This review looks at a vegan protein powder, more specifically the Go Good Vegan Pea Protein Powder.

Protein shakes are a great way to add to your daily intake of calories, and add just what you need. There is no need to overdo it on the protein, but sometimes we may find ourselves needing a little extra, especially on days where we may have trained a lot harder than usual for instance. 

“As luck would have it, we lived in a country with a reputation for producing some of the cleanest, highest quality protein powders – New Zealand. We got to work. By deliberately choosing real, organic fruits and superfoods to complement our blends, we created a purity and authenticity like never before, with a nutritional upside to boost.”

“Our pure proteins were like a breath of fresh air in an industry not known for its transparency. We had real, raw ingredients with nothing nasty added. The nutritional profile was impressive and they tasted great. We then applied our passion for purity to the packaging – insisting on designs that were sustainable, plastic-free and awesome looking!”

I have tried many flavored plant based protein powders, and have found it difficult finding ones that actually taste good and have no awful aftertaste or pea taste. After many years of using unflavored raw pea protein, which I add to smoothies, I decided to venture out and try some new ones, like the Youthful Living Vegan Keto shake.

I used the Go Good (SA) Vegan protein and I am quite happy with its taste and nutritional profile. Lets take a deeper look at it.

“Go Good plant protein is sourced from world leading European Golden Peas. A superior source of essential amino acids paired with hypo-allergenic properties (low allergen). Go Good plant protein delivers a nutritionally complete, tummy friendly delight your body can easily metabolise for improved and sustained health benefits.”

Flavors and Sizes

The protein powder is available in 500 grams or 1 Kg and comes in 2 flavours, Organic Chocolate, Organic Vanilla and Organic Coffee. I tried the Chocolate.

“Made with world leading European golden pea protein and fortified with real, organic cacao to flavour. Go Good organic chocolate plant protein is a nutritionally complete and delicious tasting protein source.”

Mixes

The protein powder is quite fine, and mixes well with no lumps or bubbles at all. It mixed well with both water and Macadamia/Oat milk, and mixes very well in a blender when added to a smoothie.

Taste

In terms of the taste, I do like it. I prefer it in smoothies rather than on its own, but I am leaning this way with most protein powders nowadays. It does have a slight pea or after taste but it is not too bad when compared to other brands. 

I personally like to add some extra cacao powder to mine or add it as part of a smoothie with some banana and dates!

Protein content

This is the part that I was most concerned with, the PROTEIN and nutritional values.

It has a relatively decent nutritional profile, carrying about 76.1 grams of protein per 100 grams of powder.
Per serving (1 heaped scoop = 30 grams) it comes down to 22.8 grams of protein, which may not sound like a lot but is more than sufficient for one serving.

Extra Nutritional values

The extra nutritional values are just as important as the protein content.

The carbohydrate content is just about 2.8 grams per 100 grams while the fat content is at 2.3 grams per 100 grams.

It has no added artificial sweeteners, but has a few extra ‘green’ ingredients to enhance the nutritional profile of the powder. The low Carbohydrate profile is really great for someone who just needs the protein.

INGREDIENTS

Pea Protein Isolate, Natural Chocolate Flavour, Organic Cacao Powder, Cocoa, Natural Sweetener (Thaumatin).

Ingredient Highlights:

• European Golden Pea
• High protein profile
• Dairy, gluten, soy and GMO Free
• Hormone and chemical free
• Low carbs and sugar
• Vegan friendly
• Low allergen
• Absolutely nothing artificial

Affordability

The 500 gram (16 servings) tub costs ZAR 429 giving you  servings per tub, that’s just over ZAR 26 per shake. The 1Kg tub costs R700. It is a bit more expensive than other local brands as it is imported from New Zealand.

Final Thoughts

I really do like this vegan powder powder. It ticks a lot of boxes for me, in terms of the following:

• Decent taste.
• Easy to mix in both smoothies and on its own.
• More environmentally friendly, being plant based and due to the great non plastic packaging.

If you are looking for a great tasting vegan protein shake, be sure to give this protein powder a try! And if you know if other great tasting vegan protein shakes please do let me know!

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This review looks at a vegan protein powder, more specifically the My Wellness Vegan protein powder.

Protein shakes are a great way to add to your daily intake of calories, and add just what you need. There is no need to overdo it on the protein, but sometimes we may find ourselves needing a little extra, especially on days where we may have trained a lot harder than usual for instance. 

“My Wellness Vegan Protein is suitable for vegans and vegetarians alike. The combination of hemp and pea protein powder provides a rich source of essential and non-essential amino acids that are highly bioavailable and easily digestible. The amino acid profile is comparable to the best animal protein sources containing high levels of L-Isoleucine, L-valine, L-arginine and lysine, which are beneficial after a strenuous workout. The protein used in this product are hypo-allergenic and created using low temperature natural processes without the use of chemicals.”

• 100% Vegan, Free From Animal By-Products
• Clean Protein, NO artificial flavours sweeteners or colourants
• Superfood Enhanced with Baobab and Wheat Grass
• 20g Protein

I have tried many flavored plant based protein powders, and have found it difficult finding ones that actually taste good and have no awful aftertaste or pea taste. After many years of using unflavored raw pea protein, which I add to smoothies, I decided to venture out and try some new ones, like the Youthful Living Vegan Keto shake.

