Bodybuilders are always looking for ways to get an edge on their competition, be it through different training programs or specific nutrition supplements. 

While vegetarian bodybuilders have long used protein powders made from pea and soy proteins, recent research suggests that soy protein may actually hamper muscle growth in vegan bodybuilders. 

Read on to learn more about the new study and how pea protein stacks up against soy protein when it comes to building muscle as a vegan bodybuilder.

Soy Protein vs. Pea Protein: Which Has Better Bioavailability?

Soy protein is a staple in many vegetarian and vegan diets, but there’s some evidence that pea protein might be a better option for certain groups. 

In particular, a study published in September 2017 in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggested that pea protein has better bioavailability than soy-meaning your body absorbs it more easily. 

For vegans and vegetarians who are concerned about getting enough protein without consuming animal products, these findings could have important implications. 

Let’s take a closer look at both soy and pea proteins to find out which is really best for you (and why).

Concerns for GMO

Genetically modified organisms, GMOs are foods that have been genetically engineered with DNA from other species (usually microorganisms like bacteria or viruses) to introduce a new trait to that organism; for example, Monsanto has created corn and soybean plants that produce a protein toxic to pests called Bt in every cell of every plant. 

The concern is that when animals ingest these proteins, they may become cross-contaminated with genetic material from these foreign sources which could be harmful and cause an immune response or illness when eaten. 

For athletes and bodybuilders looking for healthy diets and eating plans, it is critical to avoid GMO ingredients as much as possible to keep their bodies clear of any potential threats. Healthy alternatives are easy to find! Start by swapping out non-organic processed foods for organic fruits and vegetables.

It’s also important to check labels on anything packaged or canned-including condiments, syrups, drinks, and sauces-as many contain GMOs either directly or indirectly through animal products used in production. 

When purchasing meat and dairy products, always look for grass-fed instead of grain-fed products as grain feed contains high levels of pesticides. Many countries around the world have banned GMOs completely including Japan, Australia, Russia, and most European countries so do your research before buying food at grocery stores! It’s not just about what you eat but what you don’t eat!

Soy Protein vs. Pea Protein: Pesticides?

One of soy’s downsides, however, is that it’s often found in genetically modified form, which can be harmful to both humans and animals who consume it. That being said, studies have yet to find a direct link between GMOs and adverse health effects in humans-though there is mounting evidence that consuming GMOs has negative impacts on animals (and potentially even plants). 

Additionally, any processed protein that comes from an animal is likely to be contaminated with pesticides; pea protein isolate seems to be an exception to this general rule, as peas aren’t typically exposed to pesticides while they grow. 

While there’s not enough research on pea protein yet to conclusively say whether or not it poses a threat to pesticide consumption. 

It’s probably safe to assume that it doesn’t contain more than soy does. For vegan bodybuilders looking for a purer source of protein, then, pea protein might be worth considering over soy.

Plant-Based Protein Powder Amino Acid Profile

Soy and pea protein powders have a high amount of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) as well as many essential amino acids, which is ideal for people who are consuming low amounts of protein in their diet or are on vegan diets. This is especially important for athletes because their protein requirements are greater than those of sedentary individuals. 

In addition to promoting muscle development, BCAAs contribute to other areas of health such as immunity and even digestive support. Because both soy and pea proteins have a complete amino acid profile, they serve as viable alternatives to whey or casein-based supplements-two popular types used by bodybuilders and athletes during workouts and recovery periods after training sessions.

Are Organic Vegan Proteins Better?

Researchers looked at how each protein source affected hormones and immune system functioning in humans; soy protein made a big difference in weight loss, while pea protein actually increased fat loss compared to whey. What’s more, soy was less effective than whey at suppressing immunity during workouts. 

The results suggest that pea protein might be a better option for people who are looking to lose weight or have trouble losing weight when they work out intensely, and that soy is likely better for those who want to preserve muscle mass while losing fat. In other words, it’s complicated but there are no better or worse here-its just about what works best for you.

Soy Protein Content vs. Pea Protein Content? 

While both soy and pea protein powders are vegan, they don’t have an equal amount of protein in each serving; pea protein has significantly more at 23 grams per scoop serving than soy at 18 grams per serving. 

When it comes to amino acids, another vital aspect of bodybuilding, pea protein tops soy with a score of 100, compared to 83 for soy. 

With that being said, there’s actually no clear winner when comparing these two proteins when it comes to their nutritional value – in fact, a study published in Nutrients found that both had identical effects on muscle growth and repair for those involved in resistance training programs.

Soy Protein vs. Pea Protein Taste?

Earlier studies have shown that when it comes to the quality and quantity of proteins, pea protein beats soy protein. According to a new study published in Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, pea protein can also be better for your taste buds. 

Researchers had two groups of people drink four different protein shakes each day for two weeks; one group got a soy protein shake and one got a pea protein shake. The researchers found that even though both groups reported similar levels of satiety after drinking their respective shakes, those who drank pea protein enjoyed their drinks more than those who drank soy protein. 

This could mean that peas are easier on your stomach or tastier than soy-or both! The researchers say they don’t know why there was such a difference between how much participants liked each kind of shake, but they plan to investigate further. If you’re looking for a vegan source of high-quality protein, give peas a try!

Soy Protein vs. Pea Protein: Mixability?

Anecdotal evidence suggests soy protein is more water-soluble than pea protein, but research says otherwise. Researchers at Oregon State University found pea protein to be quite soluble in cold water, while genistin (the soy isoflavone) was a bit more soluble in hot water-similar to their non-vegan counterparts, casein, and whey. 

Overall, though, both soy and pea proteins mixed relatively well with water or almond milk. 

For example, when mixed with 16 ounces of almond milk, it took only 10 seconds for both proteins to dissolve completely (compared to roughly 30 seconds for whey). Researchers also reported that vegans can mix up their shakes in a blender or shaker cup without having it settle on top-another bonus!

Final Thoughts

Vegan bodybuilding and fitness enthusiasts are always looking for new supplements to add to their daily routine. There’s a large debate in veganism and bodybuilding communities over which protein supplement is best-soy or pea? This study aims to answer that question, making it a must-read for anyone who uses vegan protein supplements or is considering doing so in their bodybuilding regimen.