You may have stumbled on the hottest, looming question taking over the internet: are you getting enough protein? Better yet, how can you get more? The health community is fixated on showing you protein-focused health routines for a good reason—protein is essential for your health. Every cell in your body greatly depends on it to achieve optimal performance, and how much protein you take can affect overall wellness. Today, we’re going to dive into different types of protein sources, benefits, and which one might be best for you.
But First…What is Protein?
In its most basic form, protein is considered a macronutrient (just like fats and carbohydrates) and is needed in large amounts for key functioning. Our body naturally breaks proteins down into amino acids, also referenced as the “building blocks of life.” There are twenty amino acids that play a crucial role in the body’s function, structure, and regulation of tissues and organs.1
Different Types of Amino Acids
- Non-Essential Amino Acids: naturally occurring amino acids in our body
- Essential Amino Acids (EAAs): not naturally found in our body and must be ingested through food or supplementation
Why Protein is Vital for Your Health
As we just mentioned, protein is vital for functioning and can supply our body with the energy it needs to do the following:2
- Build and repair tissue
- Build muscle, skin, and cartilage
- Oxygenate the body and supply it with key nutrients
- Produce enzymes that are essential for digestive health
- Provide overall immune support
How Much Protein Do You Need?
Although all humans need protein to function, how much varies on the person. The National Academy of Medicine that sets the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) recommends adults get about 0.8 grams of protein a day for every kilogram they weigh. That's about 7 grams for every 20 pounds.3
Should You Supplement with a Protein Shake or Powder?
How do you know if you should add a protein supplement to your diet? Well, this may depend on a variety of factors:
- Difficulty meeting daily protein needs: If you’re struggling to meet the right amount of grams per kilogram of body weight per day, it might be best to add in a protein shake or powder.
- High activity levels: If you’re highly active or engage in intense workout regimens, you might need even more protein than the average person to support recovery and muscle repair.
- Convenience: If you’re just a busy individual and constantly moving from point A to B, then a protein shake could be more convenient for your lifestyle! Keep reading to discover a tasty Suja Organic option that could be the perfect fit for you.
Exploring Types of Protein Sources
We can broadly divide protein into two main categories which are animal and plant-based proteins.
Animal Protein Examples
- Meat/poultry: chicken, turkey, beef, pork, lamb
- Fish and other seafood: salmon, tuna, cod, shrimp, crab, mussels
- Dairy: milk, cheese, yogurt
- Eggs
- Whey and casein protein powders
Plant-Based Protein Examples
- Legumes: Kidney beans, black beans, chickpeas, lentils
- Nuts/seeds: Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, hemp seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds
- Whole grains: Quinoa, farro, brown rice, oats, buckwheat, barley
- Soy: Tofu, soy milk, tempeh, edamame
- Vegetables: Brussels sprouts, asparagus, broccoli, spinach, kale, any leafy green
- Seitan (wheat gluten)
Animal vs. Plant-Based Protein: What’s the Difference?
The key difference between animal and plant-based protein is that animal protein contains all of the EAAs we need, so it’s considered a complete protein, whereas plant-based sources are often incomplete. However, eating several plant-based proteins can help individuals meet their essential amino acid needs, which is a plus!4
How to Choose the Best Protein Source for You
At the end of the day, choosing the best protein source comes down to your own lifestyle and personal preferences. Although animal proteins are considered complete and fulfill the EAAs requirement, many animal proteins are high in saturated fats.
On the flip side, plant-based protein is typically lower in calories and fat, while higher in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins, which can promote and bolster digestive and immune health. Additionally, opting for plant-based protein can minimize the environmental impact on our food system, by ways of conserving land and water resources, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Recent research even demonstrates that if everyone shifted to a plant-based diet, we could cut back on global land use for agriculture by 75%.5
For all these reasons—and more—we believe plant-based proteins are the way forward. And while some may worry about not getting enough protein from plant-based sources, it's entirely possible to meet your body's needs. The key is incorporating a variety of plant-based proteins into your daily meals to ensure you're getting a rich, balanced intake.
Introducing Suja Organic Protein Drinks
If you’re looking to add more protein to your diet and on the hunt for a delicious, plant-based option, we have you covered with our tasty plant-based protein sips that you can take with you on the go! No matter what your taste preference is, we have a flavor for you, with Vanilla Cinnamon, Classic Chocolate, and Coffee Bean.
“Tried the chocolate protein and it is sooooo good. Least chalky protein drink I have ever had. This tastes amazing. After drinking I did not feel hungry or bloated either. I loved it so much I went to 3 stores trying to find more.” - Verified customer, Stephanie G.
You might be wondering—what sets Suja Organic apart? Our protein drinks are 100% organic, packed with 16g of plant-based protein, 23 essential nutrients, and prebiotics to keep you feeling satisfied for longer. Each bottle is loaded with vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, along with iron, calcium, fiber, and potassium, all while containing just 200 calories and 7g of sugar. Plus, every flavor is dairy-free, soy-free, and gluten-free! We like to call it "zero BS in a bottle"—just pure, clean nutrition you can rely on!
Nourish Your Body with Zero Compromise
Ready to fuel your body with delicious plant-based protein? Try Suja Organic protein drinks today and experience the difference for yourself. Grab a bottle and nourish your body with zero compromise!
Disclaimer: This blog contains promotional content about our products. The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. While the nutritional information and health tips shared here are based on published studies and expert insights, they should not replace advice and treatment from a healthcare professional. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health objectives.
Endnotes
- Harvard T.H. Chan. (2012, September 18). Protein. The Nutrition Source.https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/what-should-you-eat/protein/
- Morris, R., Black, K. A., & Stollar, E. J. (2022). Uncovering protein function: from classification to complexes. Essays in Biochemistry, 66(3), 255–285. https://doi.org/10.1042/ebc20200108
- Jaret, P. (2008, December 5). Protein: Are You Getting Enough? WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/protein
- Cleveland Clinic. (2022, December 6). What’s a Complete Protein and Should You Care? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/do-i-need-to-worry-about-eating-complete-proteins
- Ritchie, H. (2021, March 4). If the World Adopted a plant-based Diet We Would Reduce Global Agricultural Land Use from 4 to 1 Billion Hectares. https://ourworldindata.org/land-use-diets
