Why choose natural and gentle protein sources to supplement your diet?
Protein is an essential macro-nutrient needed in the diet with many important functions. It supplies the necessary building blocks for synthesizing enzymes needed for biochemical reactions, hormones and immune functions. Protein helps the growth and repair of the body tissues, it is needed to build and maintain healthy muscle, bone and structural tissue. Sufficient protein intake has been reported to:
- Build muscle mass and prevents muscle loss.
- Result in improved muscle strength and performance when consumed before and after exercise.1
- Promote muscle repair during post-exercise recovery stage and reduce the risk of exercise induced muscle damage and soreness.
- Support metabolism, increase satiety and play a role in weight management.
During exercise muscle tissue is broken down then rebuilt in the recovery stage. The exact amount of protein needed after exercise depends on the type and intensity of the activity - the more intense the more protein the body needs. Taking protein in the form of a shake or a smoothie is an effective and convenient way to boost your protein intake before or after exercise, especially if you don’t have a big appetite for a meal after your workout or are short on time.
Is protein sourced from rice or pea as effective as whey protein for fitness training and building muscle mass?
Unlike some other vegetables, rice contains the full range of essential amino acids needed in the diet. Rice protein isn’t just for purists, it is for anyone at any activity level. It has a balanced amino acid profile comparable with whey.
A published 8-week clinical research study involving participants supplementing with protein post resistance-training, found that high dose rice protein supported changes in strength and body composition, including a decrease in fat-mass and increase in lean body mass, similarly to high dose whey protein.2
In another clinical trial involving participants taking part in fitness training, researchers observed that supplementing with pea protein promoted an increase in muscle size similar to that found when supplementing with whey protein.3 Yellow pea protein supplies all essential amino acids and is a great source of BCAAs (branched chain amino acids) as well as Lysine, Arginine and Glutamine.
What to look for in a quality protein powder?
- Vegan: Consciously sourced ingredients
- Certified Organic: Ensures quality, planet friendly, safe, non-GMO and no pesticide residues
- Hypoallergenic: Dairy-free, gluten-free and soy-free
- Bioavailable: Sprouted and fermented brown rice or pea protein
- Keto friendly or Low GI: No added sugar
- Gentle: Easy on digestion
- Delicious: Smooth texture and a variety of flavours
- Ultra clean: absolutely no artificial colours, flavours, preservatives or synthetic additives
- Protein powder concentrate rather than isolate: Bioactive peptides without the overprocessing that destroys nutrients and enzymes
- Sustainable packaging
- Choice: Providing versatility to meet customer’s dietary and lifestyle needs
Why Organic Certification matters?
When choosing a protein powder go for certified organic, this way you can avoid the chemical pesticide concentrations usually present in ‘conventionally’ grown ingredients. Research shows evidence that pesticide exposure can result in oxidative stress and may be related to various health disorders including that of the nervous system, respiratory and reproductive tracts.4 Interestingly, in one clinical trial led by the Harvard School of Public Health, researchers found an association with a high intake of pesticide residues (found in conventionally grown fruit and vegetables) and lower sperm count/poorer quality semen in the trial participants.5
What is the difference between Sun Warrior Classic and Classic Plus?
Sunwarrior Classic – the Clean & Simple plant-based protein!
Sunwarrior Classic relies on the simple power of whole-grain brown rice to create a gentle protein that is clean and allergen-friendly. It contains brown rice that is fermented, bio-available and easily digested. Suitable for those who struggle with digestion, including the elderly and those with food intolerances. Absorbs easily for those recovering from illness or injury. Available in vanilla and chocolate, as well as unflavoured for versatile use.
Sunwarrior Classic Plus – the Fit & Lean plant-based protein!
Classic Plus contains 5 protein sources including brown rice protein- it is enhanced with yellow pea protein, chia seeds, quinoa and amaranth providing additional amino acids and nutrients per serving. Ideal for post-workout, this keto-friendly protein blend is perfect for athletes and ingredient-discerning customers who are looking to nourish their fitness levels!
Any claims are based on clinical research, are not aimed to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Food supplements should be used within the framework of a healthy lifestyle and not used as substitutes of a varied and balanced diet.
References:
1. Willoughby, D. S., Stout, J. R., & Wilborn, C. D. (2007). Effects of resistance training and protein plus amino acid supplementation on muscle anabolism, mass, and strength. Amino acids, 32(4), 467–477. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-006-0398-7
2. Joy, J.M., et al. The effects of 8 weeks of whey or rice protein supplementation on body composition and exercise performance. Nutr J 12, 86 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-12-86
3. Babault, N., et al (2015). Pea proteins oral supplementation promotes muscle thickness gains during resistance training: a double-blind, randomized, Placebo-controlled clinical trial vs. Whey protein. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 12(1), 3. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-014-0064-5
4. Sabarwal, A., et al. (2018). Hazardous effects of chemical pesticides on human health- C and other associated disorders. Environmental toxicology and pharmacology, 63, 103–114. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.etap.2018.08.018
5. Y.H. Chiu, et al. (2015) Fruit and vegetable intake and their pesticide residues in relation to semen quality among men from a fertility clinic, Human Repro, 30 (6), 1342-1351 https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dev064
