Why Is Protein Important In Your Diet?​

Protein does a lot for the body. Protein is an important part of a healthy diet. Every cell in the human body contains protein. The basic structure of protein is a chain of amino acids. Your body uses amino acids to build and repair muscles and bones and to make hormones and enzymes. They can also be used as an energy source. You need protein in your diet to help your body repair cells and make new ones. Protein is also important for growth and development in children, teens and pregnant women.

Benefits Of Pea Protein

Provides High-Quality Protein for Energy
Pea protein contains all essential amino acids including histidine,
isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine,
tryptophan, and valine which must be obtained from diet as the body cannot product these amino acids on its own. Pea protein provides the body with steady supply of proteins for energy.

Rich in Iron
Pea protein is a great source of iron that can be easily incorporated
into a plant-based diet. Iron is an essential element for blood
formation and found mostly in the red blood cells and in muscle cells. An international, peer-review study in Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment concluded that low iron associated with decreased brain function [1].

High in BCAAs (Branch-Chained Amino Acids)
BCAAs are essential amino acids comprising of leucine, isoleucine,
and valine. They play roles in immunity, intestinal health, brain
function and muscle growth [2]&[3]. In particular, BCAAs help in protein synthesis and prevent muscle loss in elderly people [4].

​Helps in Muscle-Building and Repair
Pea protein builds muscle as efficiently as whey due to its high amino acids content. Two studies published in the Journal of the
International Society of Sports Nutrition and Sports found no
difference in muscle gains when comparing pea protein with whey [5]. The rich amino acids in peas are perfect for repairing and rebuilding muscle.

Promotes Appetite Control and Helps with Weight Loss
Pea protein helps regulate appetite and aid in weight loss [6]&[7]. Pea protein is a low- calorie food without the unhealthy fats found in many meat and animal proteins. Food with high protein content keeps you full longer.

High in Arginine.
Pea protein has about three times as much arginine as whey. In the
body, the amino acid arginine changes into nitric oxide (NO). Nitric
oxide is a powerful neurotransmitter that helps blood vessels relax and also improves circulation [8].

Easily Digestible Plant Protein
Pea protein is easily digested and are unlikely to cause digestive
upset.

Allergen-free and does not cause allergic reactions
Pea protein do not contain any of the top eight allergen- peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, fish, shellfish, cow’s milk, wheat and soy.

References:
1. Jáuregui-Lobera I. Iron deficiency and cognitive functions. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2014:10;10:2087-95. doi: 10.2147/NDT.S72491.
2. Calder PC. Branched-chain amino acids and immunity. J Nutr. 2006:136(1 Suppl):288S-93S. doi: 10.1093/jn/136.1.288S.
3. Nie C, He T, Zhang W, Zhang G, Ma X. Branched Chain Amino Acids: Beyond Nutrition Metabolism. Int J Mol Sci. 2018:23;19(4):954. doi: 10.3390/ijms19040954.
4. Brestenský, Matej & Nitrayová, S. & Patras, Peter & Heger, Jaroslav & Nitray, Jozef. Branched chain amino acids and their importance in nutrition. Journal of Microbiology Biotechnology and Food Sciences.
2015:5;197-202. 10.15414/jmbfs.2015.5.2.197-202
5. Babault N, et al. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2015 Jan 21;12(1):3.Banaszek A, et al. The Effects of Whey vs. Pea Protein on Physical Adaptations: A Pilot Study. Sports (Basel). 2019:4;7(1).
6. Diepvens K, Haberer D, Westerterp-Plantenga M. Different proteins and biopeptides differently affect satiety and anorexigenic/orexigenic hormones in healthy humans Int J Obes (Lond) 2008;32:510–518.
7. Pea Protein for Weight Control.peacehealth.org: 2022 PeaceHealth
8. Bailey SJ, et al. Acute L-arginine supplementation reduces the O2 cost of moderate-intensity exercise and enhances high-intensity exercise tolerance. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2010 Nov;109(5):1394-403

Why Does Your Body Need Protein?

Here are five compelling reasons why you should make sure you are getting enough protein every day:

Build
Protein is an important building block for bones, muscles, cartilage and skin. In fact, your hair and nails are comprised mostly of protein.

Repair
​Your body uses it to build and repair tissue.

​Digest
About half the dietary protein that you consume each day goes into making enzymes, which aids in digesting food, and making new cells and body chemicals.

Oxygenate
​Red blood cells contain a protein compound that carries oxygen throughout the body. This helps supply your entire body with the nutrients it needs.
​
Regulate
​Protein plays an important role in hormone regulation, especially during the transformation and development of cells during puberty.

How does protein help you to stay in shape?

​Eating high-protein foods has many fitness benefits, including:
1. Speeding recovery after exercise and/or injury
2. Reducing muscle loss
3. Building lean muscle
4. Helping maintain a healthy weight
5. Curbing hunger