If you wonder why pea protein is hailed as one of the excellent sources of complete proteins that come from plants? That is because pea protein has all 9 essential amino acids that you can all find in animal sources. So, what are the amino acids found in pea protein?

Pea protein is complete with:

1. Histidine
2. Isoleucine
3. Leucine
4. lysine
5. Methionine
6. Phenylalanine
7. Threonine
8. Tryptophan
9. Valine.

Yes, pea protein has them all!

In this article, let us walk you through what you need to know about pea protein and how these essential amino acids work in your body. Let's dive in! 

Pea protein refers to the protein found in peas (Pisum sativum), usually from the green and yellow split peas. It is extracted in a powdered form, and it can be processed into two different types: (1) pea protein concentrate and (2) pea protein isolate.

The differences between pea protein concentrate and isolate are in the type of process they undergo and the protein concentration level.

The process of producing pea protein powders involves dry or wet fractionation.

Peas processed for pea protein concentrate undergoes dry fractionation. The protein concentration for this pea protein is low, yielding up to 75%.

On the other hand, pea protein isolate undergoes wet fractionation. The protein concentration holds 85 to 90% protein. Yes, it's higher than pea protein concentrate.

Pea protein is used as:

1. A dietary supplement to increase one's protein and other nutrient intakes.
2. A dairy or animal food sources substitute.
3. A supplement to increase the protein content of foods such as smoothies, shakes, baked products, etc.
4. A functional ingredient in food-manufacturing, e.g., emulsifying, thickening, or foaming agents

Protein provides amino acids and building blocks for your body to:

• Repair muscle tissues.
• Build more muscle mass.
• Improve strength.
• Optimize overall body composition.

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. They are small organic molecules consisting of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and a variable side chain unique to every type of amino acid.

When a person eats protein, it is broken down in the digestive tract and absorbed into the bloodstream in the form of amino acids. Different body systems utilize these amino acids to help carry out essential bodily functions that maintain proper growth and development.  

In order for the body to grow and function properly, the body needs 20 different types of amino acids. However, among these 20 different types of amino acids, only 9 are considered essential for the body.

Essential amino acids (EAA) are responsible for building vital proteins needed to create tissues, organs, and muscles. Also, they play a crucial role in optimizing your liver and brain function - specifically for the neurotransmitters.

The nine essential amino acids include (1) histidine, (2) isoleucine, (3) leucine, (4) lysine, (5) methionine, (6) phenylalanine, (7) threonine, (8) tryptophan, and (9) valine.

Unlike their nonessential amino acids counterparts, essential amino acids can't be manufactured in the body. Thus, it must be obtained through the food that you eat.

Animal protein sources are considered complete protein sources because they contain all of the nine essential amino acids. Examples of these sources are meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy. 

Plant-based protein sources are considered incomplete proteins because they don't have all nine essential amino acids. In other words, they may be lacking one or more of the essential amino acids necessary for your body.

Sources of incomplete protein include:

• Whole grains
• Vegetables
• Legumes (beans, peas, lentils)
• Nuts
• Seeds

It's good news that pea protein can give us all nine essential amino acids! Yes, pea proteins are plant-based, but they are recognized as one of the dietary supplement industry's most "complete" plant-based proteins.

What's more? Pea protein is considered a better plant-based protein option because they contain high amounts of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) - leucine, isoleucine, and valine. These three essential amino acids support lean muscle mass and muscle recovery.

As for the little downside about pea proteins, they generally contain low levels of methionine.

All essential amino acids perform a unique role in your body. They are generally involved in many vital body processes for the muscle, nervous, reproductive, immune, and digestive systems.

What are the unique functions of these essential amino acids? Let's go through them one-by-one.

Histidine

Histidine is utilized for growth and tissue repair and histamine production. It is a neurotransmitter that is essential for digestion, sexual function, immune response, and sleep-wake cycles. 

Isoleucine

Isoleucine is a branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) mainly concentrated in your muscle tissues. This amino acid plays a part in muscle metabolism, energy regulation, hemoglobin production, and immune function.

