5 Reasons Why Pea Protein is the Perfect Choice for Bodybuilders

Pea protein is the recent protein to take the center stage in the world of sports nutrition, thanks to a published study in 2015 that found pea protein to promote similar increase in muscle thickness as whey protein. That should provide a good reason for you to include pea protein in your protein supplements, especially if you are a bodybuilder. But that is only one of many reasons. Pea protein has many benefits that bodybuilders like yourself should know.

1. Pea protein is rich in protein
Unlike many plant based proteins that contain less than 60% protein, pea protein powder contains approximately 80-85% protein. This is about the same amount found in a high quality whey protein powder.  

2. Pea protein is rich in amino acid arginine
Pea protein powder is an excellent source of arginine, the amino acid your body uses to build muscles. In fact, you'll get more arginine from pea protein than any other protein sources. Arginine is known as a growth hormone releaser and as a precursor to nitric oxide production to assist muscle growth. Because arginine is a conditionally essential amino acid, during times of stress and illness, your body may not produce enough of this amino acid and dietary supplementation may be required. 

3. Pea protein is high in BCAA
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) such as leucine, isoleucine and valine are essential for muscle growth and are found in abundance in whey protein. But the good news is that high quality pea protein also contains high levels of branched-chain amino acids (18% BCAAs) that is comparable to whey protein (19% BCAAs).

4. Pea protein is rich in amino acid glutamine
Glutamine is an amino acid that helps reduce muscle breakdown and promote muscle protein synthesis. In fact, glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in your muscles -over 60% of your muscles are made up of glutamine. Pea protein contains 67% more glutamine than whey protein.

5. Pea protein is easy on your stomach

Drinking whey, casein, egg or even soy protein daily for prolonged period of time may lead to the development of allergy. When allergic reaction occurs, you may experience symptoms such as itchiness, red rashes, swollen lips, or wheezing. This is caused by your body being allergic to certain proteins found in these drink. Pea protein, on the other hand, does not contain any allergenic proteins or other allergens, making it one of the safest protein sources. Unlike whey or casein, pea protein does not contain lactose, and that spares you from developing stomach discomfort, bloating, diarrhea and flatulence.