Benefits of Pea Protein ft. Nuzest

Need More Protein? Give Peas a Chance.

It’s important to get enough protein in your diet to support a range of health outcomes, including support of muscle tissue, reduced soreness after training, reduced muscle loss, reduced blood pressure (and other cardiac risk factors), and improved overall health, especially as we age. Protein supplements can help to provide additional protein to support your health and it’s important to find the right protein supplement for you.

At Nuzest, the favorite plant-based protein source is made from pea protein isolate, that’s why we bring you Clean Lean Protein (but more on that later). Pea protein is a more recent contender on the market that’s shaking things up (both literally and figuratively) in the protein powder game. We’re here to break down why pea protein isolate might be the best option for you. 

Pea Protein and Amino Acids

So you might be asking yourself, “what’s an amino acid and what’s the big deal?” Amino acids are often called the “building blocks'' of your cells and tissues. When you consume protein, it gets broken down and used to support a number of different functions in your body, including muscle growth and immune health.

The body can make 11 of the 20 amino acids, but the other 9 amino acids (known as essential amino acids) need to come from our diet. When you think of protein sources you may not think of peas, however, peas are a complete source of protein and have all nine essential amino acids. High in fiber and vitamins, pea protein is easy to digest, hypoallergenic, and a more sustainable alternative to some of the more traditional protein powder sources.

Pea Protein and Digestibility

For some individuals, animal-derived proteins including whey can be harsh on the digestive system and may cause digestive disturbances. Dairy can be a common allergen and digestive irritant, causing inflammation, and allergies and sensitivities, which may lead individuals to choose a plant-based protein alternative.

Pea protein is suitable for vegetarians, vegans, and everyone in between as it’s naturally gluten free and hypoallergenic. When compared to whey, pea protein is digested slightly faster, however, it is absorbed slower and is more satiating.

A randomized clinical trial in France (2015), where pea protein and whey protein were compared against a placebo, revealed that both protein types contributed to equivalent muscle growth, significantly more than the placebo. Individuals taking pea protein showed a considerably greater increase in muscle mass when compared to those with whey.

Even More Benefits of Pea Protein

Pea protein has even more benefits than just having the additional 9 essential amino acids and easy digestibility, it can even positively benefit your hair, skin, nails (on top of so many more aspects of your body)! To read more about the added benefits, read Nuzest's “Top Benefits of Pea Protein" blog post.

Our Favorite Pea Protein

Clean Lean Protein by Nuzest is your number one choice for plant-based nutrition. Each 100-calorie serving is packed with 20 grams of protein, low in fat, and is extremely clean. We pride ourselves on our short and simple ingredient list that boasts real ingredients that you can pronounce (unheard of really). 

It is practically free-from common allergens (i.e. dairy, soy, gluten, etc.), lectins, phytic acid, trypsin inhibitors, and other “anti-nutrients” that can be present in plant-based proteins, which can irritate the gut, impede the absorption of minerals, or reduce the digestion of the protein itself. We also use minimal processing aids and ingredients so you know what you’re putting in your body is good for you.

Best of all, the product tastes great and has an amazing consistency. You will never have to worry about any of our flavors having an earthy taste, being chalky, or not mixing well. Clean Lean Protein is easy to use too! You can either take it as a shake or bake and cook with it! Just check out Nuzest's recipe section on their website to get inspired. Their award-winning protein comes in eight delicious flavors like Smooth Vanilla, Rich Chocolate, Vanilla Matcha, and an unflavored Just Natural, just to name a few. 

Peas Are A Sustainable Choice

On top of all of the physical benefits, peas are also one of the most sustainable options as they use less land and water and provide nutrients back to the soil. With the plant-based protein, you don’t have to worry about the mistreatment of animals and land degradation (animal protein production uses TEN times the amount of land).

Clean Lean Protein is made from the highest-quality European Golden Peas. The peas are grown in Northern France, an area known for its quality soils, clean environment, and sustainable practices. Then the peas are transported by waterways to Belgium (further reducing the carbon footprint and environmental impact), where it is processed by a private family business, which is renowned for its low carbon footprint and 100% sustainable processing facility. To minimize the risk of cross-contamination with pollutants and to avoid the use of common herbicides, pesticides, and artificial fertilizers in France, strict rules and regulations are set in place.

So what are you waiting for? Give peas a chance.