With a variety of protein supplements available in the market, many bodybuilders often get confused as what to choose. Especially when it comes to decide upon pea protein vs whey protein. Some consult their fitness trainer, some consult friends, while some would simply compare the cost.
But friends, cost of the protein supplement should be the last thing you consider.
Best is, to know the composition, effects, and acceptance of the supplement by your body. For the sake of same, let us understand the difference between whey protein and pea protein supplement.
Whey Protein
Whey protein is found in milk. It is considered a complete protein, since it contains all the essential amino acids which are useful for building muscular mass. But while pasturization, curdling, or cheese manufacture, this essential protein is lost.
Hence, at times when the body’s protein requirement becomes crucial, like for fitness trainers, body builders, athletes, etc., the whey protein should be taken as supplement.
Related Article: 10 Benefits about Whey Protein you didn’t know
Why you should take Whey Protein
Whey protein has numerous benefits. Taking whey protein supplement can help to get the desired physique, which are listed as follows-
- Loose fats and preserve muscles
- Increase muscular volume
- Gain weight
- Build stamina and strength
- Control hunger
- Manage stress
- Improve immunity
Apart from these, whey protein supplement is advantageous in many medical treatments like asthma, controlling blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and it has anti-cancer properties.
Pea Protein
Pea protein is derived from yellow peas. It also contains most of the essential amino acids which are helpful in building muscles. It is a good alternative protein supplement for the vegans and the people who are allergic to lactose.
Why you should take Pea Protein
Pea protein supplement can match the whey protein supplement up to a greater extent. It also incorporates many benefits similar to whey protein like-
- Helping in weight loss
- Supplying amino acids to the body
- Increasing muscle thickness
Pea protein supplement gives health benefits like regulating blood sugar, controlling blood pressure and thus supporting healthy heart.
What To Choose: Pea Protein Or Whey Protein:- Key Differences
Whey protein supplement and pea protein supplement, both are useful for the bodybuilders, fitness trainers, and athletes for balancing the protein requirement of the body.
Here is a comparative study of the energy gained by 25 gram whey protein and 25 gram pea protein supplement-
| Whey Protein Supplement | Pea Protein Supplement | |
| Calories | 157.4 | 162.5 |
| Carbs | 8.7 | 8.8 |
| Protein | 25 | 25 |
| Fats | 2.1 | 2.6 |
| BCAAs | 7.8 | 5.9 |
* Source: www.menshealth.com
**Exact energy gained by these supplements varies according to manufacturers
For people taking physical training, it is important to have the following types of food in their diet-
- Low calorie
- Low fats
- High protein
- High amino acids
On the basis of figures in the above chart, whey protein is better suited than pea protein.
Additionally, whey protein gets digested and absorbed by the body faster, thus giving instant energy.
For example, MFF 100% Whey Protein, it is a blend of high profile BCAA and glutamine. 26 grams of it provides 12.6 grams of EAA (Essential Amino Acid), 5.8 grams of BCAA (Branched Chain Amino Acid), and 4.3 gram glutamine. It can fulfill the protein requirement of the body. Moreover, it has no added sugar, has negligible cholesterol and trans fatty acid.
Hence, unless you are a vegan, or allergic to dairy products, you should prefer whey protein supplement over pea protein supplement.
Final Note
I hope, now the dilemma with whey protein vs pea protein supplement is clear. Many fitness trainers suggest rotating and mixing the different types of protein supplements, especially for the clients who have not taken the food allergy test.
Rotation is fine, since you get to know what suits your body best, but mixing different types of protein supplement is not a good idea. Since, different manufacturers give different proportions to their supplement, and it becomes difficult to determine the exact amount of protein intake.
Folks, what are your views on rotating the protein supplement intake, and mixing different types of them in diet? Do share your thoughts in the comments below.
