Pea protein is one of the main ingredients in our protein bars—but why? Simply put, the health benefits of pea protein are plentiful. Whether you’re trying to start your own gym or train for a marathon, you need to have the protein to back you up. That’s what pea protein does best. Pea protein nutritional benefits are limitless and can really improve your diet and lifestyle. Read on to learn more about the wonderful health benefits of pea protein.
What is pea protein?
Most commonly, protein powder is either whey protein, soy protein, or brown rice protein. Whey and rice protein have incredible benefits, but soy—on the other hand—is not so stellar for health. Pea protein powder is one of the most hypoallergenic of all protein powders. The powder is produced by grinding peas and removing the starch and fiber. Peas are naturally rich in protein. They also contain essential amino acids (which are an important aspect of every diet).
Pea Protein Nutritional Benefits
One scoop of pea protein powder (33 grams) contains:
Protein: 24 g protein
Calories: 120
Fat: 2 g
Iron: 6 mg
Sodium: 330 mg
Calcium: 43 mg
Potassium: 83 mg
4 Health Benefits of Pea Protein
Easy on the Stomach
Since peas are a legume, people tend to worry about how they affect the stomach. Peas have a bad reputation because their high fiber and starch content often causes bloating and gas. But, that’s what’s great about pea protein—there’s no starch or fiber.
Increases Muscle Tissue
If you’re worried about whether pea protein can help you gain as much muscle as whey protein—don’t! According to the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, pea protein is just as effective as dairy-based proteins at increasing muscle thickness after training. Arginine is also found in pea protein, and it is an important amino acid that helps build muscle.
Complete Protein
Technically speaking, all proteins are complete; MIT actually debunked the “incomplete” protein myth a long time ago. People once thought (and some still think it today) that plant-based proteins lacked certain essential amino acids. However, all vegetable proteins are complete and therefore have the essential amino acids that the body needs—they just may be lower in some than in others. Pea protein is rich in all the amino acids except for methionine.
Supports Heart Health
Pea protein is free of cholesterol and saturated fat. Therefore, if you’re watching your cholesterol, you should pick up some pea protein. Known to reduce high blood pressure, pea protein is good for your waistline and heart.
