Vegan Protein Gummies (Fantastic Fruits) - 50g

Protein

Protein is one of the most important building blocks in our bodies...

Protein is second most abundant substance in our body; it is second only to water. Protein makes up much of the structure of our body, including: our muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones, organs, glands, nails, and hair. It also makes up the vast majority of the molecules that allow our bodies to function and regulate itself; protein is required for: cell signaling molecules, hormones, transport molecules and most enzymes in our bodies, including our digestive enzymes. Without sufficient protein, our bodies cannot function properly.

DNA – The Code for Proteins
Our genetic material (DNA) is the blueprint that shows each cell how to produce the proteins that make life possible. It is differences in this coding that makes the variations of our proteins that make each of us unique. For example, it is protein in the iris of our eyes that gives us our distinctive eye colours.

What is protein?
Proteins are composed of building blocks called amino acids. These subunits are linked together by peptide bonds to form chains that can be straight lines, or branched like the sub-branches on a tree. When we eat protein the body must break these peptide bonds in the digestive tract using proteases (for more information on proteases, please click here). Then single amino acids, or amino acids in short chains (called peptides), are absorbed through the gut, into the body, where they are used as building blocks to create whatever protein the body needs.

Essential Amino Acids
Some amino acids are considered "non-essential". This means that we do not need to ingest these amino acids, because our bodies can biosynthesize them using the skeleton of other amino acids. So long as the body gets sufficient protein, these amino acids are not required. The amino acids that the body cannot produce itself need to be taken in through the diet, and are called "essential" amino acids. There are 9 essential amino acids: isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, histidine, and valine. Some amino acids are "conditionally essential", meaning that certain populations who naturally don't make enough, or all humans under certain conditions, may require certain dietary intake to meet their needs. Some examples of conditionally essential amino acids are: arginine, glutamine, cysteine, and glycine.

Types of Protein Powders

Whey
This form of protein is concentrated from a byproduct of the production of cheese from cow's milk. It comes in three major forms, each of which has a different bioavailability. Whey protein, in all three forms, is the most bioavailable form of supplemental protein available. There are some cases of sensitivity to whey protein, and those who are allergic to milk should avoid its use. 

Egg
Chicken eggs are an excellent source of protein as well as a number of other vitamins and nutrients. When just the egg whites are used, less nutrition is available, but it is still an excellent source of complete protein and does not contain the additional fat. Egg protein is the second most bioavailable protein source. There are some cases of sensitivity to egg protein, and those who are allergic should avoid use of this protein supplement.

Rice
Rice protein powder consists of brown rice treated with enzymes to remove the carbohydrate, leaving only the protein behind. This source of protein is vegan and hypoallergenic. Since it is lower on the food chain it is also more eco-friendly, and doesn't take such a large environmental footprint to create. Since it is naturally a little low in the amino acid lysine, rice protein is often mixed with pea protein to create a more balanced protein supplement. 

Pea
Pea protein powder is created using yellow split peas. Like rice protein, pea protein is vegan and hypoallergenic, and also has a much more eco-friendly footprint. In order to balance its amino acid profile, pea protein is often mixed with rice protein to create a more balanced protein supplement. 

Soy
Soy protein powder is extracted from soy beans. It is an inexpensive vegan protein that offers a complete protein source. In addition to being rich in protein, soy also contains isoflavones that act as phytoestrogens in the body. Although this makes them less than promising for body builders, this can be of great benefit to post menopausal women and others with hormone imbalances. 

Hemp
Hemp protein is extracted from hemp seeds and is an eco friendly, and vegan protein source that provides all 9 essential amino acids. In addition to its protein content, hemp also contains essential fatty acids (EFAs) and fibre, both of which are major ingredients in a healthy balanced diet. 

Spirulina
This water-grown algae is sometimes considered a complete food. It naturally contains 60-70% protein as well as a huge number of other nutrients, vitamins and minerals. It is such a rich source of protein and B12 that it is often recommended to vegetarians to cover potential dietary gaps. It also contains chlorophyll, which helps to clear toxins from the body