly better on our environment. One of the main reasons for this is that animal agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. In fact, according to a study by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, animal agriculture is responsible for up to 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, plant-based diets have been shown to have a much lower environmental impact and are more sustainable in the long term.
Vegan protein bars are typically made from plant-based ingredients such as nuts, seeds, and grains. These ingredients require less resources, such as water and land, to produce than animal-based ingredients. Additionally, many vegan protein bars are made from organic or non-GMO ingredients, which helps to reduce the use of harmful pesticides and other chemicals in agriculture.
Improved digestion
Plant-based protein bars are often high in fiber, which can lead to improved digestion and a range of other health benefits. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that your body cannot digest or absorb, meaning it passes through your digestive system largely intact. This has several important implications for your digestive health.
Consuming fiber can help to regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation. In addition, fiber can help reduce inflammation in the gut and help to feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut, known as probiotics. These bacteria play an important role in maintaining digestive health by helping to break down food and absorb nutrients.
Weight Management
Another benefit of high-fiber protein bars, typically associated with plant-based bars, is that they are a great bar for weight loss. It helps to slow down the digestion of food, which can help to regulate blood sugar levels and prevent spikes in insulin. This can help to reduce cravings for sugary or high-calorie foods, making it easier to stick to a healthy eating plan.
Plant-based protein bars are also generally lower in calories and sugar than traditional snacks, such as chocolate or chips. This makes them a great option for those looking to reduce their calorie intake and lose weight, through eating low-sugar protein bars.
Building and maintaining Muscle Mass
Plant-based protein bars can be an excellent tool for building and maintaining muscle mass. They are typically high in protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair, and can also be a convenient and tasty way to meet your daily protein needs.
Protein is made up of amino acids, which are the building blocks of muscle tissue. Consuming an adequate amount of protein is essential for muscle growth and repair, as well as for maintaining muscle mass over time. Plant-based protein bars are an excellent source of protein, typically containing between 10-20 grams of protein per serving.
Plant-based protein bars can also be a convenient and easy way to meet your protein needs, especially if you have a busy schedule or limited access to healthy food options. They can be taken on-the-go and used as a quick snack or meal replacement.
Healthy Micronutrients
Plant-based protein bars often contain an array of healthy micronutrients that you can benefit from. These bars typically contain a variety of nuts. Nuts contain omega-3s, magnesium, healthy fats and are rich in vitamins. This is particularly beneficial to controlling hormone imbalances, keeping a consistent blood sugar level, heart health and also appetite maintenance.
Fewer harmful additives found in Plant-based Protein Bars
Many traditional protein bars contain a range of additives, such as preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and colors. These additives can have negative health effects, such as causing digestive problems, allergic reactions, and inflammation.
Plant-based protein bars, on the other hand, are often made with simple, whole food ingredients that are minimally processed. For example, many plant-based protein bars are made with nuts, seeds, fruits, and natural sweeteners such as dates or maple syrup. These ingredients are typically less processed and contain fewer harmful additives than animal-based ingredients.
Another benefit of plant-based protein bars is that they are often free from common allergens such as dairy, soy, and gluten. This can be beneficial for those with food allergies or intolerances, who may have limited options when it comes to protein bars.
Same Delicious taste
When reading about the benefits above, you’ll probably be left thinking that surely the taste mustn’t be as good when it comes to plant-based protein. But, this simply isn’t true. They taste just as good as animal-based protein bars. Most even come in a variety of different flavours, many of which are the same flavours of your favourite animal-based protein bars. Definitely another reason to try plant-based protein!
