5 Pea Protein Benefits

Pea Protein has a great amino acid profile. It is dense in branched-chain amino acids that are well-known for decreasing muscle breakdown after workouts. But muscles aren’t the only part of your body that benefit from pea protein! Here are give benefits you’ll reap by incorporating pea protein powder into your diet.

1. Aids Weight Loss

As with all good protein powders, pea protein is a handy tool in your arsenal of weight loss weapons. Especially if you’re looking to lose weight fast, introducing protein is one of the best ways to do it.

2. Supports a Healthy Heart

Not only is pea protein good for your weight, but it’s proven to support a healthy heart. In 2009, Canadian scientists found that pea protein lowers high blood pressure. The rats in the study showed a 20 percent decrease in blood pressure over the course of just eight weeks of pea protein treatment. (3)

In another study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, researchers found that intake over time of plant-based proteins, rather than animal-based proteins, decreased the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).

3. May Decrease Risk of Kidney Disease

The study in Canada that proved pea protein lowers high blood pressure was intended to determine the effects of pea protein on chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although they couldn’t say exactly why, researchers stated that pea protein consumption could actually delay or prevent the onset of CKD. For patients already diagnosed, pea protein’s ability to regulate blood pressure levels poses a significant benefit, because many CKD-related deaths are due to cardiovascular complications, as CKD is associated with increased blood pressure.

What’s fascinating about this particular study is that it was discovered that peas themselves do not provide these same benefits — it’s only the protein isolate extracted and activated with special enzymes that proved to be so useful.

4. Increases Muscle Thickness

A common misunderstanding about vegetable-based proteins is that they don’t have the same effect on muscle growth and muscle recovery after workouts as dairy-based whey proteins. However, that’s not true at all! A 2015 study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition proved pea protein increase muscle thickness just as potently as dairy-based proteins.

The source of this muscle growth is probably the high quantities of l-arginine in pea protein, which are found in higher concentrations than in other protein products. Arginine — and l-arginine — is a conditional amino acid that helps you to build muscle. Conditional amino acids are those not produced by your body that aren’t necessary except in times of stress or illness. However, consuming these amino acids during healthy times certainly doesn’t hurt!

5. Regulates Blood Sugar

Certain ingredients in food affect the way those foods raise your blood glucose levels. A study conducted by the University of Toronto’s Department of Nutritional Sciences tested the effects of pea protein on food intake, glucose levels and appetite in healthy young men. While the addition of pea protein didn’t change food intake or appetite, the blood glucose levels of subjects stayed lower than they normally would. This suggests pea protein can be considered a value-added ingredient, and when added to other foods, it can improve glycemic control.

Pea Protein’s Amino Acid Profile

Because of the varied types of soy and the confusion often surrounding protein powders, there tend to be a lot of different opinions about the assortment of amino acids in different types of proteins and what is necessary.

Pea protein has a nearly complete profile, although there are a couple of nonessential (amino acids your body already produces) and conditional amino acids missing. Adding superfoods (such as Sacha Inchi, Cranberry Seed and Chia) as a daily part of your routine, you should consume a full load of amino acids every day.

One great reason to consider pea protein in your typical rotation is that it contains about five more grams of protein per serving than whey protein — so it really can be great for building muscle, burning fat and boosting heart health.

Sacha Inchi seeds or nuts also called Inca Nuts (Plukenetia volubilis) are a relatively new nut that comes from South America. It is a true superfood loaded with omega fatty acids, protein, fiber, and antioxidants.