Protein is one of the most important nutrients you need to get from your diet. It is called the “building block of life” because without it, your body won’t be able to grow, develop, function or stay in top form. [1]
Today, protein supplementation is widely associated with athletes and body builders, as well as older adults who are looking to rebuild muscle. But these people are not the only ones who could use a protein boost as protein performs many functions inside the body.
Many sources of protein are available for you to add to your diet. The usual ones are lean meat, poultry, fish and dairy products. While these are some of the most abundant protein sources on the planet, they’re not always for everybody.
Whether it’s because of their diet or food allergies, some people prefer to get their protein from plant-based sources. And one of the best all-around sources of this nutrient for vegans, vegetarians, and even meat eaters who are looking for a healthy alternative, is yellow split pea protein.
Why is pea protein is so highly recommended? Here are some good reasons.
The importance of protein for the body
The pros and cons of various protein supplements is a hot topic these days, but what protein actually does for the body isn’t as frequently discussed. Protein happens to be one of the main components of cells, which make up the entire human body. You need protein to grow and maintain these cells (or tissues), as well as to repair them when they’re injured. [2]
The enzymes that drive the biochemical reactions inside your body are also proteins, and they’re involved in various other functions, including digestion, muscle contraction, blood clotting and energy production.
Meanwhile, the different parts of your body rely on proteins in the form of hormones to communicate with each other. Besides having a hand in your body’s growth and development, hormones also help maintain healthy blood sugar levels, reproductive functions and sleep and wake cycles. [3]
Some proteins provide structural support for your tissues. Two good examples of these are collagen and elastin. These give your skin, muscles, bones and other organs much-needed elasticity or flexibility. Proteins also help your body maintain fluid balance, which is crucial for the healthy functions of your heart and liver. [4] Having poor water balance can lead to serious consequences, such as seizures, overheating, brain swelling (cerebral edema), shock and even coma. [5]
Because of its involvement in virtually every process that occurs inside your body, protein is high on the list of nutrients you should prioritize getting from your diet. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein – or the minimum amount you need to get every day – is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. That translates to your weight in pounds multiplied by 0.36. But because your body, in a way, consumes the protein that you eat, your daily protein requirement depends on the level of your physical activity. [6]
When you eat foods rich in protein, the nutrient doesn’t go directly to specific organs or tissues. Instead, your body breaks it down into small molecules called amino acids and uses these to create the proteins that it needs. [7] This is why athletes and physically active individuals need more protein than people with low levels of physical activity. Aside from building muscles, they also need the raw materials to help repair their muscles, which suffer small tears due to strenuous activities. [8] This is where protein supplementation comes in handy.
Why pea protein is an excellent choice for protein supplementation
Despite their small size, peas should not be underestimated. These button-like legumes contain more nutrients than some foods triple their size.
Pea protein is derived from yellow split peas, which are the processed seeds of the plant Pisum sativum. These field peas are the mature form of green peas and are first dried and peeled before they are split to reduce their cooking time. While green split peas have a sweeter taste, yellow split peas tend to have a more earthy flavor. Both varieties of split pea are equal in terms of versatility and nutrient content. [9][10]
Yellow split peas are low in fat and high in fiber, iron, folate and potassium. But what makes this superfood popular among healthy eaters, especially vegans and vegetarians, is its high protein content.
Pea protein contains all the essential amino acids except for one – methionine. Despite this shortcoming, pea protein beats out other protein-fortified products because of its better balance of essential amino acids. In fact, pea protein is particularly rich in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) that are needed for muscle building and repair. [11][12]
Another advantage pea protein has over other protein supplements like whey is that it is plant-based and contains no lactose or gluten. This means that it’s perfectly suitable for people who are lactose-intolerant, allergic to gluten or following a strictly plant-based, dairy-free diet. Unlike whey protein, pea protein is also easy to digest, so you don’t have to worry about any bloating.
