9 Mar, 2022

By Chen Zhixian

Protein is the most important nutrient to ensure the health of the body. It is necessary for maintaining and repairing the body and cell growth. It not only affects the growth of body tissues (such as muscle), but also participates in the production of hormones, the maintenance of immune function, the transport of other nutrients and oxygen, and the production of hemoglobin. General mental workers need 0.8-1.0g/kg of protein per day, and the demand of athletes and bodybuilders having high-intensity exercises is 2-3 times that of them. Because high-intensity exercise will destroy muscle cells to varying degrees and cause the decomposition of muscle protein. Timely supplement of protein can reduce the decomposition and destruction of muscle tissue and promote the synthesis of protein, so as to build muscle and improve strength. It should be noted that there is a defect in the traditional supplement of protein by eating meat, which will lead to the intake of excessive fat, increase of body fat, and even affecting cardiovascular health. Supplementing low-fat and high-content protein powder has become an ideal choice.

In addition to people who like sports and body building, some special groups can also supplement protein powder appropriately: first, people with insufficient intake or absorption of protein, such as people with anorexia, slimmers who only eat fruits and vegetables, patients with functional dyspepsia and patients with intestinal malabsorption. Secondly, people with physical abnormalities with increased protein consumption, such as patients with hyperthyroidism, burns and malignant tumors. Thirdly, those who have the increase of protein demand, such as lactating mothers, the elderly and postoperative patients with reduced diet.

In fact, in recent years, the consumption scenarios of protein have changed greatly, from protein powder to snacks, snack bars, beverages and meat substitutes. One of the main growth segments in the protein field is plant-based proteins, which have attracted the attention of many consumers.

Protein has become synonymous with sports nutrition and health. How to choose high-quality protein and how to open up a broader nutritional market with high-quality protein raw materials? In addition to plant protein, are there any other options?

Soybean protein plays a major role in protein powder products of our country, but the soybean output in our country is insufficient, and the soybean required for processing and production basically depends on the import of it. Soybean protein is indeed a high-quality protein, but the development of novel sources of protein, such as protein extracted from algae, yeast and other single-celled organisms, is of strategic importance. This kind of protein has a broad market prospect in the application of food industry for its high production efficiency, wide raw material sources and less labor force needed without limitation of seasons and climates.

Yeast protein is a kind of high-quality protein. It contains 9 kinds of amino acids necessary for the human body (including histidine necessary for children's growth). The amino acid score after digestibility correcting (PDCAAS) is 1, which is higher than that of soybean protein and equivalent to that of whey protein. The total amount of essential amino acids accounts for 47.58% of the total amino acids, and the ratio of essential amino acids to non-essential amino acids reaches 0.91, which is in line with 40% and 0.6 specified in standards of FAO/WHO. From this point of view, it is also higher than that of soybean protein and close to that of whey protein. In addition, lysine, which is low in cereal food, is rich in yeast protein. Lysine has positive nutritional significance in promoting human growth and development, enhancing body immunity, resistance to virus, promoting fat oxidation, and relieving anxiety. Animal experiments showed that yeast protein could significantly increase the density of muscle fibers and muscle mass of aging mice.

Yeast protein is an environment-friendly protein. Compared with animal and plant proteins with long breeding and planting cycle, yeast protein is extracted from yeast, with short production cycle and high efficiency. Compared with animal protein, the main production process of yeast is bio-fermentation, which can avoid the challenges of transgenic and land resource shortage caused by plant protein substitution, and the production speed is not affected by season, climate, transgenic and other problems. Finally, the price and output of yeast protein remain stable.

Yeast protein is a good supplement to animal and plant protein. The amino acids contained in proteins from different sources can complement each other, which is called protein complementarity. In order to maximize the complementary role of proteins, three principles should be followed for meals: 1) The biological species of food should be different as much as possible; 2) The more kinds of food, the better; 3) The closer you eat, the better. Therefore, nutritionists recommend eating foods from various sources at the same time in a meal, including plants, animals and microorganisms.

The protein powder markets in Europe, America and Japan, as well as some domestic leading nutrition brands, have shown a strong interest in yeast protein. It is believed that yeast protein will set off a wave in the protein supplement market!

About Angel Human Health：

Specialized in yeast and fermentation, AHH is committed to developing innovative, differentiated, science-based functional ingredients and customized solutions, to help our customers get enduring success, as well as contribute to a healthier and sustainable world together.

About Angel:

Angel Yeast Company is a high-tech listed company specializing in yeast and biotech. Product business covers Yeast and Baking, Yeast Extract-Savoury, Nutrition & Health and Biotechnology fields. It is one of the world's leading companies in the yeast industry. Angel has 12 holding subsidiaries and provides products and services for more than 150 countries and regions.

Press contact:

ANGEL YEAST CO., LTD

Address: 168 Chengdong Avenue, Yichang, Hubei 443003, P. R.China

Tel: +86 717 6369570

Email: Nutritech@angelyeast.com