Sakara Glossary is your go-to place to learn the foundation of optimal health and wellness—we give you essential intel on minerals, vitamins, and concepts integral to a healthier, more nourished life.
Brown Rice Protein
(broun rīs ˈprōˌtēn), noun.
Find it in: Protein Super Bars
Protein is an essential macronutrient and a building block of life—necessary for growth and maintenance of tissues and muscle, repair of cell membranes, initiation of biochemical reactions, and the delivery of various messages throughout the body. It’s also what helps keep us feeling satiated, and able to focus on the task at hand.
One protein myth that it’s time to toss aside? That you can’t get enough protein from a plant-based diet. Precisely why we at Sakara embrace plants as the abundant, powerful, and nourishing sources of protein that they are. On an average day with Sakara, you are getting about 46 grams of plant-based protein (as well as a rainbow of body-loving antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber).
Our Protein Super Bars feature not only delectable flavors and textures, but also an added dose of plant protein—made from a fine-ground blend of almonds, brown rice and pea protein. Read on for more reasons to enjoy—and appreciate—this potent protein-packed powder.
Pantry Staple to Protein Powder
Dhanya, the ancient Indian name for rice, translates to "sustenance for the human race." To transform such a popular-yet-humble grain into a powerful source of protein, brown rice is fortified with enzymes that cause its carbohydrates and protein components to split apart. The protein is then isolated, resulting in a clean, whole-grain protein source—one that can be added to everything from bars to baked goods. (This can’t be said of most protein powders since many are overly processed and refined—filled with chemicals, preservatives, and artificial sweeteners for product texture, flavor, or shelf life.)
A Building Block of Feel-Good Nutrition
The body requires 20 total amino acids—the building blocks of protein that help determine protein quality: the higher the quality of protein, the better the body is able to support growth, development, and maintenance of vital tissues and functions. Broken down, there are 11 non-essential amino acids (NEAAs) and nine essential amino acids (EAAs), the latter of which cannot be produced by the body and must be obtained via diet.
The brown rice protein found in our super bars is high in two sulfur-containing amino acids: cysteine (a NEAA) and methionine (an EAA). Cysteine supports lung health, athletic performance, and the body’s detoxification process, while methionine is necessary for the synthesis of proteins and other crucial biomolecules. Methionine is also important for slowing cellular aging, improving the absorption and bioavailability of zinc and selenium, and growth and tissue repair—helping maintain the health of your hair, skin, and nails.
Plays Well With Others
Unlike animal products, plant proteins are typically “incomplete”—lacking one or more of the nine essential amino acids in their solo state. That said, with a little simple matchmaking, you can properly pair plant sources over the course of time—whether that be in a meal, a day, or a week—for a complete plant-based protein regimen that’ll have you feeling your best.
Brown rice protein operates with this “better together” mindset; it's low in the amino acid lysine (required for growth and tissue repair) and needs to couple up to become the best version of itself. By mingling with another lysine-containing protein, like pea protein, it forms a complete protein that is just as optimal as whey protein—no animal products involved (while also helping pea protein make up for its low levels of methionine). For muscle synthesis (read: more lean muscle and, therefore, a higher metabolic rate), many plant-powered people look to this combination of pea and brown rice protein.
(At Sakara, we intentionally pair our plant-based meals to provide you with all of the amino acids your body needs to thrive. With our super bars, we isolate the amino acids in each, versus giving you the whole plant form, which improves the protein’s digestibility and is gentle on the gut for those with sensitivities.)
Muscle Power and Recovery
Eighteen percent of the total protein in brown rice are BCAAs, or branched-chain amino acids. BCAAs help regulate the body’s glycogen stores, providing the muscles with an energy source for things like sweat-inducing HIIT classes or black diamond-level hikes.
BCAAs have also been studied as a promising supplement for pre- or post-workout, helping decrease exercise-induced muscle damage and promote muscle-protein synthesis. In particular, leucine—considered the ‘main’ BCAA—is best known for its ability to stimulate muscle growth and strength, promoting recovery after movement.
Another study shed similar light on BCAAs as researchers examined the impacts of rice protein on body composition and exercise performance. After eight weeks, athletes experienced an increase in lean body mass, skeletal muscle growth, and power and strength (comparable to the benefits of whey protein). Plant power, baby.
To add more plant protein into your routine, reach for one of our super bars—a satiating, energizing, and convenient complete protein.
DIVE DEEPER ON PLANT PROTEIN
The Sakara Life Guide to Plant Protein
The Plant Protein Plan
The Nutrients You Thought You Needed From Animals
Recipes Rich in Clean, Green Protein
