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Is pea protein powder good for you?
Pea protein powder is a high-quality, easily digested protein source made from yellow peas. It's rich in iron, arginine and branched-chain amino acids and offers benefits like improved muscle growth, feelings of fullness and heart health.
What are the negatives of pea protein?
Pea protein drawbacks The only real drawback is that because it's a plant-based protein, it's not as “bioavailable” as other proteins. “In other words,” he adds, “our bodies can't readily use them. They don't have essential amino acids.
Is pea protein healthier than whey?
Most pea and whey protein powders deliver more than 20 grams of protein per serving, but with differing levels of essential amino acids. Whey protein contains more cholesterol, calcium, and potassium. Pea protein has more fiber and iron.
Can pea protein make you gain weight?
Pea protein for weight gain can be an important resource. It's lower in calories than a typical whey protein product, and it's a better option than sugar-filled protein shakes on the market. It helps a person to gain lean body mass, not just any type of body mass, which is a healthier type of weight.
Is pea protein inflammatory?
Pea protein contains purines, which can affect people who suffer from gout, since purine breaks down into uric acid that forms crystals in the joints and can cause inflammation and pain.
Does pea protein make you poop?
Eating a lot of peas will probably give you more digestive trouble than pea protein powder. The fiber in plant foods, especially in large doses, causes bloating, gas and either constipation or diarrhea for many people.
When should I take pea protein?
Fitness enthusiasts often recommend taking a protein supplement 15–60 minutes after exercise. This time frame is known as the “anabolic window” and said to be the perfect time for getting the most out of nutrients like protein ( 16 ).
Is pea protein high in estrogen?
Pea protein doesn't contain estrogen / oestrogen as this is the hormone that is produced in the body. However, pea protein does contain phytoestrogens in relatively low quantities, at a level similar to most other foods, and far lower than foods considered 'high' in phytoestrogens.
Is pea protein slow digesting?
The pea protein also digests slowly, which may improve your body composition over time. Research shows that slower-digesting proteins are better for muscle growth over the long term. Slower-digested proteins are also great for taking before bed time, like you do with casein.
Is pea protein good for lose weight?
Pea protein can help with weight loss, yes. How is that? Like any form of protein (full-fat dairy, chicken, nut butters), pea protein boosts metabolism, helping you to burn more calories. You'll also feel fuller and the protein takes longer to digest than processed or sugary foods, so it's a win-win.
What happens if you drink protein shakes without working out?
Packed with protein, and often with decadent ingredients like peanut butter and chocolate, protein shakes can be surprisingly high in calories. If you're not exercising, and those protein shakes are adding a lot of extra calories to your diet, that could lead to weight gain.
Why is pea protein so popular?
Growing interest in vegetarian and plant-based diets has likely prompted the increased availability of pea and other plant-based proteins. Proteins are made of amino acids and there are nine amino acids that are essential in our diets.
High-Quality Protein Source
Pea protein contains all nine essential amino acids that your body cannot create and must get from food. However, it’s relatively low in methionine ( 1 ).
Works With Many Special Diets
Pea protein powder is naturally vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and does not contain any of the top eight food allergens — peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, fish, shellfish, cow’s milk, wheat and soy ( 13 ).
Builds Muscle Mass
Studies show that pea protein powder can help build muscle when paired with resistance training.
Keeps You Full
Research has found that protein helps people feel fuller for longer than carbs or fat ( 16 ).
Good for Heart Health
Animal studies have found that pea protein powder can reduce some of the risk factors for heart disease, like elevated cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Add this vegan source to your protein shakes and smoothies
Eliza Savage, MS, RD is a senior editor at Verywell Fit, a registered dietitian, and a published author.
Best Overall: NAKED nutrition NAKED PEA 1LB Pea Protein Isolate
As the name implies, you’ll only get pea protein in this powder. Made exclusively from yellow pea protein, Naked Pea protein powder is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, GMO-free, and soy-free. It contains no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors.
Best Organic: Source Organic Premium Pea Protein Isolate
Vegan, USDA organic protein powders are few and far between, but this one from NorCal Organic is a quality choice. Sourced exclusively from organic farms in Canada, NorCal's Pea Protein is free of allergens and additives and is an excellent source of high-quality protein. Two scoops contain 22 grams of protein with absolutely no sugar.
Best Organic Pea Protein Blend: Sunwarrior Organic Vegan Protein Powder Warrior Blend
Sunwarrior Warrior Blend takes the top pick among pea protein powder blends. The proprietary mix of organic pea protein, hemp protein, and goji berry contains 19 grams of plant-based protein per scoop. The USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Certified blend is allergy-friendly, as it is free of soy, gluten, and dairy.
Best Sugar-Free: Garden of Life Raw Organic Vanilla Protein Powder
Made up of a unique blend of 15 plant-based legumes, grains, and seeds, Garden of Life’s Raw Organic Protein is a delicious protein powder that's primarily pea protein. Each scoop provides 22 grams of easily assimilated plant-based protein with no sugar.
Best for Athletes: Now Foods NOW Sports Nutrition Pea Protein
Now Sports unflavored pea protein powder is a trusted protein source for athletes. The protein powder holds the highest level of assurance with the Informed-Choice and Informed-Sport certifications that verify each batch is screened for potency, identity, and safety. Plus, the product is tested for over 220 banned substances.
Best Tasting: Sprout Living Epic Protein Powder Original Flavor
If you’re looking for a great-tasting pea protein powder, Sprout Living’s Epic Protein is an excellent choice. The gluten-free, dairy-free, and grain-free Epic Protein is made from yellow pea and a mix of sunflower, pumpkin, sacha inchi, and cranberry seeds. Each 2-scoop serving provides 19 grams of plant-based protein.