Rice Protein - What Is It

The best rice protein powder is free of dairy, soy, fillers, and other ingredients that can trigger food sensitivities. It has a high protein efficiency ratio and is a good source of the branched-chain amino acid leucine.

It also has a higher emulsifying property than alkali extracted proteins. This is because of the presence of sulfhydryl and disulfide bonds.

1. It’s a plant-based protein

Rice Protein is a vegan protein made from brown rice treated with enzymes to separate carbohydrates and proteins. It can be flavored and mixed with water, milk or juice to create smoothies or healthy shakes. It is a great choice for people who are lactose intolerant or have food sensitivities to dairy and eggs, as well as those who want to cut calories from their diet.

Rice protein has a high concentration of leucine, which helps stimulate muscle growth. It also contains sulfur-containing amino acids like threonine and methionine, which are important for immune system health.

However, it is low in lysine and therefore is considered a partial protein. Nutritionists recommend combining it with other sources of protein like legumes or whey to ensure that you get all the essential amino acids. This makes it an ideal complement to a diet that includes meat and other dairy products. The protein is also low in glycemic index, which means it won’t spike your blood sugar levels.

2. It’s gluten-free

All natural forms of rice are gluten free, which makes it a great source for those who follow a gluten-free diet. However, it is important to check the ingredients of any protein powder that contains rice to make sure it hasn’t been cross-contaminated with gluten-containing proteins, like wheat flour or whey.

Rice protein is often flavored so that it can be easily incorporated into food, drinks, and recipes. It is also easy to digest, allergen-free, and Earth-friendly. This makes it a great choice for those who can’t use dairy-based proteins, such as whey protein, due to lactose intolerance or allergies.

In addition, it can be mixed with pea protein to provide a more balanced amino acid profile. Rice protein is high in cysteine and methionine, but low in lysine. This amino acid is essential for supporting calcium production, promoting fat metabolism, and fostering healthy cholesterol levels. Lysine can be found in a variety of foods, including red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, soy products, spirulina, and fenugreek seeds.

3. It’s a vegan protein

Rice protein is suitable for vegans, and anyone who wants to avoid dairy or who suffers from allergies to milk, soy, eggs, nuts or gluten. It’s made from brown rice that has been treated with enzymes that cause the carbohydrate and protein content to separate. That’s then turned into a powder that’s perfect for use in protein shakes and other drinks and snacks.

A popular plant-based option, it’s easy to digest and Earth friendly. Most brands use a hexane-free extraction process that’s free from allergens.

It’s often combined with pea protein to create a blend that ticks all the boxes. Rice has a high amount of sulfur-containing amino acids cysteine and methionine, and low levels of the essential amino acid lysine. The combination of pea and rice is able to compensate for this, providing a protein source that’s complete in terms of the 9 EAAs. It’s also an ideal option for those who can’t tolerate whey protein for any reason.

4. It’s a good source of lysine

Rice protein is a good source of lysine, an essential amino acid (EAA) that promotes calcium absorption and retention, aids collagen production, and helps fight stress. It also reduces anxiety and helps with fatty acid metabolism, eye health, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.

The EAA-rich globular fraction in the endosperm is called prolamins, and it makes up about 36% of the total protein in rice grains. The globular proteins contain cysteine and methionine but not lysine.

When purchasing a rice protein powder, look for a blend that includes more than just rice. A blend will help ensure you get a range of EAAs, including lysine. Additionally, consider looking for a product with flavors that can mask the powder’s somewhat bland flavor. Add in ingredients like fruit, cocoa, peanut butter, or almond milk to sweeten it up and make it more enjoyable to eat. You might be surprised at how delicious a scoop of rice protein can taste when paired with the right ingredients!