Leucine

Leucine is a branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) that is crucial for protein synthesis and muscle repair. It also plays an integral part in regulating blood sugar levels, wound healing, and growth hormone production.

Lysine

Lysine is involved in multiple roles such as hormone and enzyme production, energy production, protein synthesis, calcium absorption, and collagen and elastin production.

Methionine

Methionine plays a part in your metabolism and detoxification process. It is also needed for zinc and selenium absorption and tissue growth.

Phenylalanine

Phenylalanine is necessary for the structure and function of proteins and enzymes, amino acids production, and it is a precursor for specific neurotransmitters such as tyrosine, dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.

Threonine

Threonine is essential for the formation of structural proteins like collagen and elastin. These structural proteins are crucial components for your skin and connective tissue, and it plays a part in immunity support and fat metabolism.

Tryptophan

Tryptophan is a vital component of melatonin and serotonin production. Melatonin supports the sleep-wake cycle while serotonin regulates appetite, mood, pain, and sleep. Tryptophan is also needed to produce niacin or Vitamin B3 - needed for energy metabolism and DNA production.

Valine

Valine is another branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) essential for energy production and the stimulation of muscle growth and regeneration.

This is the recommended daily allowances for the nine essential amino acids per 2.2 pounds (1 kg) of body weight:

As for your reference, here’s how much you can get from Nuzest’s Clean Lean Protein:

What makes Nuzest’s Clean Lean Protein special from other pea protein powders? Click here to discover more details!

Pea protein has an excellent nutritional profile. This plant-based dietary supplement is low in carbs and loaded with nutrients that are necessary for the body’s nourishment.

These are the nutrients you’ll get from pea protein:

1. It helps build and repair muscles.
2. It controls your appetite to support weight loss.
3. It promotes heart and kidney health.
4. It supports digestion and eases bowel movement.

Find out why pea protein is good for you. Click here to learn more.

Sadly, everyone can’t successfully hit their daily nutritional needs with just diet alone, especially those desiring to improve their muscle mass and strength. That is why some will consider taking protein supplements.

Individuals who want to dodge the use of animal-sourced protein powders have the option to purchase plant-based protein supplements. One of the most common plant-based protein supplements that contain complete protein is pea protein.

Protein supplements such as pea protein powders are not new to bodybuilders, athletes, fitness enthusiasts. Pea protein powder is also used by anyone who is doing high-intensity exercises.

You need to give it a good thought to choose the right protein powder for you. Before you check out that tub or pack of pea protein powder, make sure to read the label!

These criteria will guide you if a protein shake formula or protein powder is worth buying. A reliable protein powder brand must have the following:

• Excellent nutritional profile.
• High-quality ingredients.
• Free from additives, fillers, artificial flavors, and preservatives.
• Tested by a third-party laboratory.
• Adheres to manufacturing quality standards.

Nuzest’s Clean Lean Protein contains all nine essential amino acids for your daily dietary needs! With just a single-serve of Clean Lean Protein, it approximately covers up to 40% of your daily requirement for protein. 

Nuzest’s Clean Lean Protein is only made from premium quality European Golden Peas and provides the building blocks for vitality, repair, recovery, and muscle growth. 

Here are 5 reasons why you will love our Clean Lean Protein:

1. Vegan-friendly
2. Environmentally sustainable. Yes, it’s Earth-friendly!
3. Free from gluten, lactose, GMO, and lectins
4. Kind to individuals with allergies or sensitivity to other types of animal-based and plant-based protein sources.
5. Zero fillers, gums, and artificial preservatives

Choose your favorite flavor! We have:

• Smooth vanilla
• Rich chocolate
• Just natural
• Real coffee
• Wild strawberry
• Coffee-coconut + MCTs
• Chai-turmeric + maca
• Vanilla mocha

Aside from protein shakes, you can mix Clean Lean Protein with your favorite recipes! We have some recipes to share with you too.

Start exploring these nutritious and tasty Nuzest recipes: cookies, jellies, lattes, pancakes, bread, homemade protein bars, and more!

Disclaimer:

The information provided on Nuzest is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided on this site is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please speak to your qualified healthcare professional in the event that something you have read here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.