Rice Protein Powder: All You Want to Know

Rice protein is becoming increasingly popular as a plant-based protein source. It's a vegan alternative to traditional animal-based proteins like whey and casein. Derived from brown rice it's not only a sustainable option - but it also caters to a wide range of dietary requirements.

Now you might be wondering what makes rice protein stand out among other plant-based proteins. It is known for its hypoallergenic properties - making it a fantastic option for those with allergies or sensitivities to dairy proteins. Additionally, rice protein has a complete amino acid profile with all essential amino acids crucial for muscle growth and repair. It's available in a variety of flavours as well as unflavoured and as part of vegan protein blends like our signature WAM Protein. Give rice protein a try and you might just find that it's the perfect addition to your health and fitness routine!

Understanding Brown Rice Protein Powder

Rice protein is an excellent source of protein. When you choose to include it in your diet you're not only benefiting from essential amino acids but also from the nutritional advantages of whole grains.

Brown rice and white rice both contain protein - but brown rice has a slightly higher protein content. As a whole grain brown rice retains its outer layers which are rich in nutrients and fibre. White rice has had these layers removed during processing, making it lower in nutrients - but still a good source of protein [1]!

When rice protein is extracted it becomes a protein isolate. This isolate is a concentrated source of amino acids. These small building blocks of protein are vital for your body's growth, maintenance and repair. Essential amino acids are those that your body can't make on its own - they need to be consumed via the food we eat [2]. Fortunately rice protein contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source our your nutritional needs.

If you're not convinced yet, here are some other benefits of including rice protein in your diet:

• Plant-based alternative: If you're looking for a vegetarian or vegan-friendly protein source then rice protein is an excellent choice.
  
  
• Easy digestibility: Rice protein is gentle on your digestive system ideal for those with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues. Additionally it is a hypoallergenic and gluten free protein.
  
  
• Versatility: Rice protein can blend seamlessly into various recipes. You can create high protein smoothies, porridge oats or even baked goods and enjoy the nutritional benefits.
  
  

Including rice protein into your daily nutrition as part of a well-balanced diet is a great way to ensure you're meeting your protein requirements [3]. So why not give it a try and experience its natural and nutritious qualities for yourself?

Rice Protein Vs. Other Vegan Protein Powders and Whey Protein

When you're weighing up different protein sources it's important to compare them based on certain factors. This can be their amino acid profile, digestibility, bioavailability, as well as nutrient content. Let's take a closer look at rice protein and how it stacks up against other popular protein sources!

Compared to animal-based sources like whey (milk) and egg protein, rice protein is a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option. It is suitable for vegans and those who are lactose intolerant. Although it may have a slightly lower bioavailability than whey and egg proteins it still provides a good amino acid profile for your daily protein intake! Studies have shown that supplementation with whey or rice protein leads to the same outcomes in terms of body composition after an 8 week training cycle [4]. Additionally, rice protein is easier on the stomach than many animal derived proteins such as dairy and meat.

Soy protein, hemp protein and pea proteins are other popular plant based alternatives. They all have a complete amino acid profile like rice protein - with a higher or lower content of certain essential amino acids. This variance is why these proteins are often blended to ensure an optimally balanced profile. Soya protein in particular stands out for its isoflavone content which may have health benefits. However, some people may avoid it due to concerns about genetically modified soybeans. Pea protein isolate is hypoallergenic and easily digestible just like rice protein [3].

In conclusion, rice protein offers a complete amino acid profile, is environmentally friendly and suitable for those with dietary restrictions. With its lower calorie count and easy digestibility it is a versatile and wholesome option for your protein needs.

Plant-Based Rice Protein Isolate: Summary

Rice protein is made from rice grains and offers many unique properties that could make it your new go-to protein source. As part of a well balanced diet it's an excellent option for those who want to ensure the maintenance of muscle mass while still getting all necessary nutrients.

Rice protein is a complete vegan protein that contains all the essential amino acids that your body needs to function properly - a fantastic option for vegetarians and vegans alike. Compared to other cereal and legume proteins it is gluten-free and less likely to cause allergies, making it suitable for individuals with particular dietary requirements. 

So why not give rice protein a try today as part of our WAM vegan protein blend? We combined the best plant based protein powders with an extra portion of Leucine for enhanced bioavailability to ensure your body has all it needs to be strong and healthy! 

Sources

[1] Lee JS, Sreenivasulu N, Hamilton RS, Kohli A. Brown Rice, a Diet Rich in Health Promoting Properties. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2019;65(Supplement):S26-S28.

[2] Church DD, Hirsch KR, Park S, Kim IY, Gwin JA, Pasiakos SM, Wolfe RR, Ferrando AA. Essential Amino Acids and Protein Synthesis: Insights into Maximizing the Muscle and Whole-Body Response to Feeding. Nutrients. 2020 Dec 2;12(12):3717.

[3] Gorissen SHM, Crombag JJR, Senden JMG, Waterval WAH, Bierau J, Verdijk LB, van Loon LJC. Protein content and amino acid composition of commercially available plant-based protein isolates. Amino Acids. 2018 Dec;50(12):1685-1695.

[4] Moon JM, Ratliff KM, Blumkaitis JC, Harty PS, Zabriskie HA, Stecker RA, Currier BS, Jagim AR, Jäger R, Purpura M, Kerksick CM. Effects of daily 24-gram doses of rice or whey protein on resistance training adaptations in trained males. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2020 Dec 1;17(1):60.