Sports Supplements For Vegetarians
Sports supplements are some of the many products undergoing a shift in identity as our global perspective of wellness changes. A decade ago, being health-conscious may have meant being aware of certain food additives and doing a lot of isolated exercises at the gym. Today, however, wellness experts are recommending a more holistic approach to health. People want to feel good in every part of their lives, being conscious not just in terms of diet and exercise but also purchasing choices and personal environmental impact.
It should not be surprising then that veganism and vegetarianism have become very much a part of the mainstream in a relatively short space of time - especially within the fitness community. This is simply an effect of the nexus between ethical consumption, a holistic approach to wellness and growing environmental concerns.
With this broad approach to health, wellness and fitness becoming more prominent within the exercise community, there was one industry that needed a face-lift if it wanted to stay relevant: sports supplements. And this wasn’t just a matter of branding. Of course the growing number of women, vegetarians and elderly people at the gym were put off by the ultra-masculine branding on products like whey protein, but they were also reluctant to consume huge amounts of a sweetened animal product.
For smart companies, this was an opportunity. They could take advantage of this new holistic approach and begin researching ways in which plant-based products could find a use outside of the confines of the conventional gym.
So, what are these products? How do they work? Let’s take a look:
- Creatine
Creatine is not only the most affordable supplement on the market, but also the most well researched. Creatine is produced by humans in small amounts but can be consumed as creatine monohydrate in doses as small as 5md per day. Creatine monohydrate is a odourless, flavorless powder that’s easy to include in a smoothie. It helps with muscle recovery and activities that require explosive powder (think compound exercises like pull ups).
- Pea Protein
Apart from being more affordable than whey protein so you won’t have to spend your Grand Rush wins, pea protein often comes in unsweetened varieties meaning you get the full benefit of high protein consumption without a huge increase in sugar intake. As with creatine monohydrate, pea protein can be easily mixed into a smoothie with fruit to act as a natural sweetener. Protein is what your body needs to build muscles, and if you’re on a vegetarian or vegan diet, this should be an essential part of your regular intake, especially if you’re regularly partaking in intense exercise.
- Vegan Beta-Alanine
Beta-alanine is another very beneficial supplement that’s especially important for any endurance-based exercise like swimming, running or hiit. It used to be formulated from animal products but in recent years increased demand has seen an increase in vegan and vegetarian options. Beta-alanine works by increasing the levels of carnosine in your muscles.
Carnosine is what regulates the build-up of lactic acid that leads to muscle cramps. By increasing the levels of carnosine in your muscles you delay exhaustion and can push harder in your workout sessions.
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