22/10/2017
Plant Based Protein
by Peter Karananos September 21, 2017
It is no secret we all need protein, it is vital to muscle growth, repair and for every bodily function. We have been fed the myth that one can only get quality protein from animal sources but can you get enough protein from plant based sources? The answer is YES, the myth that plant based proteins are not complete proteins is a strong misconception. It is true that not all plant based proteins are complete proteins on their own, however combining plant proteins together can produce a complete protein source. For example pea protein isolate may be missing a few amino acids but combining it with rice protein isolate provides a complete amino acid profile.
Vegetarian protein powders contain all the essential muscle building components needed to reap the rewards as omnivores. You can still supplement your diet with plant protein and get all the same amino acids in the right amount. For vegetarians and vegans and those struggling to get protein in their diet, supplementation with pea/rice isolate protein can help fill in the gaps. It is also an option for people who lack the necessary enzymes to break down lactose, who have certain allergies, celiac disease or just made an ethical decision to avoid animal products altogether. Given that people with celiac disease, food intolerances and allergies have limited protein choices it is helpful to know that pea /rice protein combinations offer comparative benefits as whey, which is the first choice protein in the athletic world.
Pea and rice isolate proteins are powerful on their own, but combined together provides a vegan protein that can compete with any animal derived protein and easily meet nutritional demands of hard training athletes. Pea and rice protein are a complete protein. They contain all nine essential amino acids. As pea protein is low in amino acids, Cysteine and Methionine, but high in Lysine, with rice protein which is low in Lysine, but high in Cysteine and Methionine, together they provide a superior amino acid profile. As an added bonus they are dairy free, alkalysing and easy on the digestive system.
Pea /rice protein is a godsend for vegan athletes, the two combinations eclipse all others in both protein and amino acid content. So while rice protein and pea protein have limitations as solo acts. Combined they easily meet the protein synthesis goal in post exercise meals. This plant protein combination should be on everyone’s radar as whey protein is no longer the only option.
While it boasts an amino acid profile similarly to whey it is also particularly high in the following aminos:
LYSINE – aids post workout recovery. Best absorbed after exercise as it helps repair muscle for faster recovery and muscle repair. Also aids the immune system.
ARGININE- benefits in weight training as a vasodialator bringing more blood flow to the heart and body. Arginine is essential in times of stress and illness.
GLUTAMINE- aids faster recovery, prevents muscle breakdown, can lead to better and faster fat to muscle conversion and provides digestive health.
BCAA (Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine) - usually the staple of every gym goer. Crucial amino acid combination required for the repair of torn muscle tissue from weight training and slows down muscle breakdown.
All of these amino acids and ones discussed before are in high amounts in pea/rice protein. Interestingly Leucine (muscle repair, part of BCAA.) in rice protein is absorbed 30% faster than in whey. While it boasts an amino acid profile similar to whey, pea/rice protein contains no lactose or glutens. That means no bloating which is a common food allergy symptom. It is naturally cholesterol free and fat free, even if you don’t have issues with animal protein, rotating between whey and plant proteins can freshen up your diet plan. It can be a challenge for both vegan and meat eating athletes, especially in today’s hectic lifestyle to provide adequate quality protein in their diet. A well rounded plant protein can provide a quick, high nutritious protein meal in a jiffy. For those on a low fat high protein diet pea/rice protein is an excellent option.
If you don’t want protein from animal sources, you have more choices than ever. Plant based supplements can meet your protein needs. Scientific research has unequivocally proven that quality protein can improve your physique and fat loss regime. Pea/rice protein is becoming increasingly popular with vegan athletes and those who prefer protein from non GMO sources and for those who can’t tolerate milk proteins.
If you dont want protein from animal sources, you have more choices than ever. Plant based supplements can definitely meet your protein needs. Scientific research has proven that high quality protein can improve your physique and fat loss regime. Pea/rice protein is becoming increasingly popular with vegan athletes. Athletes are shifting towards more GMO free sources and are making more ethical decisions in regards to where they source their protein.
Protein powders are fantastic for morning smoothies, post work out fuel and to take the edge off hunger pangs while providing a high quality protein low fat alternative, instead of racing for that sweet, high carb junk replacement.
Our vegan protein powder is widely recognized as the best tasting plant protein on the market. It boasts an impressive amino acid profile to fuel muscle growth and whatever athletic pursuit you engage in. This natural and clean supplement provides optimal assimilation and bio-availability in a pea/rice protein isolate blend that is perfect for any vegan body building diet.
Just one scoop (approx. 30 grams) of our plant protein provides:
About 11337 mg of essential amino acids (the ones you need from food)
About 8870 mg BCAA (leucine, isoleucine, valine) for muscle growth and repair.
About 2599 mg of leucine, the amino acid that triggers muscle protein synthesis.
