Although research from the June 2010 issue of “Nutrition & Metabolism” suggests that whey protein is the best type of protein for building muscle mass, other supplements, such as pea protein isolate, may also help you improve your health. Pea protein isolate is low in fat and rich in protein, which makes it different from whole peas, but depending on your goals, better for you. Consult a doctor prior to using any supplements.
Pea protein isolate is rich in protein, as each 30 g serving of this supplement provides 25 g of protein. This amount is much more than other types of vegetarian-friendly protein sources, such as hemp protein, which offers only 15 g of protein per serving. Increased protein content can be beneficial for dieting as well as weight loss; a study from the October 2009 issue of “Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases” indicates that high-protein diets can promote increased weight and fat loss compared to lower protein diets.
Pea protein isolate is low in fat, with just 0.3 grams per serving. A low-fat content can be beneficial for dieting, as it keeps the calorie content low. Pea protein isolate contains no saturated fat, a type of fat that may adversely affect your cardiac health. Saturated fat can increase levels of LDL, the “bad” cholesterol, so USDA suggests consuming less than 7 percent of your calories from saturated fat, or about 15 grams each day.
Pea protein isolate does not contain any carbohydrates, which makes them preferable to peas if you are on a low-carbohydrate diet. Although carbohydrates can provide you with energy for exercise, research indicates that reducing your carbohydrate intake may aid in weight loss; a study from the July 2008 issue of “The New England Journal of Medicine” suggests that lower carbohydrate diets are more effective than higher carbohydrate diets at reducing weight and improving cholesterol levels.
Although whey protein can be beneficial for gaining muscle and supporting workout recovery, the product is derived from dairy and contains lactose, a type of sugar some people can’t digest. If you have lactose intolerance, you may experience bloating, gas and diarrhea after consuming dairy products; pea protein isolate contains no dairy, so it can be a suitable
Charles Weller
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