Pea protein is available in powder form and is great for making post-workout smoothies, baked goods and other recipes. Besides increasing your protein intake, pea protein powder is also great for boosting your intake of essential nutrients, such as:
- Calcium
- Chromium
- Copper
- Dietary fiber
- Folic acid
- Iodine
- Iron
- Manganese
- Magnesium
- Niacin
- Phosphorus
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids
- Potassium
- Riboflavin
- Selenium
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K
And because of its abundance of nutrients, pea protein powder can do wonders for your body, such as:*
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Support a healthy cardiovascular system – Heart-healthy and gentle on your kidneys, pea protein supports the maintenance of healthy cholesterol levels that are already within the normal range.
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Promote healthy blood circulation – Thanks to its abundance of arginine, pea protein powder can promote healthy blood circulation by supporting your body’s production of nitric oxide (NO). NO helps increase oxygen and blood flow, which is great for muscle growth and repair. [13]
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Support healthy kidney and liver functions – Your kidneys and liver play an important role in your body’s natural detoxification process. But in order for them to do their job, you need plenty of amino acids so your body can create the enzymes needed for the whole detox process. Pea protein can supply you with those raw materials. [14]
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Promote healthy blood sugar levels – Pea protein powder has a low glycemic index, so it can support healthy blood sugar levels that are already within the normal range.
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Support healthy muscle growth and post-workout recovery– Because it can provide you with ample amounts of BCAAs, pea protein powder supports healthy muscle functions. And thanks to its potassium and magnesium content, pea protein powder also aids in normal post-workout muscle recovery.
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Support sensible weight management goals – One of the advantages of supplementing with protein is that it may help you feel full for longer. This means you won’t be likely to overeat, which is good news for your weight. This is especially true when you combine protein with proper diet and exercise.
- Promote healthy energy levels – Research suggests that low protein intake can lead to low energy levels. This is why many athletes rely on protein supplements like pea protein powder to keep their energy levels up even after a strenuous workout.
Where to get ultra-clean and nutrient-rich pea protein powder
Today, there are so many choices available to consumers that picking the right product isn’t always easy. And with protein supplements being all the rage these days, there are bound to be a few products out there that promise to do more but deliver less.
But that’s not the case here at the Health Ranger Store. Because we value your health and want to give you only the best, we always make sure our products are ultra-clean and of the highest quality, and we do that through extensive lab testing.
If you’re looking for a clean, lab-verified pea protein powder, look no further than Health Ranger Select Organic Pea Protein Powder. Our product is made from 100% organic yellow peas from Canada and provides at least 80% high-quality protein per serving.
Because it is purely plant-based and contains no lactose or allergens like gluten, it is ideal for vegans, vegetarians and people with food allergies or sensitivities. Our pea protein powder is also easy to digest, so you can be sure that your body can put all those amino acids to good use.
Health Ranger Select Organic Pea Protein Powder has the same nutritional content as green peas but with a much milder flavor. Its palatable taste and texture blend easily into other foods, so you can use it for a wide variety of recipes.
For a quick protein boost, especially after an intense workout, simply stir 3 heaping tablespoons of our ultra-clean, organic pea powder into your favorite smoothie, juice, shake or other beverage. Our premium pea protein powder is best taken within 30 minutes of your workout to optimize your routine and support muscle recovery.
Health Ranger Select Organic Pea Protein Powder is vegan, non-GMO, non-irradiated and certified Kosher and organic. It contains no gluten, melamine, additives or fillers, and is lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology.
Fortify your body with one of the best all-around protein supplements on the planet!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any diseases.
References
[2] https://www.healthline.com/
[3] https://www.healthline.com/
[4] https://www.nursingtimes.net/
[5] https://www.healthgrades.com/
[6] https://www.health.harvard.edu/
[7] https://www.self.com/story/
[8] https://theconversation.com/
[9] https://www.camelliabrand.com/
[10] https://extension.illinois.edu/
[11] https://www.aicr.org/resources/
