Is Seitan Good for Bodybuilding?

Vegan protein sources have been popular topics recently. Partly because many are making the moral decision to go vegan while others are developing intolerances. And some people just want to eat less meat. Many are familiar with soy but less are familiar with another vegan protein source called seitan. 

Seitan is a faux meat made from wheat gluten. It’s an alternative to meat because of its high protein content and similar texture. But is it good for bodybuilding? And is it a good alternative to meat? Here we will look into the many aspects that go into the question of whether seitan is good for bodybuilding.

What is Seitan?

Seitan is a meat substitute made from wheat gluten. The name actually comes from the Japanese word for wheat gluten. It is a high-protein vegan alternative to meat, particularly for those who don’t eat meat for ethical, health, or religious reasons. Seitan is a great source of protein, which is essential for building muscle. It is also low in fat and carbs. Seitan’s texture and taste are slightly different from meat, though it depends on how it is prepared. Many think it is the closest vegan substitute. Seitan is commonly used in Asian cuisine in places like Japan, China, and Korea. However, it is now starting to gain popularity in western culture as well, particularly among vegans who need alternative protein sources. You will typically find it in vegan food sections where they sell tofu and other meat substitutes.

How is Seitan Made?

Seitan is very interesting because it is hard to think of a high protein meat like substance coming from wheat. To make seitan, wheat flour and water get mixed together and kneaded until the sticky dough forms into strands of gluten protein. That dough is then washed to remove the starch, leaving the gluten protein. Read more about how to make Seitan here. 

The seitan is then seasoned and cooked typically in a broth and left to simmer. After that it can be prepared a variety of different ways just like a meat would based on preference.

Though as previously mentioned, you can find it pre-made in vegan food sections typically.

Is Seitan Good for Bodybuilding?

So is seitan good for bodybuilding? In short, yes! It is especially great for vegan bodybuilders that want to mix things up or for those allergic to soy. Per ounce, seitan contains about as much protein as meat. Though it does have some carbs, it is not very much. Some carbs are necessary anyway for muscle growth. They also contain some of all nine essential amino acids! Though it would always be a good idea to mix up your protein sources as much as you can or supplement with additional BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids).

There are also plant based protein powders such as Plant Jym which contain the proper amounts of all essential amino acids. You save 15% as well with code WELLNESS101!

However, keep in mind that seitan is derived from wheat gluten so it is not gluten free. So it would not be a good option for somebody who is allergic to gluten.

Conclusion

I know many have probably never even heard of seitan or knew there was a wheat-based protein source. So I encourage you to try it out as well as other vegan protein sources such as soy and chickpeas. Meat is obviously great for muscle building but it is always healthy to have a wide variety of protein sources in your diet.