I bought the My Wellness Super Vegan protein and I am quite happy with its taste and its superior nutritional profile. Lets take a deeper look at it.

Flavors and Sizes

The protein powder is available in 900 grams and comes in 4 flavours, Chocolate, Creamy Indian Chai, Vanilla Bean and unflavored. I tried the Chocolate.

Mixes

The protein powder is quite fine, and mixes well with no lumps or bubbles at all. It mixed well with both water and Almond/Oat milk, and mixes very well in a blender when added to a smoothie.

Taste

In terms of the taste, I do like it. There is no after taste, or for example, with some pea protein powders, I could still sense a ‘pea’ taste within the added flavour. I also like the fact that it is sweetened with stevia, and for me I like that it is not really that sweet at all. One aspect of the taste that may not sit well with some people, is that it does have a slight ‘green’ or ‘grassy’ taste. I know that may sound weird, but think of it like having a power green smoothie. It has this taste due to the wheatgrass powder I imagine.

I personally like to add some cacao powder to mine or add it as part of a smoothie with some banana and dates!

Protein content

This is the part that I was most concerned with, the PROTEIN and nutritional values.

It has a relatively decent nutritional profile, carrying about 66.6 grams of protein per 100 grams of powder.
Per serving (1 heaped scoop = 30 grams) it comes down to 20 grams of protein, which may not sound like a lot but is more than sufficient for one serving.

Extra Nutritional values

The extra nutritional values are just as important as the protein content.

The carbohydrate content is just about 18.3 grams per 100 grams while the fat content is at 4.33 grams per 100 grams.

It has no added artificial sweeteners, but has a few extra ‘green’ ingredients to enhance the nutritional profile of the powder.

SUPERFOOD FACTS

• BAOBAB: is the fruit of Africa’s ‘Tree of Life’.
  It is also almost 50% fibre (two thirds soluble and one third insoluble, making it a powerful prebiotic) and contains more antioxidants than any other whole fruit.
• WHEATGRASS: Contains minerals known to man and vitamins A, B complex, C, E, K. It is extremely rich in protein and contains 17 amino acids, the building blocks of protein. Wheatgrass contains up to 70% chlorophyll, which is an important blood builder.

INGREDIENTS

Yellow pea protein, hemp seed protein, organic cacao powder (in chocolate variant only), creamy indian chai blend: nutmeg powder, cinnamon powder, MCT oil, cloves powder (in chai variant only)  organic baobab powder, wheatgrass  powder.

Affordability

The 900 gram tub costs ZAR 310 giving you 30 servings per tub, that’s just over ZAR 10 per shake!

Final Thoughts

I really do like this vegan powder powder. It ticks a lot of boxes for me, in terms of the following:

• Decent taste.
• Easy to mix.
• More environmentally friendly, being plant based.

If you are looking for a great tasting vegan protein shake, be sure to give this protein powder a try! And if you know if other great tasting vegan protein shakes please do let me know!

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Athletes who train regularly for hours on end have special nutritional requirements over the average person, in which protein is probably at the top of the list to keep muscle and strength at its highest. Protein is the cornerstone of bodybuilding because it helps your body repair the damaged muscle tissues and prevents muscle breakdown. While vegan athletes can get protein in their diet from many different sources such as tofu, almonds, whole grains, vegetables, lentils, chickpeas, and peanuts, sometimes you need more convenient and easier sources just to bump up the intake.

The best protein for vegan athletes an be found in many forms. Protein can be found in many foods but as supplements it can help bridge the gap making it easier and more convenient to get in those calories and fuel your body for optimal performance. Here are some of the top protein sources you can try as a vegan athlete.

Why should athletes buy protein supplements?

The number one reason to buy supplements is to give your body the required amount of protein, which natural food items may not do or we may just not have the means to get enough in with our schedules. You can get this essential nutrient from food items like beans, lentils, chick peas, tofu, quinoa, pulses, oats, chia seeds, and brown rice. Supplements help you meet any gaps and do so effectively and conveniently. The specific amount of protein varies between athletes, depending on factors like body size, hours of training, and body composition. 

Plant-based protein sources are the best option because they help you build muscles, enhance recovery between sessions, maintain a healthy heart, and keep your cardiovascular health in good condition.

Vegan protein powder 

There are various plant based protein powders, which contain purely plant products like watermelon seeds, brown rice, hemp seeds, green or yellow peas, and soy-isolate. Some have a combination of these substances. Below are some subtypes you can choose from.

Pure rice protein 

Rice protein is an excellent alternative to whey protein and provide the same results, made from rice. These usually contain substances like natural flavors, organic vanilla flavor, guar gum, and syrup solids.

Yellow pea protein

Pea protein is a high-quality plant-based supplement that fulfills your nutritional requirements. Extracted from yellow peas, they are nutritious and contain high protein and essential amino acids like valine, lysine, and leucine.

You can use it for smoothies and shakes. Many vegan athletes prefer this product because it is hypoallergenic and carries a low chance of causing allergic reactions. If you’re on a low-carb diet, this is ideal for you as it has +-0 grams of carbohydrates.

