INFINIT Vegan Blend | Plant-Based Protein Blend
- 2 Feb 2017
INFINIT's Vegan Protein Blend at a glance:
- Vegan Blend Protein is available as an alternative to our standard whey protein isolate
• The plant-based protein blend is a complete protein blend consisting of 50% organic brown rice protein and 50% faba (aka "fava") bean protein
• The Vegan Protein blend is rich in vitamins and minerals like potassium, magnesium, and b-complex vitamins
• Selecting the Vegan Protein Alternative for your Custom Mixwill increase the osmolality of your blend slightly due to the higher nutrient content
To meet the evolving needs of our customers, INFINIT began offering the INFINIT vegan blend as a plant-based alternative to our standard whey protein isolate in 2017.
With a gluten-free blend of faba bean protein and organic brown rice protein, the INFINIT Vegan Blend is a complete high-quality protein source that has been clinically tested for its effectiveness in muscle recovery and synthesis, as well as its effect on appetite suppression during long efforts.
About the Blend
50% Organic Brown Rice Protein
Brown rice protein is a high-quality plant protein derived from whole grain, brown rice.
Current studies also suggest that rice protein consumption decreases fat-mass and increases lean body mass, skeletal muscle hypertrophy, power, and strength.2
The limiting amino acid in brown rice is lysine. In fact, it would take 14 cups of brown rice to meet your daily requirement for lysine! However, lysine is found in a significant amount in legumes like faba beans.
50% Faba Bean Protein
The faba bean, also called the broad bean, is a natural superfood that is rapidly becoming one of the most popular plant-based proteins in sports nutrition. It derives from the dehulled split faba bean cotyledons of dry and clean faba beans, which provides a clean and neutral flavor.
In addition to its muscle fueling capabilities, the faba bean is packed full of fiber and diverse bioactive compounds that have a potential role in maintaining human health and disease prevention.1
The limiting amino acid in the faba bean is methionine, which can be found in significant amounts in grains like brown rice.
Faba beans are also an excellent source of potassium. That high potassium content carries over to the protein that is derived from the bean, giving our plant-based protein blend a huge boost of the vital mineral.
Potassium is one of the most difficult nutrients to get enough of through the diet. Many of us scarf down bananas and potatoes in an attempt to meet the recommended daily intake of 3500mg, but still end up falling short. So opting for the plant-based protein blend is an easy way to help you meet that lofty nutrient requirement.
The Great “Complimentary Protein” Debate
Most athletes have heard of amino acids — they are the building blocks of protein and are needed for muscle maintenance, growth, and a host of other biological functions in the body. But did you know that there are two categories of amino acids? Essential (AKA “Indispensable”) and non-essential.
The body can synthesize non-essential amino acids, so consuming these amino acids from food is not 100% necessary. But, the body is incapable of producing essential amino acids, therefore, they MUST be provided from your diet.
A hot-button topic in plant-based nutrition is whether or not the use of “complementary proteins” (pairing two proteins of differing amino acid profiles) is necessary to meet protein requirements.
Most plant proteins (with the exception of soy) have a lower percentage of at least one essential amino acid. This is referred to as the “limiting amino acid.” By pairing complementary proteins, or combining two different plant protein sources with different limiting amino acids, you can ensure you are consuming ALL essential amino acids.
While this is all backed by established and sound science, the debate lies in whether you need to actually pair proteins together at one sitting or simply eat a healthy diet with plenty of protein-rich foods throughout the day.
Many people argue that if you eat a varied and healthful diet, there is no need to pair proteins because, by the end of the day, you will have consumed ample amounts of all the essential amino acids.
Our Two Cents
We’re not necessarily here to settle this debate. But we can say our Vegan Protein blend was designed to cover all essential amino acid bases! The combination of the faba bean protein with the sprouted brown rice protein ensures that you are providing your body with proper levels of the amino acids that it needs to thrive.
Is this Protein Blend for Me?
While we here at INFINIT stand firmly behind our policy that Whey Protein Isolate is the gold standard of proteins, and is the best option for most athletes, the INFINIT Vegan Protein Blend is a great alternative for athletes looking to incorporate a Custom Nutrition Blend into a vegan lifestyle.
Also, if you're on certain types of medications, this may not be the best option for you. Particularly, if you are on a potassium sparring diuretic for high blood pressure, or taking an MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor) antidepressant, make sure you discuss with your doctor before making the switch. In addition, if you have the rare condition favism, which does not allow the body to metabolize the glycosides found in the faba bean, you should stick with our premium whey protein isolate instead.3
If you're still unsure, if this is the right option for you, schedule a free consult with one of our knowledgeable Formulation Specialists, and they would be happy to help guide you.
INFINIT’s vegan protein blend was truly designed with our athletes in mind. The use of the two plant proteins allows us to provide a vegan-friendly protein that contains all essential amino acids (aka the “building blocks”) necessary for energy, as well as muscle growth, repair, and maintenance. Plus, the unique blend of faba bean and brown rice also contributes to a uniquely neutral taste that sustains you through even the hardest training days.
As with all exercise and nutritional programs, consult your physician before starting any new regimen. Use this product as a food supplement only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Written By Madeline Huprich, RN and Laura Hering, RDN, LD
Sources
- Multari, S., Stewart, D. and Russell, W. R. (2015), Potential of Fava Bean as Future Protein Supply to Partially Replace Meat Intake in the Human Diet. COMPREHENSIVE REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND FOOD SAFETY, 14: 511–522. doi:10.1111/1541-4337.12146
- Joy, Jordan; “The effects of 8 weeks of whey or rice protein supplementation on body composition and exercise performance”; Nutrition Journal; March 2013; 12:86; Retrieved from http://www.nutritionj.com/content/12/1/86
- Meloni, Tullio, Gavino Forteleoni, Angelo Dore, and Stefano Cutillo. "Home/ G6PD Deficiency/ Research Papers/ Favism in North Sardinia." Favism and Hemolytic Anemia in G6PD-Deficient Subjects in North Sardinia. Department of Pediatrics, University of Sassari, n.d. Web. 02 Feb. 2017.
