Is Plant Protein Powder Good for lactating mothers?

“Yes of course” is the straight answer, but there are numerous conditions associated with the statement I made, that I will be explaining in this post.

I will focus on Plant protein powder that is made of Almond and flaxseed since that is what Sheer MADness is made up of.

First, let us understand what Plant Protein Powder is.

Plant protein powder is a concentrated source of protein derived from various plant-based sources. It offers an alternative to animal-based protein powders like whey or casein. Plant protein powders are typically obtained from sources such as soy, pea, hemp, rice, or almonds. In this discussion, we will focus on almond and flaxseed protein powders.

But let me first explain the studies and research that have been conducted, on the basis of which I am writing the article:

• Analysis: “Almond Supplementation in the Diets of Lactating Mothers Alters Human Milk Composition” (Holleran et al., 2018)

This study investigated the effects of almond supplementation on human milk composition in lactating mothers. The researchers found that almond consumption positively influenced the fatty acid profile of breast milk, enhancing its nutritional value for infants.

• Study: “Flaxseed Increases Bioavailable n-3 Fatty Acid in Human Milk” (Jain et al., 2013)

This study explored the impact of flaxseed consumption on the fatty acid composition of breast milk. The results demonstrated that flaxseed supplementation increased the levels of omega-3 fatty acids, including alpha-linolenic acid, in the breast milk of lactating mothers.

• Study: “Plant-Based Protein Alternatives for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: A Systematic Review” (Gupta et al., 2019)

This systematic review evaluated various plant-based protein alternatives for pregnant and breastfeeding women. The researchers concluded that plant protein sources, including almonds and flaxseeds, can provide adequate protein and other essential nutrients for lactating mothers, supporting their nutritional needs.

• Study: “Nutrition Concerns and Health Effects of Vegetarian Diets During Pregnancy and Lactation” (Melina et al., 2016)

This review article examined the nutritional considerations and health effects of vegetarian diets during pregnancy and lactation. It discussed the importance of incorporating diverse plant-based protein sources and highlighted the benefits of almonds, flaxseeds, and other plant proteins for lactating mothers.

These studies can be a starting point for further research into the benefits of almond and flaxseed protein powders for lactating mothers.

Now let us run through the benefits of each of the ingredients used.

Benefits of Almond Protein Powder:

High-quality Protein Source: Almond protein powder is derived from nutrient-rich almonds, which are packed with essential amino acids. These amino acids play a crucial role in supporting tissue repair and overall growth.

Rich in Essential Fatty Acids: Almonds contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for brain development in infants. The presence of these nutrients in almond protein powder can be highly beneficial for lactating mothers and their babies.

Nutrient Powerhouse: Almonds are a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, and calcium. These nutrients can contribute to improved bone health, enhanced immune function, and increased energy levels.

Benefits of Flaxseed Protein Powder:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Flaxseeds are renowned for their high omega-3 fatty acid content, particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for the healthy development of the baby’s brain and nervous system. Incorporating flaxseed protein powder into a lactating mother’s diet can help ensure an adequate intake of these essential fatty acids.

Fiber-Rich: Flaxseeds are an excellent source of dietary fibre, which can aid in maintaining regular bowel movements and preventing constipation — a common issue faced by many lactating mothers.

Phytoestrogens: Flaxseeds contain phytoestrogens, which are plant compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. These compounds have been associated with potential benefits, such as reduced risk of breast cancer and improved hormonal balance.

Usage Tips:

Now this is the most important part, one should always remember that overconsumption of even the best healthy food should be avoided since Excess of anything is bad.

Also if anyone is allergic to Almond, or Flaxseed, or they have any other health-related issues, they should consult the Healthcare Professional.

Now the most important part is always to read the labels of the product, most of the brands use various chemicals and are referred to as codes, these chemicals are harmful when consumed over a period of time.

Sheer MADness is one of the rare brands that does not use any chemicals.

Also, note Balanced Diet is Key:

While plant protein powders can be a convenient source of nutrition, they should not replace a well-rounded diet. It’s crucial to consume a variety of nutrient-dense foods to meet the comprehensive nutritional requirements during lactation.

Exercise is equally important:

We understand a newborn baby makes the mother busy, but we still insist mothers pull out at least half an hour for a workout/ yoga or else at least go out for a walk.

Conclusion:

Plant protein powders, such as Sheer MADness, can be a valuable addition to a lactating mother’s diet. These powders provide high-quality protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds. However, it’s important to remember that individual nutritional needs may vary, and consulting with a healthcare professional is always recommended.

As always, the best approach to optimal nutrition during lactation is to focus on a balanced diet and spend some time for workout/ Exercise

Now let me explain a few other general facts on health and nutrition that we tend to miss out on.

These are the same lines from my book “Great Health Comes from Exercise & Nutrition”

a) Everyone is an individual, so what suits me, may or may not suit the next person.

b) If a person has a medical condition, a doctor’s advice and prescribed medication will only help.

c) While buying any protein powder from the market read the labels carefully, and Watch out for various codes, and words like Anti-caking agent, and INS 551( Also known as Silicon dioxide), All these are Laboratory made chemicals, and although approved by regulatory bodies think twice, will you consume a spoon of Silicon dioxide? And Silicon dioxide is just one product, there are numerous others like BHA ( Butylated hydroxyanisole ), BHT ( Butylated hydroxytoluene ) and the list of lab-made chemicals goes on and on with various codes, that we generally ignore.

Hence read the labels especially the ingredients list of the product before buying.

If interested in buying chemical-free Natural vegan Protein visit us @ Sheer MADness.

d) Exercise is the key to fitness, we should always keep in mind that exercise and nutrition are two sides of the same coin and always go hand in hand. So only nutrition will not help you attain any goals till it is not supplemented with Exercise.

e) Excess of anything is wrong, it can be the best nutrient-filled superfood, but one should consume only recommended quantities.

f) Regarding health, fitness, and nutrition, remember that Rome was not built in a day. Your discipline and consistency is the key.

g) It’s not only Exercise and protein that builds muscles, there are numerous other factors like a healthy gut, numerous macro and micronutrients, your body type and DNA, the amount of rest the body gets, the lifestyle an individual lives, and on and on it goes. Out of all these, exercise and nutrition are within our control, and one should focus on these two primary aspects.

Article by Chef Ashutosh Awasthi.