Besides supplying your body with the essential nutrients it requires, this protein powder also helps you increase muscle mass if you work out regularly. A study conducted to determine its efficiency found that pea protein powder builds mass at the same rate as dairy-based protein powders.

Organic hemp

Hemp protein is extracted from the cannabis plant by cold-pressing hemp seeds. Unlike other marijuana products, it does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive effects. Besides protein, it has 22 essential amino acids that repair muscles and improve cognition. You must choose these while looking to lose weight and looking for low-fat products. Unlike animal proteins, it doesn’t contain cholesterol or saturated fats.

What flavors are available?

Nowadays there are many different flavors to choose from, like banana, vanilla, dark chocolate, red velvet cake, or strawberry. If you like your drink flavorless, you can choose an unflavored product and mix it in with smoothies to create your own flavours.

Protein Bars

Protein bars are an alternative to powders and are suitable when you need a quick boost. You will find these extremely helpful when you cannot mix shakes or for when you just feel like a more filling option or as a little treat. 

Each bar usually contains about 21 grams of protein and can come in various delicious flavours such as dark chocolate, chocolate chips, coconut almond butter, peanut butter, and fudge brownie. They contain ingredients like organic almond butter, brown rice syrup, organic protein blend, walnuts, sunflower seeds, coconut sugar, and cinnamon. Be careful though as many do also contain excess ingredients that may not be organic nd could potentially be harmful to you. Be sure to read the ingredient list.

Pre-mixed shakes

Pre-mixed shakes are another option you can choose from as an athlete on a plant-based diet. They are easy to use, convenient, and easily digestible. You can choose from various flavors, including vanilla, dark chocolate, and classic chocolate. Most of the shakes contain about 20 grams of protein. Before buying a shake for yourself, you should read the ingredients and nutritional information on the label to check the calorie content as some may use coconut milk, which may be higher in calories.

The shakes contain ingredients like pea protein, pumpkin seeds, water, sunflower oil, cocoa powder, pink salt, guar gum, and greens. 

Things to check before buying

You should read the labels carefully to confirm whether the product contains ingredients derived from animals like collagen or gelatin. Has the manufacturer mentioned the ingredients and amount per serving? 

Ensuring your nutrition is on point and your protein requirements are met will help to improve athletic performance, help repair muscle , enable faster recovery, repair tissues, and strengthen your immune system. When you combine these with a good diet and workout regiment, you are on your way to success. 

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This review looks at a vegan pea protein powder, more specifically the Youthful Living Vegan Keto Protein shake. 

Protein shakes are a great way to add to your daily intake of calories, and add just what you need. There is no need to overdo it on the protein, but sometimes we may find ourselves needing a little extra, especially on days where we may have trained a lot harder than usual for instance. 

“Youthful Living Vegan Keto shake is a plant-based, meal replacement shake designed to cater for anyone following a ketogenic diet, or looking for a healthy plant-based nutritional supplement.

The plant protein sources used in Youthful Living Vegan Keto shake are hypo-allergenic, making this suitable for Vegans, and anyone with food intolerances. The benefit of using plant-based protein is that this is naturally a cleaner protein source made without artificial chemicals. With added MCT oil powder, this shake is packed with healthy fats making this ideal for Ketosis.

Those on a ketogenic diet or anyone looking for a high protein meal replacement will appreciate the low glycemic load, and the balanced ratios of protein, fats (with added MCT oils),  and carbohydrates in order to maintain ketosis and provide wholesome nutrition.”

• Keto-Friendly – with MCT oil powder.
• Vegan friendly
• No added sugar
• High protein
• High in fiber
• Naturally sweetened with stevia

I have tried many flavored plant based protein powders, and have found it difficult finding ones that actually taste good and have no awful aftertaste or pea taste. After many years of using unflavored raw pea protein, which I add to smoothies, I decided to venture out and try a new one.

I bought the Youthful Living Vegan Protein Powder, and I am happy to say that it tastes great and has no after taste or no taste whatsoever of peas. Lets take a deeper look at it.

Flavors and Sizes

The protein powder is available in 625 grams and comes in 3 flavours, Cafe Mocha, Coconut Dream, Dark Chocolate. I tried the Cafe Mocha.

Mixes

The protein powder is quite fine, and mixes well with no lumps or bubbles at all. It mixed well with both water and Almond/Oat milk, and mixes very well in a blender when added to a smoothie.

Taste

In terms of the taste, I really like it. There is no after taste, or for example, with some pea protein powders, I could still sense a ‘pea’ taste within the added flavour. I also like the fact that it is sweetened with stevia, and for me I like that it is not really that sweet at all.

I personally like to add some cacao powder to mine and add just a bit of water to mix it into a kind of protein pudding!

Protein content

This is the part that I was most concerned with, the PROTEIN and nutritional values.

It has a relatively decent nutritional profile, carrying about 60 grams of protein per 100 grams of powder.
Per serving (1 heaped tablespoon = 25 grams) it comes down to 15 grams of protein, which is not a lot but is sufficient for one serving.

Extra Nutritional values

The extra nutritional values are just as important as the protein content.

The carbohydrate content is just about 3 grams per 100 grams while the fat content is at 10.8 grams per 100 grams (most coming from MCTs by the looks of it).

It has no added ingredients or preservatives or artificial sweeteners.

