Nuzest Review: Best Vegan Protein Supplement? + Good Green Stuff

About | Protein quality | Absorption | Allergen safety | Flavors | Making a shake | Good Green Stuff | Pricing | 10% Discount Coupon

I stopped drinking protein shakes over a decade ago.

Like most young men, they were promoted to me by sports masters and gym buddies.

They told me that whey protein was an essential for gaining muscle and staying healthy.

I thought that drinking a protein shake post-workout and then going to the toilet seven times over the next few hours was normal.

I thought constant flatulence was normal, and shamefully, my wind was a running joke among friends.

I actually thought casein was a good ingredient.

Yes, I was unlearned and my gut health paid the price.

But hey, fast forward and, with the truth in our hands and better resources at our fingertips, we are able to make better dietary choices.

And just recently, having been introduced to a brand called Nuzest, I decided to give protein shakes another chance. And it has been a very different experience this time around…

About Nuzest

Considering my unhealthy experience with protein shakes as a youngster, when I  learned of Nuzest, it was of great interest to me: Dairy free, gluten-free, GMO free, even soy free.

Turn the tub around and check the ingredients: no maltodextrin or other artificial sweeteners, no E numbers, additives or preservatives, and no flavors or colors.

It's clean, thus the tag-line ‘Clean, Lean, Protein'.

Nuzest contains all nine essential amino acids. It's high in glutamine. It's low-carb (not that I'm bothered about that), and low-fat.

Protein Quality & Content

Nuzest source their protein from a 6th generation family-owned company in Belgium, regarded as the world leader in pea protein isolation.

Nuzest contains no chemical solvents, no fillers, and artificial compounds used in the blending process.

It is arguably the highest quality pea protein isolate on the market.

You see, there are a number of vegan protein powders out there, but most make use of chemical solvents to obtain a high protein content. Nuzest uses a natural water-based isolation process.

There's no GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) in the ingredients either.

Some people aren't fussed about GMO, but others are aware of the carcinogenic properties of GMO foods due to the herbicides use to grow them (1).

Getting enough protein generally isn't an issue.

If you eat a balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, legumes, and nuts and seeds, then you will be getting enough protein and meeting all your essential amino acid requirements.

How many people have you ever met in your lifetime with a protein deficiency?

However, there are groups of people with higher protein needs:

1. Perhaps you lift weights or do a lot of cycling or running and feel that you want to optimize your protein intake for better muscle recovery.
2. Perhaps you work a job where occasionally you're forced to miss lunch.
3. Perhaps you aren't well and looking for a healthy protein option to supplement your diet while you recover.
4. Perhaps you are over the age of 60 and want to ensure that you're maximizing your essential amino acid intake to avoid frailty and improve healing ability in the unfortunate event that you might obtain an injury.

A note on the last category: Dr Valter Longo, the world's leading biogerontologist (studies aging) and cell biologist, recommends that people over the age of 65 pay close attention to their protein intake for the aforementioned reasons.

Well, in any of these cases you'll be pleased to know that Nuzest has a protein content of nearly 90%, which is over four times greater than that of animal protein sources such as meat, chicken, or fish.

The protein in the Nuzest is called Pisane. This is the highest quality pea protein on the market today.

Most pea protein has a protein content of 80 to 85%, but Nuzest contains 88-90%.

If you didn't know, protein is present in crucial functions in virtually every physiological and metabolic process in the body.

Proteins are comprised of monomer units made up from up to 20 amino acids, of which nine are regarded as essential because they cannot be synthesized in the body and must be ingested in the diet.

The 9 essential amino acids are as follows:

1. Histidine
2. isoleucine
3. Leucine
4. Valine
5. Lysine
6. Methionine
7. Phenylalanine
8. Threonine
9. Tryptophan

There are other amino acids called ‘conditionally essential amino acids'.

These are required in times of growth, intense activity, stress and illness. Whereas others are considered non-essential because they can be synthesized in the body.

The good news is you will find pretty much all of these in Nuzest Clean Lean Protein, too.

+ Visit the Nuzest website

• Use coupon code PLANTWAY for 10% off

Nuzest Absorption Rate

Nuzest protein is highly absorbable.

If you have ever taken a protein supplement for a given period of time, you will know about bloating and having an uncomfortable stomach.

I recall the days when I used to go to the gym and have a protein shake afterwards, then get ready to go out of an evening and feeling so uncomfortable in my stomach – waiting for this sticky blubber to digest through my system.

“You look like you've been in the gym, man”. “Yea, but do you know where the toilet is?”

The first time I tried Nuzest's protein I was at the very least expecting to have some sort of flatulence, not least because I hadn't had a protein shake in a long time.

Nothing. Nada. I didn't have any adverse stomach effects or flatulence.

Of course, don't expect to eat a high protein meal and then have a Nuzest shake and not to break wind a bit.

If you overload on protein your body just gets rid of it.

