Pea Protein Isolate

Pea Protein Isolate

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Pea protein isolate is a type of protein derived from peas. Protein is essential for tissue repair and tissue growth, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Pea protein isolate is sold as supplements to help people meet their need for dietary protein. Pea protein isolate is a vegetable-based form of this important nutrient. It is suitable for vegetarians and vegans, as well as people with allergies to other forms of protein, such as dairy. 

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Summary

Pea protein is a high quality, though incomplete, form of protein that comes from peas. Pea protein isolate is a supplemental form of protein sold in powder form. People can mix pea protein isolate in their favorite beverages or buy foods that are fortified with the supplement. Except for ... more

Pea protein is a high quality, though incomplete, form of protein that comes from peas. Pea protein isolate is a supplemental form of protein sold in powder form. People can mix pea protein isolate in their favorite beverages or buy foods that are fortified with the supplement.

Except for soy protein, plant forms of protein only contain some of the essential amino acids that the body needs to create proteins. Soy is a complete protein. However, if people consume pea protein with foods like wheat products then they obtain a balance of all the amino acids, according to NorthernPulse.com.

Blood Pressure

According to ScienceDaily.com, researchers in Canada found that protein from garden peas may combat chronic kidney disease and high blood pressure.

Pea protein may delay the development of kidney damage. It can also help people with kidney disease keep their blood pressure levels normal, which may extend their lives.

Gas

Eating peas provides dietary protein. Extracts from peas, including pea protein isolate, offers an important advantage over regular peas: Pea derivatives do not give people abdominal gas, according to %LiveStrong.com% http://www.livestrong.com/article/467247-health-benefits-of-pea-protein-isolate/. Peas and other foods from the same legume family, like beans, contain complex plant sugars that cause flatulence. Pea protein isolates do not have these substances.

Low Fat

Unlike some protein foods, pea protein isolate is a low-fat source of protein. Pea protein isolate has only 0.3 grams of fat per serving. It is also free of saturated fat, which can raise LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels. Eating more low fat foods may also promote weight loss.

Baked Goods

Pea protein isolate can add protein to baked goods. A study published in the "Die Nahrung" journal in October 2001 found that pea protein isolate can be added to bakery products for protein enrichment.

Pea protein may also be added to pastas, cereals, snacks, energy bars and drinks to increase protein levels. Pea protein mimics the consistency of eggs so that products usually made with egg, like pasta, can instead use pea protein. Vegans, lacto-vegetarians and people with egg allergies are then able to eat these products.

Allergies

Pea protein is a good substitute for people who are allergic to eggs, milk, soy and nuts, which are common forms of protein. Peanuts, eggs and milk are among the top foods that people are allergic too.

According to NorthernPulse.com, pea derivatives are not one of the top eight food allergens so companies need not list pea protein isolate on food labels.

Although pea protein isolate is beneficial for people who are allergic to common protein sources, there are still some people are allergic to peas. People who are allergic to peanuts may also be allergic to other foods, like peas, in the legume family, according to AllergicChild.com.

This is not true for every person, but some people's bodies may react to various legumes because the proteins are so similar.

A person with a pea allergy needs to avoid exposure to peas, including pea protein isolate. People who eat peas and are allergic may experience an allergic reaction, which causes a wide range of symptoms.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

  • Wheezing
  • Coughing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Digestive trouble
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy eyes
  • Irritated throat
  • Nasal congestion
  • Abdominal cramping
  • Abdominal gas
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Diarrhea
  • Hives
  • Dermatitis
  • Anaphylactic shock

Uric Acid Buildup

People who do not have a pea allergy may still experience adverse effects from eating pea protein isolate, such as a buildup of uric acid and resulting joint problems. According to LiveStrong.com, large servings of pea protein powders give the body too much uric acid.

Excessive amounts of uric acid may build up in the joints and cause gout, according to the Mayo Clinic. Gout is a condition characterized by joint inflammation. It causes discomfort, redness, swelling and pain in the joints, especially the big toe. Gout typically affects the feet, ankles, knees, wrists and hands.

Gout occurs when urate crystals build up in the body instead of dissolving in the blood or exiting the body during urination. Urate crystals form from uric acid. To reduce the chances of accumulating crystals and developing gout when taking pea protein supplements, people can drink fluids to keep themselves well hydrated. The fluids help flush crystals out of the body.

Also, it may help to limit other foods that contribute to uric acid buildup. Eating foods like anchovies, asparagus, mushrooms and herring contribute to uric acid build up because they naturally contain substances called purines. The human body makes uric acid when it digests purines.

People who already have gout should not eat peas or pea protein isolate. Also, people who have malfunctioning kidneys should avoid peas and purines because uric acid can accumulate and be stored in the kidneys, other organs, joints and connective tissue like tendons and ligaments.

Protein Needs

Pea protein isolate contributes to overall daily protein needs. WebMD states that the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for protein in adult men is 56 grams per day of protein and for women it is 46 grams. Most people in the United States meet this need.

However, WebMD also states that the Institute of Health's Dietary Reference Intake recommends that people consume 35 percent of their daily calories from protein, which most people do not get.

For example, a person consuming 1,400 calories per day needs 490 calories from protein based on the 35 percent recommendation. One gram of protein has 4 calories, which means that a person eating 1,400 calories per day needs to eat 122.5 grams of protein. A person eating 1,800 calories per day would require 218 grams of protein.

High protein diets can promote weight loss. Experts recommend about 120 grams of daily protein for this goal. Gradually increasing protein consumption is recommended.

High protein diets are contraindicated for people with kidney disease.

 

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Sources:

  • http://www.umm.edu/ency/article/002467.htm
  • http://www.livestrong.com/article/298758-pea-protein-allergy/
  • http://www.allergicchild.com/peanut_allergy.htm
  • http://www.livestrong.com/article/339525-pea-protein-side-effects/
  • http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gout/DS00090/DSECTION=causes
  • http://www.livestrong.com/article/280194-what-are-the-benefits-of-pea-protein/
  • http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090322154407.htm
  • http://ic.steadyhealth.com/health_benefits_of_peas.html
  • http://www.livestrong.com/article/467247-health-benefits-of-pea-protein-isolate/
  • http://www.northernpulse.com/uploads/resources/658/pea-protein-brochure.pdf
  • http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11712241
  • http://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/high-protein-diet-weight-loss

 

Other

  • Side Effects
  • Other Names
  • Uses
Abdominal Bloating
Abdominal Cramps
Abdominal Gas
Cough
Dermatitis
Diarrhea
Digestive Issues
Hives
Nasal Congestion
Shortness Of Breath
Throat Irritation
Itchy Eyes
Sneezing
Uric Acid Buildup
Wheezing
Blood Pressure Regulation
Kidney Health
Reduces Gas