Affordability

The 625 gram tub costs ZAR 350 (in Dischem) giving you 25 servings per tub, that’s just over ZAR 14 per shake!

Final Thoughts

I really do like this vegan powder powder. It ticks a lot of boxes for me, in terms of the following:

• Taste (no after taste and great tasting flavour, finally!).
• Easy to mix.
• More environmentally friendly, being plant based.

If you are looking for a great tasting vegan protein shake, be sure to give this protein powder a try! And if you know if other great tasting vegan protein shakes please do let me know!

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Protein shakes are popular – but are they that useful? Should you take protein shakes if you’re not working out?

Today we’re going to briefly look at the ingredients and benefits of protein shakes, whether you should use them when you’re not working out, and the most important questions about protein shake use. Let’s get started with why they’re popular and what they offer you.

Protein Shake Use

Protein shakes are useful for athletes because they support better recovery and support a wide range of important processes. We all have these natural health processes that require protein – but how useful are protein shakes and supplements without working out?

The main use of a protein shake as a performance enhancer and source of muscle growth as well as recovery might over shadow the other benefits. While these supplements are typically associated with bodybuilders, there’s a lot of nuance to nutritional supplementation. 

As a staple in the diet of fitness enthusiasts, bodybuilders, and Olympians, protein shakes have a wide appeal. Despite their often-confused reputation, they’re beneficial to everyone: we all have protein-rich tissues that need support!

Protein Shake Popularity: It Sells Because It Works!

The popularity of protein shakes in all walks of life speaks to the convenience and health benefits that they offer. Whatever your goals, your methods, or your starting point, there are things we all need to improve – protein intake, vitamins and minerals, and sleep quality to name a few.

Protein shakes are a way that we can easily add protein to the diet, which can have a wide range of benefits (we’ll get to those in a minute!). These benefits aren’t limited to just performance, but health, wellbeing, strength and long-term quality-of-life.

Protein Shake Ingredients – How Can They Benefit You?

The main and obvious ingredient in protein shakes is protein. The supplement is built around an increased protein content and makes it easier to get your required protein, since you’re going to be drinking it, making it easier and more convenient to consume.

Protein rich foods can also not be the easiest to cook and prep. Especially with plant foods, the cooking process of beans and other foods can be prohibitive during busy days, when dealing with family, work, studies, or any other time obligations.

Protein shakes are not only rich in protein, ideally from a blend of plant extracts but also a convenient choice. They’ve become so popular because they’re easy to use, rich in protein, and can be combined with a wide range of ingredients in a blender to make nutrient dense smoothies.

The protein itself may come from a variety of sources – pea, hemp, soy, and rice are the most common forms of plant protein powders. 

Benefits of Higher Protein Diets

The main benefits of a protein supplement or having a slightly higher protein diet may include:

(But remember, increasing your protein content slightly is fine, but you can also more on to the other extreme of having TOO much protein. Something to be aware of and ensure we do not try to just add and add more and more protein when we do not need it).

• Muscle recovery and growth: Protein improves the recovery and growth of muscle mass, whether you’re working out or not.
• Improved metabolic health: Protein is an important regulator of your metabolism, maintaining hormone-metabolic wellbeing and controlling body composition change.
• Easier, better fat loss: Fat loss is easier with higher protein diets, as well as being higher quality, less muscle lost, and more fat burned.
• Supports bone and tendon health: Non-muscle tissues like bone, ligament, and tendon depend on healthy intake of protein.
• Filling and thermic effect: Protein is filling and reduces hunger, while the thermic effect makes it very calorie-efficient for better health, wellbeing, and dietary control.
• Performance outcomes: Almost all performance outcomes for exercise and activity are better in higher-protein diets, making for great all-round support.
• Co-ingestion benefits: Protein that is co-ingested with carbohydrates have better energy-replenishing effects, especially after workouts.

Secondary Ingredients: Can Protein Powder Support Better Results?

Some protein powder products may include additional, secondary ingredients in order to improve performance in any of the prior benefits. These may be BCAA supplementation to improve muscle-building and muscle-protection.

It could be a digestive enzyme and electrolyte blend, which improve the function of protein powder in the body and support muscle health (respectively). It could be the addition of piperine to improve absorption through the gut or similarly, the absorptive benefits of Astragalus and/or ginseng.

These secondary benefits are commonplace and provide a wide range of benefit-boosts (synergistic effects). Others simply add new benefits, adding turmeric to a protein powder can boost the health effects and support digestive wellbeing, independently of protein intake. 

These are useful but not as effective since they can easily feel irrelevant in the supplement itself. Make sure your secondary ingredients offer benefits you actually care about or you may be paying for things you don’t need or want.

Should you take a protein shake without working out?

Yes, if you’re using protein supplements, you should aim to use them consistently. The dosage per day is not super important, but the average protein intake of your diet is more important. You should aim to use a protein shake daily to maintain consistently high protein levels, more so if you struggle to meet your protein requirements with food alone.

This gives your body all the best benefits mentioned above, where consistency is very important. This is especially important in hormonal, metabolic, and tissue health changes. For muscle growth and recovery, this is also a great way to maintain health and performance.

