Pea Protein & the 7 Advantages in Lean & Clean Nutritional Vitamin/Mineral Meal

WHAT IS PEA PROTEIN?

Pea protein is made by extracting protein from yellow peas. The pea shell is removed, and the pea is then milled. One scoops of Lean & Clean pea protein contain 116 calories and around 15 grams of protein. 

Pea protein has no cholesterol, gluten free, low in sugar and carbs, and is vegan-friendly because it contains no animal ingredients.

DOES PEA PROTEIN CONTAIN ALL THE ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS?

Yes, Pea protein is considered a complete protein, even though it is quite low in the amino acid methionine cysteine. Complete proteins have 25mg/g and pea protein has 11mg/g. If you are vegan, brown rice is an excellent accompaniment to pea protein. It is very high in methionine cysteine (but low in lysine, which pea protein is high in). You can either eat the brown rice in a meal or add brown rice protein to a shake or smoothie. 

IS PEA PROTEIN EASILY DIGESTED?

Yes, pea protein is easy to digest. The reason for this is that it does not contain lactose or gluten, which can be hard for the body to process, especially if you are gluten or lactose intolerant.

Other advantages are it is lactose and gluten-free, its vegan, and it is also allergy-free. Another benefit is the fiber in the pea protein is good for your digestive system. 

DOES PEA PROTEIN HELP WITH WEIGHT LOSS?

Pea protein can help with weight loss, yes. How is that? Like any form of protein 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.

Combine the consumption of protein with my exercise programs and you will gain lean muscle. I’m really the proof of concept as added this protein of choice in my Lean & Clean Nutritional Brand. I use this every day. See my videos and available programs. 

SIDE EFFECTS OF PEA PROTEIN

Pea protein is relatively side-effect-free, and that is one of the great things about it. It’s easily digestible and even though it contains fiber, pea protein does not cause bloating or gas. 

You do have to look out for the sodium content, however. Keep that in mind and if you are on a sodium-restricted eating regimen, you may want to discuss the use of pea protein with your doctor, just in case.

Besides the sodium content, there may be a concern with kidney problems. This is really only an issue if you consume too much protein every day. You have to be careful to not overdo the recommended daily amount (between 10 and 35%). As with the sodium, if you have kidney issues, consult your doctor for guidance on the protein intake that is healthy for you.

DOES PEA PROTEIN CONTAIN ALL THE ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS?

Yes, with a minor detail. Pea protein is considered a complete protein, even though it is quite low in the amino acid methionine cysteine. Complete proteins have 25mg/g and pea protein has 11mg/g. It’s easy to make up the balance though, by eating foods that are complete proteins such as eggs and chicken. 

If you are vegan, brown rice is an excellent accompaniment to pea protein. It is very high in methionine cysteine (but low in lysine, which pea protein is high in). You can either eat the brown rice in a meal or add brown rice protein to a shake or smoothie. 

If you are not vegan, you can also add in collagen with your protein, as collagen peptides make up for the lower amino acid count with the pea protein.

 

7 BENEFITS OF PEA PROTEIN POWDER

 

1. PEA PROTEIN IS GOOD FOR WEIGHT LOSS

Protein fills you up and reduces the chances of hunger-driven snacking. Pea protein is an excellent protein source that can keep you full, reducing the number of calories you consume in a day. At the end of the day its CICO; calories in calories out 

 

2. PEA PROTEIN IS GOOD FOR HEART HEALTH

Blood pressure and cholesterol both affect the heart. It’s been shown that pea protein can reduce cholesterol and lower blood pressure.

 

3. PEA PROTEIN IS HIGHLY NUTRITIONAL

Pea protein is a great protein source. It contains all nine of the essential amino acids and also has branched-chain amino acids, including arginine which is good for the heart and promotes the flow of blood throughout the body. It’s also high in iron and low in fat. To fully benefit from the iron, take it with vitamin C, or with foods containing vitamin C, such as oranges and berries

 

4. PEA PROTEIN IS ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTIOXIDANT

According to a recent study, consuming pea protein may lower the risk of inflammatory-type diseases. Its antioxidant properties were proven in the same study. Supplementing with pea protein is a sure-fire way to ensure you are taking care of yourself. 

 

5. PEA PROTEIN IS GOOD FOR THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

Pea protein contains a lot of fiber, one scoop of Lean & Clean will give you 5G of fiber. That’s always a benefit since fiber is so good for you. Pea protein is easily digested and does not contain glucose or lactose. It does not cause bloating or gas and mixes well into smoothies and puddings.

 

6. PEA PROTEIN IS VERSATILE WITH DIETARY NEEDS

Because pea protein is a vegan product, it is highly versatile. Those allergic to dairy products, shellfish, nuts, soy, wheat, or eggs can use pea protein as a supplement.

 

7. PEA PROTEIN Will HELP YOU BUILD MUSCLE

Even though pea protein is plant-based, it is just as effective as an animal product-based protein without the cholesterol. A study over 12 weeks showed that men taking pea protein gained just as much muscle as participants taking whey protein.

My Lean & Clean comes in Vanilla & Chocolate and will give you all the benefits listed here! Join my monthly subscription and get weekly Fitness & Nutritional tips and information.  

Tommy Tank is a LA based Fitness Expert, Nutrition Consultant, and Founder/Inventor of The TOMMYBELL & Lean & Clean Nutrition.