Discover the health benefits of pea protein, from antioxidant effects to improved gut health. Explore applications in food innovation now!

Article Overview

In recent years, the development and application of plant-based proteins have garnered increasing attention from researchers and professionals in various industries. Pea protein, recognized as a significant high-quality plant-based protein source in human diets, is widely acknowledged for its low allergenicity and numerous health benefits. Pea protein and its hydrolysates exhibit various health effects, including antioxidant properties, blood pressure reduction, and regulation of intestinal microbiota. Additionally, pea protein possesses diverse physicochemical characteristics, such as solubility, water and oil holding capacities, emulsification, foaming, and gelling properties.

However, certain limitations in the physicochemical properties of pea protein restrict its application in food systems. Presently, several commonly employed protein structural modification methods, encompassing physical, chemical, enzymatic, and composite modification approaches, have been utilized to enhance the physicochemical properties of pea protein. These modifications aim to improve its functionality and broaden its application in the food industry, ranging from the encapsulation of bioactive ingredients, edible films, extruded products, to the substitution of animal fats and proteins for plant-based protein meat production.

This comprehensive review systematically examines the current state of research on pea protein, encompassing discussions on its health benefits, physicochemical properties, and protein structural modifications. Furthermore, it provides an extensive summary of the potential applications of pea protein in the food industry.

Conclusion and Outlook

Pea protein, serving as a clean-label plant-based protein, plays a crucial role in promoting health-conscious diets and the food industry. Pea protein hydrolysates obtained through enzymatic or combined treatments exhibit enhanced antioxidant, blood pressure-lowering, and intestinal microbiota-regulating activities, contributing to disease symptom control and overall human health improvement. Nevertheless, further research is imperative to elucidate the mechanisms through which pea protein and its bioactive peptides contribute to health improvement and disease prevention.

Furthermore, the water and oil holding capacities, emulsification, foaming, and gelling properties of pea protein make it a desirable choice to meet consumer demands for alternative plant-based protein sources. These physicochemical properties are influenced by factors such as pea variety, protein composition, extraction methods, and environmental conditions. In summary, chemical, physical, enzymatic, and composite modification methods all demonstrate the potential to enhance the physicochemical properties of pea protein. Among these, chemical and enzymatic modifications prove most effective in improving pea protein solubility and emulsification, thereby increasing its application potential in the food industry.

The widespread application of pea protein in food systems, particularly as a crucial plant-based protein source in the production of plant-based meat products, requires further in-depth investigation into sensory attributes, nutritional value, and digestive characteristics. Moreover, exploring the commercial application of pea protein in flour-based products and dairy, ensuring minimal impact on food texture and flavor, demands continued exploration. Concurrently, the application of pea protein in 3D-printed products and beverages necessitates further research and development.

Elevate Your Nutrition with ETprotein’s Premium Pea Protein

In the realm of plant-based proteins, ETprotein stands out as a reliable choice for those seeking superior quality and nutritional excellence. Their pea protein, meticulously sourced and processed, not only harnesses the inherent health benefits of peas but also showcases enhanced functionality through advanced structural modifications. With a commitment to excellence, ETprotein’s product line seamlessly aligns with the reviewed findings on pea protein’s diverse applications in the food industry. Elevate your nutrition and culinary innovation with ETprotein’s premium pea protein – a wholesome choice for a healthier lifestyle.