The timeline for muscular recovery and growth is around 1-4 days (depending on exercise) and you may not be properly recovered on your rest days. This means that protein intake should remain higher across that whole 1-4 day period. Just improving your average daily intake is the best way to get the best results from your protein.

Protein Powder and Diet FAQ

Can you drink protein shakes every day?

Yes, you can use protein shakes every day if you need them to improve your total protein intake. It’s a healthy and effective way to support better total nutrition. The recovery and growth of muscles, for example, is around 36-48 hours after exercise or intense activity.

Equally, you’ll not take in a huge amount of calories through protein shake intake. This means there’s no real downside to drinking protein shakes daily, while there may be significant benefits for the things we’ve mentioned already: metabolism, recovery, dietary control, and hormonal function.

Can You Drink Protein Shakes On Rest Days?

Yes you can and should drink protein shakes on rest days. The most important factor for muscle growth and other health factors is consistent protein availability. The daily average is the most important factor and individual, day to day changes in activity level shouldn’t dictate your protein intake.

While you may change your carbs up and down based on short-term activity levels, protein is more consistent. Higher protein diets should be rich in protein every day. If you’re using protein shakes for this purpose, you can use them everyday to get the best health and performance benefits.

How Much Protein When Not Working Out?

You should consume the same amount of protein every day when you’re not working out, rest days are no exception. The benefits are medium-term, while the body always needs protein for things like bone health, muscle protein turnover, and maintaining a healthy metabolism.

Consistent protein levels from day to day are the most scientifically effective way to maintain these health benefits. They are based on protein availability over time. While the short-term benefits of protein intake are useful, the best results come from consistently high intake!

Best Time To Drink Protein?

The best time to drink your protein will typically be after exercise or intense activity. You don’t have to go to the gym to become nutrient-sensitive for protein, just anything that has challenged your tissues, especially prolonged or intense movement.

Plant-based proteins also have a longer average absorption speed and sustained release than their whey counterparts. For example, a good plant protein blend has a similar peak to whey protein, but sustains longer into the future to maintain high protein levels over time. 

Conclusion

You should drink a protein shake even if you’re not working out on that day. Rest day protein intake is proven to be an effective way to maintain long-term results from exercise, while non-exercising individuals still get all the same benefits from the use of protein powder on a daily basis.

The best benefits, the increase in metabolic rate and regulation, the improvements to digestive speed, and the recovery benefits to tissues, are not timing-specific. While you may get more benefits from the use of protein shakes with exercise, you’ll be able to make progress and improve health with nutrition alone.

This is especially true when losing weight. Even without working out, higher protein intake can drastically improve a weight loss diet. Higher protein diets improve fat loss, support muscle maintenance, and prevent the decline of important energy-regulating hormones during weight loss!

Author bio

Rohan Arora is a personal trainer and sports nutritionist, and has been actively involved in the fitness community for over 8 years. Together with his team at GainingTactics, he has helped hundreds of hardgainers gain healthy weight and live a healthy lifestyle.

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Protein is a daily requirement for our bodies. Different people take protein powders for various purposes according to their lifestyles. Some people take it for nutritional fulfillment, while others consume it to specifically build muscle mass. There are many variants of protein powders with different ingredients composition and different impacts.

Here are some of the various types of protein powders and their benefits.

1 Whey protein powder

Whey is a powder derived from milk, and it is the most common type of protein powder, especially amongst bodybuilders. Whey protein contains a high amount of amino acids, making it a rich source of protein for bodybuilders and other people who want to build muscle mass. It also contains lactose, that is converted to glucose as energy for our body. Whey protein powder helps build muscle mass and maintain fat levels, when used as part of a training programme. It is pretty simple to use whey protein powder because you can use it directly in your diet as a protein shake or in smoothies or even mix it with other foods like oats, fruits, and many other foods. It is amongst the purest forms of proteins, and it’s easily digestible, but remember it is not vegan.

2 Casein Protein Powder

Casein protein powder is also commonly used in the bodybuilding world. It is also known as milk protein powder. Casein has got all the essential amino acids and is easily digestible but has been shown to have a somewhat slow-release effect, making it perfect for people who want to build muscle mass by taking it between meals or at night. It may be suitable for people with some allergies as it contains very little lactose. Casein protein powder is also not vegan.

3 Pea Protein Powder

Pea protein powder is a form of protein that is very commonly used among vegans. Pea protein is also the ideal option for lactose intolerant people or people with dairy product allergies. It is high in protein, just as high as many whey protein powders and have Optimum Nutrition necessary to build muscle effectively. Some have a slight aftertaste, especially when artificially flavored, so try opt for unflavored ones that you can add to smoothies for example.

4 Soy Protein Powder

Soy protein powder is another form of protein that is very commonly used among bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts, especially many who are vegan or who are lactose intolerant. It also has a lot of benefits, and it can help maintain lean muscle mass and reduce the risk of heart when used in conjunction with a good nutritional plan and exercise routine. It can help maintain weight loss and reduces cholesterol levels by lowering LDL cholesterol levels in our bodies.

5 Flaxseed Protein Powder

Flaxseed protein powder is another form of protein that vegans and fitness enthusiasts commonly use. Flaxseed powder contains all the essential amino acids needed in your body, and is easily digestible. It helps maintain weight loss and reduces cholesterol levels by lowering LDL cholesterol levels in our bodies.