The good news is that plant protein doesn't impact the liver the same way animal protein does. It also doesn't cause the same inflammatory response.

Digging down into the literature, I genuinely believe that their statement regarding digestibility is correct.

Nuzest has a very fine particle size and digestibility rating of 98%. This means it's light on the stomach and easy to digest and absorb.

This is a really important factor  for those with a sensitive stomach.

Alkaline: pH 7.8

This is something that people rarely think about, although generally people know that they should try to keep a fairly alkaline diet and not overly eat acidic foods.

Nuzest is one of the few alkaline proteins available.

Because it is plant-based and contains no naturally processed ingredients, it maintains a balanced pH (7.8), which contributes to good health.

Allergen Safety

75% of the world's population suffer from lactose intolerance, many people suffer from gluten intolerance, and some with soy intolerance. And then there are nut allergies too.

So understandably there's a huge concern around cross contamination between food ingredients.

We have all heard the dreadful stories of people with serious allergens having purchased food that they believed to be free of the food ingredient that they are allergic to, only to suffer severe pain and in some cases death due to cross-contamination.

This usually happens because what is claimed to be a non-dairy/non-nut containing food is made in the same factory as a dairy/nut product.

Companies are required to state this on their products, but mistakes do get made.

Nuzest, however, has a stringent safety procedure in which all raw ingredients are guaranteed free of allergens.

After the product is finished blending, it is independently tested in a laboratory for gluten, soy, dairy and safe microbial levels.

Environmentally Friendly

Vegan or not, the large majority of people are concerned about the environment and interested in ways in which they can lower their carbon footprint.

The good news about peas is that they use less water and require less than 20% of the land needed to produce the same amount of protein from whey or beef.

+ Shop Nuzest here

• Use coupon code PLANTWAY for 10% off

Range of Flavors

There's Smooth Vanilla, Wild Strawberry, Creamy Cappuccino, Rich Chocolate, or just Plain Natural.

Although these sound quite extravagant, remember that there are no artificial colors, preservatives, sweeteners, or fillers.

I have tried them all.

I have to say my favorites are Rich Chocolate and Wild Strawberry. I am also partial to Smooth Vanilla.

I passed on Creamy Cappuccino, as I gave up drinking coffee and therefore I'm trying to stay away from anything that tastes like a cappuccino – because it might tempt me back into my caffeine addiction.

Rich chocolate in my shaker!

But how does it taste?

Pretty darn good, actually.

It's not chalky, it's not sickly sweet, and it blends very well and isn't lumpy.

If you're using a banana or other fruit additions, I recommend more than 250ml of water per 2 scoops; otherwise it's a bit thick for me – particularly when made with banana.

How to Make ‘Clean Lean Protein'

As with any protein shake, it's really easy to make.

You simply add two scoops to a shaker or blender containing 250 ml or more of water, coconut water, or your favorite non-dairy milk, and shake it up.

I usually add in a banana and some flaxseed. I recommend adding in Chia seeds if you like, or perhaps some greens or berries.

This leads me nicely onto the next section, because I add the ‘Good Green Stuff' to my smoothies sometimes, and, when added to the Rich Chocolate, it gives it a subtle minty flavor. Yum!

Banana plus the Green Good Stuff.

+ Shop on the Nuzest website

• Use coupon code PLANTWAY for 10% off

The ‘Good Green Stuff'

I have to say I am as excited about the Good Green Stuff  as the protein shake.

Any doctor, nutritionist, dietician or health expert worth their title will tell you that we do not get enough green vegetables in our diet, and we do not get enough essential nutrients and phytochemicals.

Micronutrients and phytochemicals are essential for the prevention of infection and disease, and for fighting off illness like colds and flus.

The Good Green Stuff is a super blend of essential nutrients from plant foods, plant extracts, coQ10, bifido, and lacto bacteria. All 100% natural and vegan friendly.

Consider this for a moment:

A major survey of dietary habits of 4-18 year-olds showed that the most commonly consumed foods are white bread, savory snacks, chips, biscuits, potatoes and chocolate confectionery.

Additionally, it was found that boys, by weight, consume nearly 4 times as many biscuits as leafy green vegetables, while girls eat, by weight, more than four times as much sweets and chocolate than leafy green vegetables.

The same survey also revealed that 91% of girls aged 4-6 years failed to reach the RNI for Zinc; while 90% of girls aged 15-18 years did not reach the RNI for magnesium, 73% did not reach the RNI for zinc, and 53% did not reach the RNI for folic acid.

The bottom line is that we are not getting enough of the essential nutrients we need, particularly in the case of children and the elderly, who are likely to be deficient in vitamin D, magnesium, vitamin K and copper.

Ingredients

Good Green Stuff supports all 12 body systems, including energy production, immune function, bone health, digestion and cognition.

It contains nutrient rich fruits, vegetables, berries, herbs and extracts and 20+ added vitamins and minerals.

