A new range of Vegan Proteins from Nutraceuticals Group Europe.
With the world turning more towards a healthier, vegan-friendly and more sustainable diet, it is important to look towards obtaining protein from alternative sources, other than meat and fish. A popular vegan protein source amongst health-conscious individuals are Pea Protein, Brown rice protein and Quinoa Flour, however, there are many other high-quality protein sources that you may not be aware of yet.
Pumpkin Seed
Pumpkin seed protein, not only offers a nice nutty flavour to products, but also offers an amazing minimum of 60% of protein per 100g. what makes pumpkin an attractive alternative protein source is that it contains a high amino acid profile, containing all the essential amino acids and some non-essential amino acids. For example, L-Tryptophan which your body converts into Serotonin to produce the hormone melatonin, which is essential for a good night sleep.
Arguably, one of the most nutritional benefits of pumpkin seed powder is the high levels of magnesium it contains. Magnesium is vital for heart health, protection against Cardiovascular diseases, bone maintenance and helping to maintain healthy blood pressure. Studies have suggested that diets containing a high consumption of magnesium can reduce the risk of developing these diseases and reduce the rate of osteoporosis.
Pumpkin seed protein powder is rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and Beta Carotene, which protect against damage from free radical to cells. In turn minimizing risk of developing cancer, such as breast, stomach, prostate and colon. Beta- Carotene is converted into vitamin A by the liver which helps to maintain healthy vision, normal functioning of cellular differentiation and contributes to a normal reproductive system in males and females.
Faba Bean
Another interesting vegan protein source is Faba Bean Protein Powder. A 100g portion of this contains a minimum of 80% protein, as well as a complete amino acid profile, which could make this protein alternative an interesting addition to products and your diet. This plant-based protein also contains a rich source of fibre – a minimum of 10g per 100g, which can promote healthy functioning of the gut and maintain healthy bowel functioning. Faba Bean also offers a variety of other nutrients such as, Thiamin, Niacin, Phosphorus and iron. This product would be a good addition to a vegan sports blend or drink or breakfast bars.
Hemp
Hemp protein powder is also a very popular protein – we supply this as 50% protein grade as organic and standard. Hemp comes from the Cannabis Sativa plant, however without the hallucinogenic properties. This vegan protein source has become increasingly popular within the supplement and sports industry in recent years due to its strong nutritional profile.
Structurally, hemp protein is made up of edestin and water-soluble protein – albumin, making it easily absorbed by the body. In fact, considerably higher levels of edestin are found in hemp compared with other protein plant sources. Studies have shown hemp to be more easily digestible due to the absence of Trypsin inhibitors and oligosaccharides.
Hemp has a considerably high fatty acid profile, containing balanced ratio of Alpha-linoleic acid (omega-3) and Linoleic acid (omega-6) 3:1. Rare polyunsaturated fatty acids are also amongst this profile, Stearidonic acid accounting for 1% and Gamma-linoleic acid accounting for roughly 3%. Having this unique balance of fatty acids decreases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary heart disease, cholesterol, hypertension and other diseases such as diabetes and cancer.
Even though it contains all 20 amino acids, essential and non- essential, Hemp is not considered a complete protein. Studies have shown inadequate levels of Lysine and Leucine within this amino acid profile. However, hemp does contain high levels of Arginine which is vital for aiding blood flow and relaxing blood vessels and Tyrosine, that is a precursor for production of neurotransmitters, such as adrenaline and dopamine.
Other nutritional benefits of Hemp protein powder include, a rich source of Vitamin E containing 62% of the DRI. It is also a good source of phosphorus and potassium, high in dietary fibre and low in sodium. It is also allergen free.
Quinoa
Quinoa is an extremely versatile pseudo-cereal. It can be in seed form, flaked, powdered and made into a flour for baking. Quinoa is growing in popularity within the sports and health industry due to its high protein content – a minimum of 65%, strong amino acid profile and being a good source of fibre. As well as having a high nutritional profile, it is a good alternative for people with intolerances to gluten and wheat, it also beneficial for people following a low FODMAP diet.
