For the past few years, interest in plant-based alternatives to animal protein have sky-rocketed to an all-time high. Not only are individual consumers looking for vegan options, but big-time companies are as well! In fact, major fast food places are even taking notice.
Just one of these plant-based choices is pea protein.
You’ll find pea protein in many nutritional shakes and in a wide variety of vegan products. It’s even in our proprietary protein blend in Epi-Genius Kids. But do you know what pea protein is exactly and what it can do for you?
Today, we will cover the possible benefits from consuming pea protein. We’ll also cover that little elephant in the room about a report alleging that all pea protein powders contain glyphosate, a dangerous herbicide that is becoming notorious in courtrooms across America.
Wait…OMG…does that mean our pea protein contains that awful chemical too? Read on to find out!
Pea Protein 101
Sourcing
How Is It Made?
You may be surprised to know that this protein comes from peas! Okay, we’re being sarcastic–you totally knew! But here’s what you might not know: the veggie is grounded up into fine powder. Expert superfood specialists then remove the fiber and starch to leave an isolated source of protein.
Purium’s peas are sourced from sustainable farmers that do not practice genetic modification. In fact, we test for that as soon as each superfood enters our door. That’s our pure and premium promise to you. We ensure each of our proprietary dried powders are top-quality before ever shipping them to you.
Does It Contain Glyphosate?
So…it’s about time we address the elephant in the room. If you attended Purium Summit 2019, you already know this information, so you can skip ahead. But if you did not attend, then you should pay special attention to what we are about to say.
Earlier in 2019, consumer watchdog, Mamavation, teamed with the Detox Project. (You might be familiar with the Detox Project, who recognized our Biome Medic as the only Gold Standard Certified Glyphosate Detoxing product).
Together, the organizations audited popular vegan protein powders and found that most contained traces of glyphosate. Naturally, ours was tested as well.
And what does they find? We’re in the clear! See the results below.
Pretty cool, right? Now that we got that out the way, let’s learn more about pea protein. Why exactly should someone add this superfood phytonutrient to their daily health regimen?
Benefits
Here are a three benefits that we LOVE.
It packs protein and amino acids
It may be a little obvious (and by a little, we mean a lot), but it’s worth repeating. Protein is made out of several amino acids. And why is this important? Well, because our bodies require amino acids to function. Some amino acids can be produced naturally by the body, but others must be consumed through eating leafy greens and antioxidant-rich fruits.
Pea protein contains nine amino acids that the body cannot create on its own. (1) In particular, it packs various acids that supports heart health and muscle growth. That brings us to the next benefit, one that athletes will love too!
It can help boost your muscle gains
Yes, the protein can help get you some serious gains. And don’t just take our word for it, science backs it up! This protein may come from a small pea, but it packs a big punch.
In fact, the Journal of International Society of Sports Nutrition studied pea protein in a double, blind, randomized, place-controlled study versus whey protein. (2) In science, this is the vegan cream of the crop!
So, how did it do? Pea protein performed just as well as whey. So if dairy-based whey protein makes your stomach feel a little queasy, we think you just found your new workout buddy. Try it before you exercise for the best results when muscle-training. (We have tips for post-workout recovery too).
If you’re not interested in gaining muscle, we still have one more benefit for you! And this one is definitely one of our favorites.
It can help suppress appetite, and by extension, boost weight loss
Even if you’re not the type of person who frequents the gym, pea protein may be just what you need in your health regimen. And why is that? Well, studies show that high protein diets can help you feel fuller, which may help decrease how much food you eat. (3)
In fact, one study published in the British Journal of Nutrition studied how pea protein could affect consumption of one of the most tastiest foods known to man: pizza! (4)
So, what were the results? Participants who consumed about 20 grams of the protein before eating actually reduced the average number of calories consumed as compared to a trial without the protein. That’s enough proof for us! We’re putting pea protein on Smart Order, stat!
If you reach a weight loss plateau, try adding this protein into your diet to boost your results.
Purium-Powered Protein
We know what you’re thinking. Now that you have heard all about the great benefits of pea protein, you’re wondering where you can find it, right? Well, look no further, because we have tons of products that pack this protein.
Here’s a list of our faves and what they can help support:
- MVP Sport (Available in Chocolate or Vanilla) – Helps boost workouts with protein from peas, pumpkin, brown rice and more
- Epi-Genius Kids – Helps support general nutrition with a whole-food blend of vitamins, superfruits, superveggies, healthy fat, fiber, probiotics and more. This is a perfect snack for kids going back to school.
- MVP Family – Supports kids as a protein source (but does not include the other goodies in Epi-Genius)
- Coffee Shop Proteins – Indulge in your favorite coffee shop staples and build lean muscle!
Power to the protein!
Cited Studies
- Tömösközi, S., Lasztity, R., Haraszi, R., & Baticz, O. (2001). Isolation and study of the functional properties of pea proteins. Food/Nahrung, 45(6), 399-401.
- Babault, N., Païzis, C., Deley, G., Guérin-Deremaux, L., Saniez, M. H., Lefranc-Millot, C., & Allaert, F. A. (2015). Pea proteins oral supplementation promotes muscle thickness gains during resistance training: a double-blind, randomized, Placebo-controlled clinical trial vs. Whey protein. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 12(1), 3.
- Weigle, D. S., Breen, P. A., Matthys, C. C., Callahan, H. S., Meeuws, K. E., Burden, V. R., & Purnell, J. Q. (2005). A high-protein diet induces sustained reductions in appetite, ad libitum caloric intake, and body weight despite compensatory changes in diurnal plasma leptin and ghrelin concentrations–. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 82(1), 41-48.
- Smith, C. E., Mollard, R. C., Luhovyy, B. L., & Anderson, G. H. (2012). The effect of yellow pea protein and fibre on short-term food intake, subjective appetite and glycaemic response in healthy young men. British Journal of Nutrition, 108(S1), S74-S80.
