
Pea
Origin and history :
The pea ( Pisum sativum ) has been an important crop and part of the human diet for thousands of years . Each pod contains several seeds, which can have green or yellow peas when ripe. It has been cultivated since 8,000 BC , making it one of the oldest cultivated plants. Originally it grows wild in Asia Minor, but has spread worldwide and was at times considered a delicacy in cultures such as medieval Europe. The plant is rich in nutrients and has become increasingly popular in recent years as a vegan alternative to protein powders due to its numerous health and sustainability benefits.
Characteristics :
A protein source that is quite unexpected for many people is peas. The average protein content of peas is around 22%. Rich in protein, minerals and vitamins such as Rich in vitamin B , as well as being high in fiber and low in fat , pea protein is a good protein alternative for anyone who wants to avoid animal products. In addition, plant-based protein sources are associated with a lower risk of various metabolic diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease than animal-based sources. Pea protein is generally hypoallergenic and has numerous health benefits, such as antioxidant, blood pressure lowering, cholesterol lowering and anti-inflammatory properties. Blood sugar also rises less after meals when pea protein is consumed. The high fiber content also benefits the intestines and has an activating effect on them . In addition, flatulence occurs less frequently. due to the high digestibility of the product.
What makes peas such an excellent source of protein is not only the protein content, but also the fact that they contain all 9 essential amino acids. While the sulfur-containing amino acids are contained in smaller quantities, the lysine content is very high. All amino acids that our body cannot produce itself and that must be taken in through food are considered essential. This is usually not the case with plant-based protein sources , but peas and some other plants such as soybeans are an exception.
Pea protein is a preferred choice for many people due to its hypoallergenicity and the fact that it is GMO-free. Unlike rice or hemp protein, which can be lower in certain essential amino acids
environmental friendliness
Compared to other protein-rich foods and other protein products such as whey and soy protein powders , the production of pea protein powder is much better for the environment. The reason for this is the lower amount of water and fertilizers needed. For example, 1 g of protein from beef requires 6 times more water than 1 g of protein from peas.
Peas are known for their ability to fix nitrogen from the air, which reduces the need for artificial fertilizers and contributes to soil health. These sustainable farming practices make pea protein not only a healthy choice, but also an environmentally friendly one.
target group
For athletes, pea protein offers an effective way to support muscle building and recovery, while for vegans and vegetarians it plays an essential role in ensuring adequate protein intake. People with gluten intolerance or lactose intolerance can also benefit from pea protein as it is a safe and tolerable source of protein.
Quality
When purchasing pea protein products, it is important to pay attention to the quality and origin. Products made from non-GMO peas without the addition of artificial colors or flavors offer the purest form of the protein. Third-party certifications can further confirm the quality and sustainability of the product.
Which AgilNature ® products contain pea protein ?
product |
Crowd |
ProteinAgil |
81% |
* Nutrient Reference Value = percentage of the reference value according to Annex XIII of the Food Information Regulation (EC) No 1169/2011.
** No recommendation available.
Literature :
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Shanthakumar P, Klepacka J, Bains A, Chawla P, Dhull SB, Najda A. The Current Situation of Pea Protein and Its Application in the Food Industry. Molecules . 2022; 27(16):5354.
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Dahl WJ, Foster LM, Tyler RT. Review of the health benefits of peas ( Pisum sativum L.). British Journal of Nutrition. 2012;108(S1 ):S 3-S10.
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ACY Lam, A Can Karaca, RT Tyler & MT Nickerson (2018) Pea protein isolates : Structure , extraction , and functionality , Food Reviews International, 34:2, 126-147.
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Krefting , Jessica (September 2017). "The Appeal of Pea Protein". Journal of Renal Nutrition. 27 (5): e31–e33
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Nadathur SR; Wanasundara JPD; Scanlin L, eds . (November 2016). Sustainable Protein Sources. Elsevier. ISBN 978-0-12-802778-3.