I have a daughter of four years old. I consider myself well read on nutrition and continue to educate myself on a daily basis as to how I can make improvements to the diet of my family.

So when the Good Green Stuff dropped on the mat, I was extremely pleased to be able to give this to my daughter as a dietary top-up.

We all know that young children can be very fussy about what they eat, and they can be easily distracted when eating and fail to finish a meal, which leaves us worrying that they are not getting enough of a particular nutrient.

This is not exclusive to any person eating any particular type of diet, be it a meat and dairy-based diet or a plant-based diet.

The Good Green Stuff is a natural blend of over 75 organic, plant, algal and fungal foods, including but not limited to:

• Organic spirulina
• Red marine algae
• Flaxseed
• Organic wheatgrass leaf
• Organic chlorella
• Organic barley leaf
• Acerola fruit
• Broccoli sprout
• Beet root
• Ginger root
• Spinach
• Whole kelp
• Shiitake mushroom
• Goji berry
• Panax ginseng
• Rosehip
• Globe artichoke leaf
• Ashwagandha root
• Turmeric root
• Rhodiola Rosea root
• Dandelion
• Citrus bioflavonoids

Vitamins & Minerals

It's impressive stuff (pardon the pun). And if I can get my four year old daughter eating more plant-derived nutrients, I'm a happy daddy.

Plus it's an easy sell – because I can hide it inside a protein shake that tastes good and contains all the essential amino acids. It's also great for her busy mum, too.

Again, don't get me wrong: I am in no way saying that this is a replacement for eating cress, spinach, kale, cabbage, cucumber and all the other wonderful vegetables, be they green, red or yellow.

But what I am saying is that it is a very easy way to obtain a top up of vital micronutrients and phytochemicals.

Let's have a quick look at the bioavailable vitamins and minerals inside the green mix:

• Vitamin A
• vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K2
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin B1
• Vitamin B2
• Vitamin B3
• Pantothenic acid
• Vitamin B6
• Folate
• Vitamin B12
• Biotin
• Potassium
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Zinc
• Copper
• Manganese
• Silica
• Selenium
• Chromium
• Iodine

Good for Gut Health

Healthy gut, healthy body, as the saying goes.

Each 10g serving of the Good Green Stuff provides 6 billion colony forming units of microbiotic bacteria.

So if you're struggling with issues relating to an unhealthy gut biome, this formulation is a natural way to improve your body's microbiologic environment.

Like the Clean Lean Protein, GGS is also gluten-free, dairy free, soy free, and GMO free.

The total amount of plant extracts in each 10 g serving amounts to 2.5 g by weight;  that's 25% of the formulation.

This provides a very nutrient-dense intake compared with a normal diet, or one supplemented with concentrated botanicals.

Nuzest Pricing

You can buy Nuzest in the US or the UK/Europe. All you have to do is hop on over to the website (see the link below).

As you will find out with a quick Google search, you can get whey protein, soy protein and pea protein dirt cheap on the Internet.

But as you'll also know, you get what you pay for.

If you want to drink inflammatory dairy products that raise levels of Insulin Growth Factor 1 (IGF1), along with carcinogenic sweeteners and additives and all the rest of the nasty stuff they put in the blend, go for the cheapest there is.

On the flip-side, if you want to be absolutely sure that your protein shake contains nothing but natural ingredients, you have to pay a bit more.

So it costs a bit more, but here's a tip to keep the cost down.

My advice is not to use two scoops as recommended on the Nuzest instructions.

I don't think you need that much; certainly not if your diet is already fairly plant-based protein heavy.

I certainly don't need that much and I have no problem maintaining lean muscle.

Use one scoop, and have one shake every other day.

Nuzest has a good absorption profile and a very high protein content, so it's pointless having more than you need because your body will only work to get rid of it anyway.

If you're a serious weightlifter and you're looking to stack on muscle all costs, maybe go for 1 1/2 scoops.

Either way, you'll save yourself money and make the tub last longer.

• 7.9 Oz tub will cost you $23.99
• 17.6 Oz tub will cost you $44.99,  you can also get bigger tubs and packs of sachets.
• If you're in the UK, a 500g  tub will cost you £29.99,  whereas a liter tub will cost you £49.99.

The Good Green Stuff isn't available in the US but they do have the Good Green Snack, and a daily nutritional drink option called Vita Kick.

• In the UK, a 300g tub of the Good Green Stuff costs £49.99. Or go for a 600g tub for £89.99

While you're over on the website, check out some of the athletes using Nuzest. There's good reason so many athletes are using plant-based supplements these days: Less inflammation, faster recovery, lower injury rate, less bloating and all-round better health.

Nuzest Coupon Code

The good folks at Nuzest have given me a coupon code for my readers.

If you add the products you want to the cart, then enter the code PLANTWAY into the coupon box and click ‘apply', you'll automatically get 10% off your order.

That works out at a nice saving that goes straight back into your pocket.

+ Click here to visit the Nuzest website

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