Protein powders have typically been utilized for an additional source of protein, which is important for the metabolism of protein and potentially on the execution of the activity of the muscles. Proteins are basic supplements for the human body and are found in a wide range of foods including meat, eggs, milk, nuts, fruits, seeds and more, but protein powders can provide benefits such as boosting energy, helping the body to recover from an injury, toning the muscles, and building lean mass. As a result, it has become popular among athletes at all levels. However, Harvard Health warns to be careful with certain protein powders, as they may contain added sugar, calories, or even toxic chemicals. Some of the most popular protein powders are casein, soy protein, and whey protein.

Naked Nutrition sells protein powders that are sourced with high-quality single source ingredients of protein. They are tested by a third party, and their vegan products are also vegan certified. Naked Pea Protein Powder is made exclusively from raw yellow peas grown in the United States and Canada. It is also gluten free, dairy free, and soy free, free of artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors and is non-GMO. There is simply one ingredient: yellow pea protein that is made by extracting the soluble pea protein from yellow-split peas. It is not the same as ground peas, as most of the starch and fiber is removed. Yellow pea protein powder is an excellent source of dietary protein for vegetarians and vegans who cannot use animal/milk-based proteins. Understanding the advantages that pea protein has over other options can help you get the most from this novel protein source. Pea protein powder can be used just like any other protein—whether you chose to simply mix it with water, throw it in a smoothie, or use it in a more complex cooking recipe.

It’s important to look at both the quality and the quantity of the macronutrient. Protein, which makes up your muscles and countless other tissues in your body, is actually built out of various amino acids. By working chemical magic, your body has the ability to create most of the amino acids that it needs when it needs them. But there are several others—dubbed essential amino acids—that your body cannot make. These have to be found in your diet. A quality protein, then, is one that contains these essential amino acids, as well as the non-essential varieties. Pea protein not only offers all of these evaluable amino acids, but it contains another class that has gained a lot of attention over the past few years: branched chain amino acids (BCAAs). These amino acids—leucine, isoleucine, and valine—are especially beneficial for fueling and feeding your growing muscles. There are 27 grams of protein and 5.7 grams of BCAAs per serving, which means that for those who want a great vegan protein with a good amino acid profile, pea protein is a great solution.

Pea protein powder is a complete and highly useful vegan protein supplement but it can be tricky to know exactly what to do with it. Here are some great pea protein recipes to try out.

Almond Chia Smoothie

1 banana (better frozen)
1 tablespoon almond butter
1 tablespoon chia seeds
¾ cup almond milk
1 scoop pea protein
Crushed ice to taste

Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie

1/2 scoop rice protein
1 scoop pea protein
1 tsp maca
1 tbsp cacao
1 tbsp smooth peanut butter
Ice and almond milk to taste

Strawberry Pea Protein Smoothie

1 cup of fresh sweet uncut strawberries
1 cup of 1% low fat milk
1 scoop of pea protein
1 tsp of ground cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
Sweetener and salt to taste

Naked Nutrition is available on Amazon and at Vitamin Shoppes stores nationwide.

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. HealthComU also received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in in exchange for writing a review. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”