The positives of pea protein

If you’re gluten free, you have a likelihood of also being dairy free due to lactose intolerance. Sometimes this is an occurrence that happens only at the beginning of diagnosis but other times it’s a lasting intolerance. For others, avoiding all or most of the major food allergens becomes part of their diet structure after going gluten free. Whatever the case is for you, if you’re looking for a dairy free and allergy friendly protein source, then pea protein might be the answer. Here are some of the positives of pea protein and why you may just want to give peas a chance! (I couldn’t resist that pun.)

1. Keeps you fuller longer. A study from Nutrition Journal found that pea protein kept people fuller longer than whey protein. After drinking pea protein, participants in the study consumed less at meal time than those who drank whey protein.
2. Lower in calories. Pea protein is lower in calories than whey protein, yet as mentioned above, it keeps you fuller longer. That’s a win-win for dieters or those looking to lose weight.
3. Wide range of amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of your muscles, 9 of which come from the foods we eat. A “complete” protein is one that contains all 9 amino acids. Pea protein contains all 9 but is slightly lower in one (methionine) than animal sources of protein. The lower amount of methionine is often made up for with other ingredients added to the protein mix.
4. High in vitamin D. Pea protein contains almost 100% of the daily recommended value of vitamin D per serving. This is good for people with celiac, as vitamin D helps maintain strong bones, and people with celiac are more prone to having osteoporosis and weak bones.
5. Sustainable for the environment. Growing peas is easier on the environment than raising cattle on dairy farms, making it a good choice for those trying to cut down their impact on the environment.

OK … are you ready to give pea protein a try? Good! Allow me to introduce one of my favorite brands of plant-based protein, made of pea protein, flaxseed, pumpkin seed, and other good-for-you ingredients like spinach, kale and broccoli. It’s OWYN (stands for Only What You Need, because it’s only what you need and nothing you don’t!) and they make protein shakes and protein powder.

OWYN products contain none of the major allergen: no gluten, no wheat, no dairy, no soy, no eggs, no peanuts, no tree nuts, no fish, and no shellfish. Plus, they are free of GMOs, chemicals, fillers, and artificial ingredients. It’s nothing but clean, plant-based protein that is safe for people with allergens. I can get behind that!

If you’re trying to incorporate more protein into your diet, if you’re into fitness, or if you want something healthy that you can take with you on the go, then plant-based pea protein like OWYN is something you should try.