Protein supplements come in many forms. Some are a better fit for us than others. Egg albumin and whey proteins have long been considered the best -- until now. The amino acid profiles of albumin and whey supply all the essential amino acids needed by human muscle, although not quite in the proper ratios to precisely match. They nevertheless are efficiently utilized by the human body to build muscle tissue and other structures. What isn't needed for tissue building is usually burned up for energy production. Indeed, about 55% of dietary protein is commonly converted to energy. That is actually a good thing because conversion of protein to energy happens at a gradual pace, resulting in sustained and steady blood sugar levels.
Plant proteins have historically been poorly suited for human use. Most lack one or more essential amino acids or contain so little of one or another of them that it is as if the amino acid were absent. Hemp protein is a classic example. Its amino acid profile is a miserable match for human muscle tissue.
Soy protein's amino acid profile is also unbalanced for human needs, with the additional problem of "anti-nutrients" that interfere with basic aspects of human biochemistry. First among them are inhibitors that block trypsin and chromotrypsin, enzymes needed for protein digestion. Soybeans also contain haemagglutinin, a clot-promoting substance that causes red blood cells to clump together, goitrogens that depress thyroid function, and one of the highest phylate levels of any grain or legume. Phylates block intestional absorption of essential minerals (i.e., calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc). Residues of these anti-nutrients often remain in processed soy proteins.
Other plant proteins fare better under analysis. Pea protein ranks highly with an amino acid ratio suitably approximating human muscle. Spirulina protein and rice protein have value by containing good amounts of all essential amino acids, in fairly good balance.
By combining a variety of plant proteins in correct amount, and adding a few select free amino acids, it is possible to create a purely vegetable protein with an amino acid ration that surpasses albumin and whey proteins, and in nearly equal to that of human muscle tissue. That is exactly what Vibrant Health has done in PureGreen Protein. Non-GMO protein from pea, rice, spirulina and alfalfa are joined with four select free amino acids to create the first all-vegetable protein ideally balanced for human consumption