The advantage of flaxseed powder over other proteins is that it has more fiber content than other proteins, so it keeps you full for a longer time. This fiber content helps regulate your blood sugar levels and in maintaining a healthy digestive system.

There are many types of protein powders available on the market, make sure that you have chosen one that is suitable for you and your body as well as within your budget. Many powders now also contain added fillers and ingredients such as artificial sweeteners and more, so remember to do your research and check the nutritional profile of each to ensure this is minimized. Also remember that these protein powders are just supplements, and only work when used in conjunction with a good nutritional plan and exercise routine.

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CBD oil and many Hemp products have taken the world by storm, and as a result there are many interesting and useful products on the market.

What is CBD oil and what are some of its benefits? Some time ago when I heard the term ‘CBD oil’ I immediately thought of cannabis or weed, and that it just induces the same high or effects that they would. I was quite mistaken – while CBD oil is derived from hemp seed oil, it contains no THC.

CBD Oil supposedly has a range of health benefits including potential anti-anxiety, pain relief, and sleep-promoting benefits, and contains no THC (the psychoactive compound that produces a high). Taking CBD Oil therefore won’t give you a high.

CBD Oil is a general health supplement. Research into its beneficial properties focuses on its potential anti-anxiety, pain relief, and sleep-aid properties. Credé CBD oils are manufactured in South Africa, in a GMP certified pharmaceutical environment. All the products in the Credé range comply with the latest guidelines on CBD manufacturing and marketing, as set out by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), and batches of CBD oil are tested by an accredited South African laboratory.

This means that products made from Hemp CBD don’t make you high, but offer numerous therapeutic benefits to humans and other mammals.

While there are some studies that have been done, there are not many because of the obvious reasons surrounding the laws on CBD oil (that have changed, thus being able to sell the oils now), but many people have spoken of the positive effects that they have experienced while using the oil.  

The CBD itself is shelf-stable and does not need to be refrigerated. While not necessary, refrigeration may help extend the shelf-life of the cold-pressed hemp oil.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannibinoid found extensively in the plant material of the cannabis plant. It is extracted from the stems and leaves of the hemp plant through CO2 (carbon dioxide) extraction, and isolated from other cannabinoids (such as THC) to ensure a 99.9% purity. The CBD isolate is then carefully introduced to a hemp seed carrier oil.

Credé Natural Oils 100mg CBD oil

I was fortunate enough to be able to try the 100mg CBD oil from Crede Oils for a month and document some of my findings. 

Credé Natural Oils is a proudly South African manufacturer of a range of market-leading health food products, including the Credé Natural Oils range of cold-pressed and organic oils and the OhMega range of nuts and nut butters. The company was founded by Jutta and Helfried Credé, a German couple who moved to South Africa in the early 1980’s with their seven children. 

As the business grew, the family converted an unused guest cottage in their back garden into an oil press and bottling site, and the seven children grew up pressing oil alongside their homework, on weekends and during school holidays. 

Pros of the CBD Oil

To start off, I think it is worth noting that CBD oils do not act right off the bat. It does take a few days for your body to ‘get used‘ to it and for it to start to feel the effects, this also differs from person to person. The oil is also not a miracle worker, so try not to go into it thinking it will solve all your sleep or anxiety problems and you will be rid of all anxiety for instance. It will take some of the edge off, which will still be quite helpful.

I thought I would briefly focus on 3 main aspects:

• Sleep. Lately I have been having a hard time having deep quality sleep. I do not have such a problem falling off to sleep, but I tend to wake up far earlier than I should or not sleep as well as I should throughout the night. While using the oil, I did feel a bit of a change in terms of the quality of the sleep for sure. In terms of consistency, there were still a few nights where my sleep was not as deep but overall there was quite a noticeable difference.  
• Anxiety/stress. In terms of anxiety or stress, (you know, where your mind works against you and overthinks things!), I did feel a difference when taking the CBD oil, though I felt that the timing of when to take it was quite important, and played quite a big role in terms of me feeling any effects (more on that below). It does induce a sort of slight calming effect on you, so I can see how this would certainly help with anxiety and stress.
• Recovery. I cannot really say if I felt a huge difference in terms of muscle recovery (independent from the deeper sleep) but I feel I need to use it for a longer period of time, while also being dependent on the training I would be doing.

As I said above, I felt that the timing of when to take the CBD oil was quite important for me. I was taking 2 1ml drops twice a day and I played around with a few times such as having the first drop mid morning and then the second one mid afternoon/evening. With this scenario I didn’t really feel the effects. I then tried having the first drop first thing as I wake up and then again right before bed. I tend to feel more anxious early in the morning (weird I know), so when I took it at these times, I could certainly feel more of the effects.

Cons of the CBD oil

I cannot really say that there are any negatives or cons to taking the CBD oil. Something to be aware of, is that everyone reacts differently, so while you may experience tremendous benefits, someone else may experience much milder effects. This all depends on how your body adapts and reacts to the oil. There are various strength sizes, so you may need to see which size is best for you and will work better for you.

Pricing and Orders

Crede Oils supply CBD oil in the following pack, and strength sizes:

1. 30ml and 100mg CBD
2. 30ml and 300mg CBD
3. 30ml and 600mg CBD

The prices range from 159.99, 319.95 and 399.95 on special at the moment! Normal prices range from 199.95, 399.95 and 499.95.

