Maybe you’re plant-based or vegan.
Maybe you’re just interested in switching from traditional whey protein to something less likely to trigger your acne flare-ups…
Whatever the case, pea protein offers an affordable alternative that is totally non-allergenic and highly bioavailable. While most people refer to it as an “incomplete” protein because it lacks a large amount of methionine, this can be easily obtained from other food sources (beans, tofu, lentils, nuts, fish, red meat, and greens).
We wouldn’t consider it an issue worth fretting over, especially when a high intake of methionine is associated with increased homocysteine production (an amino acid linked to heart disease and high cholesterol).
In any case, NOW’s Pea Protein offers a rigorously tested vegan option — free from heavy metals, contaminants, and GMOs.
Let’s dive into why we love their product so much and are proud to carry it at Healthy Planet!
Pea Protein vs. Whey: Key Benefits and Differences
The major pain point most whey protein users express is digestibility — gas and bloating.
Pea Protein is Allergen-Free
If you’re lactose intolerant, most whey proteins do naturally contain this common allergen, along with gluten via cross-contamination.
As an added downside, very few options are minimally processed. Ideally, they should only contain “whey protein” as the main ingredient and some natural flavouring from vanilla extract or cocoa powder.
Unfortunately, plenty of them sweeten their product with additives like stevia, sucrose, or xylitol – in addition to fillers like dextrose or maltose. All these ingredients can cause issues for those with sensitive stomachs.
Protein Content & Amino Acid Breakdown
- Whey protein is made from milk by-products — isolated from “whey,” typically during the cheesemaking process.
Most whey proteins contain lactose. Whey and pea protein both amount to about the same calories per serving, but whey protein contains just slightly more protein per gram.
A typical serving (30g scoop) contains 25-30g of protein versus pea protein at 20-25g for the same size scoop.
- Pea protein is derived directly from peas, is plant-based (NOW pea protein is always vegan) and is lactose-free. It’s typically isolated from the protein of yellow split peas. Compared to other “plant-based proteins” like brown rice, it’s traditionally low in heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, and lead.
While pea protein contains slightly less protein per gram serving, it does contain more minerals like iron, magnesium, zinc, and manganese. It has a comparable amount of calcium and potassium. It contains fibre content for a healthier gut and slower digestion, while whey protein does not (unless it’s added in).
Animal proteins are thought of as being “more easily absorbed” compared to plant-based.
This is true.
Animal protein has a more anabolic effect and is more rapidly absorbed. However, countless studies have reaffirmed the health benefits of plant-based protein compared to animal protein over the last several decades.
It’s clear that for long-term health, plant-based protein is the better choice.
Why?
Plant Protein Is Associated With Better Health
Conversely, a high intake of animal protein (especially from red meat) is associated with worse health markers (including diabetes and heart disease).
A professor at Harvard proclaimed that “plant proteins are not complete” is a myth. People do not need to eat complementary proteins during the same meal (like rice and beans) as long as they get a variety naturally throughout the day.
While a higher intake of animal protein was associated with an increased risk of colon cancer, diabetes, and elevated liver enzymes — plant protein was not. It was associated with improved cognitive performance, especially in older age.