Quinoa protein powder has a relatively low GI meaning it is suitable for weight loss products and for people with diabetes. Low Glycaemic foods do not cause a rapid spike in blood sugar and do not cause much fluctuation in blood glucose and insulin levels. Constant consumption of high GI foods are linked with type 2 diabetes and obesity.
All vegan protein powders mentioned in this article are sold by Nutraceuticals. Look out for our future articles on vegan proteins where we go into depth about individual products mentioned. We sell a varied range of vegan protein powders including usual Pea protein 80% and Brown Rice protein 80%, get in touch with us today to find out what else we can offer.
Vegan Proteins we can offer are as follows:
| Item Code | Item Name | Latin Name |
| NIGEPRT000101 | Brown Rice Protein Isolate 80% | Oryza sativa |
| NIGEPRT000101-SAORG | Brown Rice Protein Isolate 80% (Organic Certified) | Oryza sativa |
| NIGEPRT000121 | Brown Rice Protein Isolate 80% (500 Mesh Ultrafine) | Oryza sativa |
| NIGEPRT000501 | Hemp Seed Protein 50% | Cannabis sativa |
| NIGEPRT000501-SAORG | Hemp Seed Protein 50% (Organic Certified) | Cannabis sativa |
| NIGEPRT000505 | Hemp Seed Protein 55% | Cannabis sativa |
| NIGEPRT000508 | Hemp Seed Protein 60% | Cannabis sativa |
| NIGEPRT000512-SAORG | Hemp Seed Protein 70% (Organic Certified) | Cannabis sativa |
| NIGEPRT000520 | Pumpkin Seed Protein 55% | Cucurbita pepo |
| NIGEPRT000521 | Pumpkin Seed Protein 60% | Cucurbita pepo |
| NIGEPRT000521-SAORG | Pumpkin Seed Protein 60% (Organic Certified) | Cucurbita pepo |
| NIGEPRT000525 | Pumpkin Seed Protein (Toasted) 60% | Cucurbita pepo |
| NIGEPRT000531 | Sunflower Seed Protein 46% | Helianthus annuus |
| NIGEPRT000535 | Sunflower Seed Protein 50% | Helianthus annuus |
| NIGEPRT000701 | Hydrolysed Wheat Protein (Glutamine Peptides) (Allergen – Gluten) | Triticum aestivum |
| NIGEPRT000750 | Quinoa Protein 60% | Chenopodium quinoa |
| NIGEPRT000751 | Quinoa Protein 65% | Chenopodium quinoa |
| NIGEPRT000811 | Watermelon Seed Protein 50% | Citrullus lanatus |
| NIGEPRT000821 | Faba (Broad) Bean Protein 80% | Vicia faba L |
| NIGEPRT000831 | Flax Seed Protein 70% | Linum usitatissimum |
| NIGEPRT000841 | Spirulina Protein 60% | Arthrospira platensis |
| NIGEPRT000851 | Mung Bean Protein 80% | Vigna radiata |
| NIGEPRT001001 | Pea Protein Isolate 80% | Pisum sativum |
| NIGEPRT001001-SAORG | Pea Protein Isolate 80% (Organic Certified) | Pisum sativum |
| NIGEPRT001010 | Pea Protein Isolate 85% | Pisum sativum |
| NIGEPRT001201 | Soya Protein Isolate 5100 Non-GMO (Allergen – Soya) | Glycine max |
| NIGEPRT001211 | Soya Protein Isolate 900E Non-GMO (Allergen – Soya) | Glycine max |
| NIGEPRT001301 | Soya Protein Isolate 5200a Non-GMO (Allergen – Soya) | Glycine max |
| NIGEPRT001311 | Soya Protein Isolate 950IJ Non-GMO (Allergen – Soya) | Glycine max |
| NIGEPRT001401 | Soya Protein Isolate 5300a Non-GMO (Allergen – Soya) | Glycine max |
| NIGEPRT001411 | Soya Protein Isolate 950M Non-GMO (Allergen – Soya) | Glycine max |
| NIGEPRT001451 | Soya Protein Concentrate 7100 Non-GMO (Allergen – Soya) | Glycine max |
Click here for our the latest list of proteins we offer
Please contact our friendly and knowledgeable technical sales colleagues to help guide you to the best grades of protein powders to suit your products.