Plant-based proteins can be tough on some people’s gut, and adding digestive enzymes helps to break them down properly. So if you’re looking for an easy and healthy way to increase your protein intake, then check out one of these vegan protein powders with digestive enzymes!
In this article:
- What Are Digestive Enzymes and What Are Their Benefits?
- The Top Vegan Protein Powders With Digestive Enzymes
- The Bottom Line: Making a Decision
1. What Are Digestive Enzymes and What Are Their Benefits?
Digestive enzymes are proteins that help to break down food into smaller molecules that can be absorbed into the body. Enzymes are produced by the pancreas and other organs, such as the stomach, small intestine, and liver.
There are many different types of digestive enzymes, each with a specific function. For example, amylase enzymes break down carbohydrates, while proteases break down proteins. Lipases break down fats.
Digestive enzymes have a number of benefits. They can improve digestion and nutrient absorption, help with weight loss, and reduce inflammation. Digestive enzymes may also help to prevent or treat conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, and Crohn’s disease.
When you consume protein powder, your body needs to break down the proteins into amino acids in order to absorb them. This process is known as digestion, and it involves a variety of enzymes that work to break down the food particles. Digestive enzymes are found in the digestive tract, and they help to break down the bonds that hold the proteins together. Protein powders often contain a blend of enzymes that can help to improve the digestion of proteins.
These enzymes help to break down the proteins in the powder, making them easier for your body to absorb. In addition, digestive enzymes can help to reduce bloating and gas, making protein powder a more comfortable option for people with sensitive stomachs.
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Some of the most common digestive enzymes in plant-based protein powders are:
Amylase
Amylase is a key enzyme in the digestion of carbohydrates, breaking them down into simple sugars.
Lipase
Lipase is a key enzyme in the digestion of fats, breaking them down into fatty acids and glycerol.
Protease
Protease is a digestive enzyme that helps to break down proteins into amino acids.
Cellulase
Cellulase is a key enzyme in the digestion of plant cell calls, breaking from cellulose into glucose.
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Bromelain
Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme that comes from the pineapple fruit and stems. It helps to digest proteins into amino acids and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Alpha Galactosidase
Alpha Galactosidase is an enzyme that helps the body break down complex sugars and carbohydrates found in legumes and vegetables.
Papain
Papain is a protease enzyme that comes from the papaya fruit and also the latex of the plant and is used to help in the digestion of proteins.
Pectinase
Pectinase is an enzyme that breaks down pectin, a type of carbohydrate that is found in fruits and vegetables.
Xylanase
Xylanase is an enzyme that breaks down xylan, a type of carbohydrate that is found in plant cell walls.
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2. The Top Vegan Protein Powders With Digestive Enzymes
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2.1. Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Powder
Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein is a powder made from certified organic and non-GMO peas and raw sprouted seeds, grains, and legumes. It contains all essential amino acids, 3 billion CFUs of live probiotics, and 13 digestive enzymes. The low-temperature processing preserves the complete amino acid integrity of the protein. This makes it easy for your body to absorb and use.
Ingredients:
Raw Organi Raw Organic Protein Blend: Organic Pea Protein, Organic Sprouted Brown Rice Protein, Organic Amaranth Sprout, Organic Buckwheat Sprout, Organic Millet Sprout, Organic Cracked Wall Chlorella, Organic Quinoa Sprout, Organic Chia Seed Sprout, Organic Garbanzo Bean Sprout, Organic Lentil Sprout, Organic Adzuki Bean Sprout, Organic Flax Seed Sprout, Organic Sunflower Seed Sprout, Organic Pumpkin Seed Sprout, Organic Sesame Seed Sprout;
Organic Flavor Blend: (Organic Cacao, Organic Chocolate Flavors, Organic Erythritol, Sea Salt, Organic Stevia Extract (leaf), Organic Vanilla Flavor), Organic Guar Gum, Organic Carob Bean Gum;
Raw Probiotic & Enzyme Blend: Lipase, Protease, Aspergillopepsin, beta-Glucanase, Cellulase, Bromelain, Phytase, Lactase, Papain, Peptidase, Pectinase, Hemicellulase, Xylanase, [Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus bulgaricus] (3 Billion CFU).
Highlights:
- Protein: 22g per 28g portion (79% protein)
- Carbohydrates: 1g per 28g portion (2.5% carbs)
- 13 Digestive Enzymes
- 3 Billion CFU of Probiotics for added digestive benefits
- Organic
2.2 EarthChimp Organic Vegan Protein Powder
EarthChimp’s Organic Protein Powder is made from a blend of pea, pumpkin, coconut, and sunflower proteins, and it is free of any artificial sweeteners or flavors. It is focused on being easily digestible, including not only a dose of probiotics but also many enzymes that help the body break down nutrients.
Ingredients:
Organic Plant Protein Blend (Pea, Pumpkin, Coconut & Sunflower), Organic Fruit Blend (Date, Banana & Baobab), Organic Agave Fiber, Flax Seeds, Organic Cocoa (Alkalised), Natural Flavors, Probiotics & Digestive Enzyme Blend (Bacillus Coagulans, Amylase, Protease, Cellulase, Lactase & Lipase), Organic Monkfruit Extract, Organic Cinnamon, Organic Turmeric.
Highlights:
- Protein: 20g per 35g portion (57% protein)
- Carbohydrates: 11g per 35g portion (31% carbs)
- 5 Digestive Enzymes
- 1 Billion CFU of Probiotics for added digestive benefits
- Organic
2.3. PlantFusion Vegan Protein Powder
PlantFusion Complete Vegan Protein Powder is made from a blend of pea protein, artichoke protein, and quinoa, providing a complete amino acid profile. The BCAA amino acids, leucine, isoleucine, and valine, are seen directly on the ingredient list, totaling 4 grams of BCAAs per portion of this supplement. In addition to already containing broken-down BCAA amino acids, this supplement also contains two digestive enzymes: Alpha Galactosidase and Bromelain.
Ingredients:
Pea Protein Isolate, L-Isoleucine, L-Leucine, L-Valine, L-Glutamine, Artichoke Powder, Organic Sprouted Amaranth Powder, Organic Sprouted Quinoa Powder, Whole Algae Protein, Alpha Galactosidase, Bromelain, Natural Flavor, Stevia Extract Powder (Reb A), Organic Tapioca Powder, Silica, Guar Gum Powder, Lucuma Powder, Monk Fruit Extract Powder, Yacon Powder.
Highlights:
- Protein: 21g per 30g portion (70% protein)
- Carbohydrates: 2g per 30g portion (6.7% carbs)
- 2 Digestive Enzymes
- 4 grams of BCAAs
3. The Bottom Line: Making a Decision
If you purchase something through one of our affiliate links, we may receive a small commission. This does not affect the price you pay in any way. Thank you for supporting our website!
Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Powder is the best overall option for a vegan protein powder with digestive enzymes. It contains a total of 13 enzymes, outnumbering the other two options. It is also the one that contains the most amount of probiotics, also found to contribute to digestion. This option also has the highest protein content and lowest carbohydrate content.
EarthChimp Organic Vegan Protein Powder is another great option powder including many digestive enzymes and probiotics. It also includes turmeric in the ingredient list for some added anti-inflammatory benefits.
Finally, PlantFusion Vegan Protein Powder is also a great option in the market. It not only contains two digestive enzymes but also contains some BCAA amino acids in their simple form in the ingredient list, already digested for you.