Whether you're following a vegetarian diet or just trying to limit your intake of animal foods while upping your protein intake, pea protein is a vegan-friendly option. Made from split green or yellow peas, pea protein is rich in essential amino acids and an appropriate supplement for muscle building. You don't want to overdo it, however, or you might experience side effects such as a weight gain, a decrease in kidney function or joint pain.
Pea Protein Nutrition
The nutritional profile of pea protein varies depending on the manufacturer.
One 33-gram scoop of a commercially available pure pea protein isolate, which is about 4 1/2 tablespoons, contains 120 calories, 2 grams of fat, 1 gram of carbohydrate and 24 grams of protein. The protein is also a source of vitamins and minerals, including iron and calcium.
Some brands, however, are high in sodium, as much as 330 milligrams per scoop, so read the nutrition facts labels and look for brands with 120 milligrams or less.