Check out their website for more, as well as for a whole range of other products such as various nut butters, flours and other oils!

All orders can be done online via their website and shipping is around +-R100 for orders under R400.

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However, when it comes to vegan options there are a few misconceptions. A lot of people think vegan protein doesn’t have a full amino acid profile or is quite inferior to other types, this is where Pea Protein steps in!

What is pea protein?

Pea protein powder is a high-quality protein and is made by taking the protein from yellow peas that are dried and then ground into flour. But their journey doesn’t stop there; water is added to the flour to remove most of the starch and fiber and is then dried again. This leaves a concentrated protein powder, also known as pea protein isolate.

What are some of the benefits?

1. Pea protein has many benefits, the first one being it is a high-quality protein. It contains all 9 essential amino acids, which we have to get from food as our body can’t create them. It is also a great source of branched chained amino acids (BCAAs). This consists of arginine, which encourages healthy blood flow and heart health as well as leucine, isoleucine, and valine which aids muscle growth.
2. Pea protein is plant-based and cruelty-free making it perfect for those on a vegan diet because finding a protein powder that fits in with your dietary requirements can be difficult. It doesn’t consist of any of the top eight food allergens, which are peanuts, eggs, fish, tree nuts, shellfish, cow’s milk, wheat, and soy making it accessible to people on most diets as it’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.
3. When it comes to building muscle the most common option tends to be whey protein powder due to it being high in branched-chain amino acids however, pea protein is very similar. So much so that a study in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition and Sports discovered no difference in muscle gains when comparing pea protein with whey.
4. Pea protein can lower the risk factors for heart diseases, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, as animal studies have found. This works by increasing the absorption of cholesterol into cells and decreasing the body’s production of fats. Also, it’s a rich source of iron as it contains 25%-30% of an adult’s recommended daily intake. Iron is vital for the flow of blood and oxygen and is important for metabolism.
5. Adding pea protein to your diet can leave you feeling full with the tools your body needs to build muscle! Whether you’re wanting to control your appetite so you don’t reach for a chocolate bar or to help you lose weight, pea protein can help!

When eaten with a balanced diet it can help you to lose weight and feel healthier, as it is low in carbohydrates and high in protein. We all know how it feels when your body is telling you it wants to snack and it can be hard to stick to a diet. This is because of a hormone called Ghrelin, also known as the “hunger hormone” and is produced by the stomach, small intestine, pancreas, and brain. It is shown that when released into the bloodstream it can increase food intake by up to 30%. However, ghrelin’s job isn’t to just make you hungry, it prompts the release of the growth hormones. These growth hormones break down fat tissue and build muscle.

How do I use it?

There are many ways to add pea protein into your diet. You can simply add it into what you typically already make such as shakes, porridge, yogurt bowls, overnight oats, or smoothies. You could even get a bit creative and add it to baked foods such as muffins, brownies, waffles, etc. to increase the nutrient value.

Final Thoughts

Pea protein is a great alternative to other protein powders as it is very easy to add to any diet due to it being vegan and not containing any of the top 8 allergens. Many recipes show you how you can add pea protein into your diet and don’t be put off by how you think it may taste, as it’s mild in flavour. Some flavoured brands may not taste great but there also many place to buy unflavored pea protein.

It’s not only good for you but is also good for the environment. Agriculture is one of the major factors that contribute to greenhouse gases. The production of animal protein sources has higher greenhouse gas emissions than the production of plant protein sources. It’s just as important that we look after ourselves as well as our planet.
 

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Pain-causing inflammatory conditions and diseases like cancer, arthritis, joint complications, kidney problems, and many other complications are now being treated with THC and CBD, as well as some other forms of mental complications like insomnia, anxiety, and depression.

But what is THC, in reality? What’s its familiarity with CBD, and how do both work in the body to bring these supposed benefits that medical cannabis and the hemp plant can bring? What are the differences between CBD and THC?

Let’s Begin By Talking About Medical Cannabis

Medical cannabis has been present in human history ever since ancient times, but it was introduced to western medicine around the 1800s. It was often used to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, remove stress, help people with insomnia, and relax those who suffered from heavy cases of anxiety.

Other people used it for creative purposes since a lot of artists tend to engage in consuming marijuana for the sake of creating new pieces of art, even in modern days. Although the science of being more focused (or creative) when high is still in doubt, the fact that our perspective of emotions, feelings, and senses can be altered when we are intoxicated by cannabis and marijuana, thus, opening the door to new forms of currents of thought.

Cannabis was often consumed through smoking, but it can also be consumed through edibles, and some people even used it to infuse wine or beverages, which could also lead to the same effect.

Cannabis and THC

The reason behind cannabis working like this is because of a very specific compound known as THC, which is the psychoactive compound getting people high whenever they consume any cannabis-related product. This compound, also known as Tetrahydrocannabidiol, targets our endocannabinoid system (also known as ECS) which is a rather new and emerging topic in the world of medicine.

This endocannabinoid system is in charge of a group of cannabinoid receptors found in our brains and nervous systems, and it might be, directly or indirectly, related to several functions of our body, including memory, appetite, stress responses, sleep quality, pain senses and our sense of movement and balance.

