Pea protein
Encyclopedia
Pea protein is a relatively new form of protein powder which is valued for its high digestibility (90-95%), low potential for allergic responses, and remarkably low price. Pea protein has a light, flurry texture and slightly sweet taste which mixes well in solution.
Pea protein, along with soy protein
, hemp protein, and rice protein
, is a preferred vegan protein powder.
Pea protein is less allergenic than soy and is also not associated with health controversies related to any possible negative hormonal effects.
Pea protein is often combined with rice protein to achieve a superior amino acid profile than either protein alone. Pea protein is low in the sulfurous amino acids (cysteine
and methionine
) but rich in lysine
; in contrast, rice protein is deficient in lysine but has high levels of both cysteine and methionine. The combination of rice and pea protein (RPP) also helps mitigate the strong, chalky taste of rice protein on its own. This combination is considered by many to be among the best tasting protein powders.
An interesting aspect of pea protein powder is that, unlike whey, when high concentrations of powder are mixed with small amounts of water, the pea protein can be formed into a semi-solid mixture which can be used as a jam or spread. This versatility is largely unappreciated, but suggests many additional uses for pea protein beyond its use in protein shakes in place of other forms of protein powder.
Pea protein, along with soy protein
Soy protein
Soy protein is a protein that is isolated from soybean. It is made from dehulled, defatted soybean meal. Dehulled and defatted soybeans are processed into three kinds of high protein commercial products : soy flour, concentrates, and isolates. Soy protein isolate has been used since 1959 in foods ...
, hemp protein, and rice protein
Rice protein
Rice protein is a vegetarian protein that, for some, is more easily digestible than whey protein. Brown rice can be treated with enzymes that will cause carbohydrates to separate from proteins. The resulting protein powder is then sometimes flavored or added to smoothies or health shakes.Rice...
, is a preferred vegan protein powder.
Pea protein is less allergenic than soy and is also not associated with health controversies related to any possible negative hormonal effects.
Pea protein is often combined with rice protein to achieve a superior amino acid profile than either protein alone. Pea protein is low in the sulfurous amino acids (cysteine
Cysteine
Cysteine is an α-amino acid with the chemical formula HO2CCHCH2SH. It is a non-essential amino acid, which means that it is biosynthesized in humans. Its codons are UGU and UGC. The side chain on cysteine is thiol, which is polar and thus cysteine is usually classified as a hydrophilic amino acid...
and methionine
Methionine
Methionine is an α-amino acid with the chemical formula HO2CCHCH2CH2SCH3. This essential amino acid is classified as nonpolar. This amino-acid is coded by the codon AUG, also known as the initiation codon, since it indicates mRNA's coding region where translation into protein...
) but rich in lysine
Lysine
Lysine is an α-amino acid with the chemical formula HO2CCH4NH2. It is an essential amino acid, which means that the human body cannot synthesize it. Its codons are AAA and AAG....
; in contrast, rice protein is deficient in lysine but has high levels of both cysteine and methionine. The combination of rice and pea protein (RPP) also helps mitigate the strong, chalky taste of rice protein on its own. This combination is considered by many to be among the best tasting protein powders.
An interesting aspect of pea protein powder is that, unlike whey, when high concentrations of powder are mixed with small amounts of water, the pea protein can be formed into a semi-solid mixture which can be used as a jam or spread. This versatility is largely unappreciated, but suggests many additional uses for pea protein beyond its use in protein shakes in place of other forms of protein powder.