More Peas Please

Delicious and Nutritious Peas

I just love fresh peas.  As a matter of fact, I would have to say fresh peas are my favorite food and I guarantee, they will never see a pot of boiling water.  Fresh peas are my choice of snack food all summer long.  As sweet and delicious as they are, did you know peas are a really good source of protein?

Protein is an essential nutrient vital for good health.  Our skin, hair, nails, muscles and brain cells are just some of our body parts that are protein based, and after water, protein is the most plentiful substance in our bodies.




Proteins are made up of smaller chemicals called amino acids that are linked together in a structural chain.  Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins necessary to maintain and rebuild the tissues that make up our muscles, organs and immune system, and provide us with energy.

There are 20 common amino acids that form proteins when linked together.  Nine of the 20 common amino acids are considered essential, and 11 are considered non-essential.  The nine essential amino acids are considered essential because our body cannot produce them, so they must be provided from the food we consume.  Our bodies can produce the other non-essential amino acids, so we don’t require a dietary source of them.  

Unlike fats and carbohydrates, our bodies do not store all the protein that we require so it’s important to get an adequate daily amount in our diet.  The most common sources of protein in our diets are red meat, poultry, fish, seafood, eggs, dairy products, seeds and nuts, whole grains, and legumes such as beans, peas and soybean products.

Because of ethical, environmental or health reasons, more and more people are eliminating or reducing their consumption of animal products (to which I say hooray!)  However, to ensure they are receiving an adequate supply of amino acids in their diet daily, they need to consume more vegetable-source proteins. 

Proteins are divided into two classifications: complete and incomplete.  Complete proteins contain all of the essential amino acids required for tissue formation and growth, whereas incomplete proteins lack one or more of the essential amino acids.  Remember, ‘essential’ means our body cannot produce them so we need to get them from the food we eat.  Examples of complete proteins include meats, fish, seafood, eggs and dairy products.

Although incomplete proteins lack essential amino acids, the combination of two incomplete protein sources forms a complete protein with all of the essential amino acids.  Combining whole grains with legumes, whole grains with nuts/seeds, or legumes with nuts/seeds create complete proteins and studies have shown we do not need to eat a complete protein at each meal, as proteins will combine in the body over the space of meals consumed during the day.  One way of ensuring the body’s amino acid needs are met is to incorporate a variety of proteins in our diet.

AIM ProPeas

AIM ProPeas® is an all-natural vegetarian protein source made from field peas, and provides an alternative to animal protein sources, which are high in fats and bad cholesterol.  Field peas are a healthy low fat food choice high in protein, providing us with select amino acids, omega -3, -6, and -9 fatty acids, and iron.  They contain no trans fats or cholesterol and this green source of protein also helps to balance the body’s natural pH.  The field peas found in ProPeas™ are grown in Canada—the world’s largest producer of non-genetically modified (non-GMO) pea crops, and because peas pull nitrogen from the atmosphere they do not require chemical fertilizers.  AIM ProPeas™ provides 12 grams of protein per serving, is gluten-free and offers a safe, allergen-free alternative to whey and soy protein options.  Sweetened naturally with organic evaporated palm juice, ProPeas™ tastes great combined with chilled rice milk or mixed into a smoothie.

Reducing our consumption of animal protein sources can have significant health benefits and reduce the risk of many diseases related to a high fat, high cholesterol diet consisting of animal products.  It is also very beneficial to the health of our planet. 

This summer enjoy a delicious smoothie with some added ProPeas® and for a healthy treat nibble on some fresh peas.  I know that’s what I’ll be snackin’ on.  More peas please!

Healthy Protein and Fibre Smoothie

•    1 scoop AIM ProPeas
•    1 scoop AIM FibreBalance or fit ‘n fiber
•    1 cup fresh fruit
•    4 oz. rice milk (or substitute another milk)
•    4 oz. water
•    5 ice cubes

Blend until smooth and enjoy!

If you would like more information about AIM ProPeas®, please visit our AIM ProPeas where you can read more, download datasheets, watch videos, and make a purchase.  As with any nutritional supplement it is always recommended to read the literature thoroughly to find out if the product is right for you, and consult your health care practitioner if you have any medical conditions or concerns.