Now, cannabis can actually toy with this system made out of neuronal receptors, and this can affect all the functions I mentioned previously, as well as slightly (depending on the amount consumed) distort our five senses and our perspective of our surroundings.

The Hemp Plant and Cannabidiol

Because of THC, a lot of people are wary of using marijuana and cannabis as a method of treatment or therapy, but here’s where cannabidiol (Mostly known as CBD) enters the play. Cannabidiol is the second most present compound in cannabis, and it is actually able to deliver the same benefits as THC, but with a really big difference: it doesn’t get people high.

This is because most CBD-based products are produced from the hemp plant, a plant that is well known for containing really low levels of THC, enough for it to be harmless. In fact, a regulation law makes it impossible for a CBD product to be legal without containing 0.3% of THC or less.

This is really important for people who want to try this alternative form of therapy, but it is even more important for pets, considering that THC is actually toxic for them because of how sharp their endocannabinoid systems are.

That is the reason why there are now more products aimed towards pets and for humans, made out of CBD, because it has become a more accessible alternative for both. You can even find different forms of these products like edibles, and you can check here for more information in case you are interested.

The Little Difference Between CBD Oil, Edibles, and Smoking

Now, a lot of people might be wondering: what is the difference between oil and edibles when it comes to cannabidiol, and how smoking cannabis is different from both? Well, the answer is simple: Edibles take longer to kick in and might provide a more durable, yet weaker effect in comparison to how smoking works, which tends to kick in really fast and provide a rather strong effect.

Now, with oil being the most common form of cannabidiol products found out there, knowing how to use it is important because you’ll have to properly measure your dosage until you find the right one for you. Oil is much easier if you want to consume a precise amount, but edibles are much easier to manage, especially for pets.

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The list of cosmetics in which cannabidiol is infused is getting longer every day. Since CBD has become a highly sought-after component in medicine and pharmacy, it was only a matter of time until the cosmetics industry began using it. Today, you can find various products are on the market intended for different skin types or conditions.

Besides cosmetics, cannabidiol is widely used in medicine and pharmacy. According to Cheef Botanicals experts, this hemp derivative has numerous health benefits, led by anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial action. Lack of psychoactive properties is another benefit of CBD.

CBD in cosmetic Care Products

Daily cosmetics are the ones used for cleansing and nourishing the skin. These are soaps, shower gels, shampoos, and even bath bombs and salts. In all these, it is possible to infuse cannabidiol. This compound will enhance the effects these care products have.

The use of these products is beneficial for all skin types. For example, along with vitamin E, CBD reaches the epidermis’ deeper layers and restores skin elasticity as it boosts natural collagen production (ECS oversees that). CBD added to cosmetics also nourishes the skin as it has a bunch of nutrients like omega fatty acids, amino acids, and vitamin complexes.

Application of cannabidiol after steaming the skin with warm water (when bathing, washing hair, or hands) allows for its rapid absorption. Steam enlarges pores and let this compound to enter the bloodstream more quickly. Thus, it has a faster effect, and the full-body benefits abound.

Anti-Aging Properties

Another area in which the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol give excellent results is anti-age treatments. It acts on deeper skin layers and soothes inflammation that might cause issues that will make you look older than you are. These are conditions like rash, itching, or red patches.

This compound also abounds in antioxidants that are excellent as anti-aging agents. They expel free radicals from the surface, particles that cause oxidative stress to skin and make it dry and lifeless. Cannabidiol activates receptors in ECS to reverse this process by forcing proper cellular response (keeping natural moisture and producing new surface cells).

CBD anti-age cosmetics offer products that successfully fight against age. These are mostly serums, day and night creams, lip balms, neck care creams, and many more. The amount of CBD in them can vary, but these are usually low doses. But they are quite enough to see the positive effects very quickly.

In addition to CBD, these products also contain other active ingredients that help restore the skin’s natural barrier. Thus, speed up the ‘work’ of the deeper layers of the epidermis, which boost the regeneration of the surface layer.

Products for Treating Skin Processes

As the largest and ‘most protruding’ organ of your body, the skin suffers from the influence of all external factors – pollution, heat, cold, radiation, etc. If you want good skin as you age you need to keep it healthy. If the amount of sebum is increased, and at the same time, too much dirt has collected on the surface, the blackheads will appear. And if there are bacteria nearby, an infection will erupt on your skin and cause pimples to appear.

Due to the already mentioned anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, CBD helps control sebum levels in people with oily skin. By keeping the cells that produce this waxy matter under control, this compound ‘destroys’ pimples and prevents their further appearance.

CBD-based cosmetics also offer products for the treatment of diseases such as psoriasis or eczema. These conditions often cause a feeling of tension, tightness, and itching. Thanks to its mild analgesic properties, cannabidiol ‘soothes’ the skin and acts on ECS to trigger brain mechanism that bring pain relief to people suffering any skin condition.

The concept of natural cosmetics is increasingly present on the market. The most famous brands are cutting some artificial matters from products, as these are not as useful as thought. Instead, these companies seem to have started using natural, plant-based compounds such as CBD in their products. It looks to be highly beneficial and safe, even for everyday usage.

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