WHY CHOOSE VEGETABLE PROTEIN
Protein. A word that 10-15 years ago only true sports enthusiasts uttered. But times have changed. It is now widely known that protein is a supporting dietary supplement for all levels of the sports population. In addition, it is the basic building material of the human body.
Each of us can probably think of more natural sources of protein. Starting with different types of meat, through eggs to dairy products. The plant-based protein phenomenon has been gaining ground in recent years. We will talk about the benefits of plant sources such as peas or rice later.
But first about proteins of animal origin. Obtaining protein from an animal diet has the advantage of a high content of complete proteins. However, the disadvantage is often the high content of unsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol. That is why proteins of whey (i.e. animal) origin are often used as a dietary supplement during sports performances. Here, in addition to some advantages, such as quick digestibility, there are also old known disadvantages. The first is the unsuitability of use for people with lactose intolerance. Another disadvantage is that whey causes flatulence and digestive problems in many users.
The most interesting, however, is a not-so-well-known fact that can turn one of the advantages of whey protein into a disadvantage. This will happen at a time when the highlighted fast absorbability is a problem for the digestive tract. It happens to a lot of people. Simply put: protein is taken into the body, it passes through the digestive system, but it cannot fully process it. The resulting effect is that the intake of a pure amount of protein is fine, but up to 40-50% of the protein received is not used at all and leaves the body.
On these disadvantages can answer proteins of vegetable origin. Thanks to slower absorption, essentially the absolute amount of contained protein is processed. This means that the effect of taking 70% vegetable protein can be higher than the same amount of 100% whey. In addition, with easier and more pleasant digestion and less burden on the digestive organs.
This fact was confirmed by a study of the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, which compared the results of using whey and pea protein . It has been proven that vegetable protein achieves better results than whey. Plus with better digestibility and other valuable benefits.
Let's take a closer look. The main advantage of plant-based, specifically pea protein, is 3 times the arginine content compared to whey protein. Arginine in the body supports a number of functions, especially the blood supply to muscles and organs. With better blood flow comes more nutrients and oxygen and with it better functioning of these muscles and organs. Arginine also stimulates the burning of subcutaneous fat, immunity and elasticity of blood vessels.
Another benefit is lysine. As an essential amino acid, lysine has a significant effect on muscle building, calcium absorption, after injuries or as a support for the production of body hormones, enzymes and antibodies.
Finally, the third, highly important substance of pea protein, is glutamine. It is the most widespread amino acid in the body and helps build skeletal muscle, mass and contributes to increasing immunity.
Vegetable proteins are often combined in various proportions. The reason is the higher complexity of the composition. One of the most common variants is a combination of pea protein with rice protein. Here, the mentioned advantages of pea protein and the high proportion of amino acids in rice are suitably complemented.
In conclusion, let's summarize the most important benefits of pea protein:
- Excellent digestibility and full utilization of protein
- Compares intestinal microflora
- High in arginine, lysine and glutamine
- Does not contain allergens such as milk, egg or gluten
- Does not contain genetically modified substances
- Suitable for vegetarians and vegans