Fermented pea protein isolate is a popular supplement among health enthusiasts, vegans, people with lactose intolerance, and athletes looking to increase their protein intake. It is a highly nutritious powder made from yellow split peas that are extracted and processed to produce a protein-rich supplement. Unlike most pea protein powders fermented pea protein isolate undergoes another rigorous process of fermentation, making it more digestible than regular pea proteins.
The consumption of this plant-based protein powder has been associated with numerous benefits.
Why You Should be Using Fermented Pea Protein Isolate
Pea protein powder is a vegan and hypoallergenic alternative to traditional animal-based protein powders, making it a popular choice among individuals with dietary restrictions or allergies. The benefits of pea protein powder are numerous, including muscle growth, weight loss, and heart health, making it a versatile supplement for individuals looking to improve their overall health.
Pea protein powder is commonly added to smoothies, shakes, and other beverages to increase protein content, and it blends well with water without leaving a gritty or chalky texture. Its benefits include supporting muscle growth, aiding weight loss, and promoting heart health.
Not sure if Pea proteins are for you? Check out our comprehensive guide to protein for beginners here.
Fermented Pea Protein Isolate Vs Non-fermented
Fermentation is the natural chemical process that causes bread to rise and beer to brew. But why is it essential for your pea protein isolate powder? Evidence suggests that fermentation increases the body’s absorption of the essential amino acids and nutrients that pea protein contains. It also breaks down the indigestible components of pea protein to make it easier to digest, which should lessen gastric discomfort when consuming pea protein isolate.
Some evidence suggests that the fermentation process reduces the quantity of protein per portion, but as Joy McCarthy, the Toronto-based holistic nutritionist and bestselling author argues in National Post, “What happens in fermentation is that bacteria breaks down the protein so it’s much easier to digest,” she said. “It doesn’t matter how many grams of protein are printed on the label, if it’s not fermented you may not be absorbing all of the protein from that product.”
Like non-fermented pea proteins, fermented pea protein isolates are vegan, gluten-free, and can be organically grown without GMO chemicals and pesticides.
Fermentation should also improve the often gritty texture or earthy taste of non-fermented pea proteins, as the fermentation process has already broken down these compounds.
Genuine Health Fermented Vegan Proteins+
Vanilla – 600 Gr
Fermented pea protein isolate blended with rice and other vegan proteins
- 20g of fermented dietary protein per serving
- Non-allergenic
- Soy free
- All essential amino acids
The Power of Peas
Pea protein is an excellent source of high-quality protein, containing all nine essential amino acids required by the human body, which is not something many protein sources can boast. More on complete proteins and amino acids later in this article.
Additionally, pea protein powder is a rich source of iron, which is important for healthy blood and energy levels. These high iron levels make pea proteins an excellent supplement for individuals at risk of iron-deficiency anemia, like pregnant women, vegans, and older adults.
The supplement is also naturally hypoallergenic and vegan, making it ideal for people with dietary restrictions or intolerances.
Amino Acids, What Are They?
Amino acids are essential compounds of protein and necessary nutrients for human life, maintaining nerve and muscle functionality. We can’t synthesize our own amino acids and have to get them from proteins in our diet. There are 9 essential amino acids that we all need to function properly.
A complete protein is one that contains all 9 essential amino acids.
Is Pea Protein Isolate a Complete Protein?
Technically Yes! Pea Proteins contain all 9 essential amino acids, and it is the only vegan and lactose-free protein powder source that is a complete protein.
However, all pea proteins are low on methionine. We don’t recommend relying on pea proteins as a complete protein and instead use it in conjunction with other protein sources like meats and dairy or nuts and seeds if you are vegan.
Whey vs Fermented Pea Protein: which is best?
When comparing different types of protein powders, it is important to consider their composition and how they may affect individual health and fitness goals. Pea protein powder is a popular vegan protein supplement that has been gaining traction in recent years, especially in the fitness and wellness industry.
While whey protein isolate is still considered the gold standard of protein supplements, Pea protein isolate is a close second overall and the best Vegan option available. Like whey protein, fermented pea protein is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids (see our note above about methionine).
Pea Protein Isolate
Genuine Health Fermented Vegan Chocolate
The first fully fermented protein which contributes to a healthy gut, overall good health & is easy to digest, blended with pea protein isolate
Whey Protein Isolate
GNC AMP Wheybolic™ – Girl Scout Coconut Caramel
With GNC AMP Wheybolic Protein, you get an enhanced muscular performance formula between meals, on non-training days, or before and after workouts.
Fermented pea protein is easier to digest than non-fermented plant-based protein supplements, reducing gastric discomfort and bloating. Whey protein however is the easiest supplement to digest for most people.
In addition to its nutritional value, pea protein powder is also naturally vegan and hypoallergenic, making it a safe and easily digestible option for people with food allergies or intolerances to milk, gluten, and nuts. Unlike whey protein, which is derived from milk, pea protein does not contain lactose or other milk-derived allergens.
Pea protein powder is also a great source of iron, with around 5-7.5mg per serving. Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.
Pea protein powder has been shown to aid in muscle growth and weight loss. It can promote feelings of fullness and reduce appetite, leading to a decrease in overall calorie intake. Additionally, the high protein content of pea protein powder can help preserve muscle mass during weight loss.
Due to its lack of dairy products, fermented pea protein may have positive effects on heart health in comparison to whey protein, as it can lower cholesterol levels and reduce blood pressure.
Pea protein is also lower in fat and calories than many other protein powders, making it a suitable option for those looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
However, it is worth noting that some individuals may experience side effects such as bloating, gas, and digestive discomfort when consuming pea protein powder. It is important to start with a small serving size and gradually increase as tolerated.
Pea Protein Isolate
- A complete protein, but low on methionine
- The easiest plant-based product to digest
- Hypo-allergenic and suitable for vegan, lactose, and gluten-free diets
- Promotes weight loss and muscle gain
- May contribute to reduced cholesterol and cardiovascular health
- Naturally lower in fat than Whey protein
Whey Protein Isolate
- A complete protein
- The easiest protein to digest for most people
- Not suitable for vegan or lactose-free diets
- Promotes weight loss and muscle gain
- More likely to have implications for poor cardiovascular health
Conclusion and final thoughts đź’
Overall, pea protein powder is a great option for individuals who are looking for a high-quality, plant-based protein supplement that can support their health and fitness goals. Opt for fermented pea protein isolate to reduce gastric discomfort and to ensure you are getting the most nutrition out of your vegan protein.
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