By most measures, consumer interest in plant-based eating, and specifically in plant-based proteins, is reaching new highs. More and more people realize that plant-based protein can be a very healthy part of their diet. The benefits of incorporating plant-based protein into the diet include increased fiber intake, decreased risk of cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancers, and considerable weight management benefits. Furthermore, plant-based proteins do not contain some of the less-healthy compounds found in meat, including certain saturated fats and cholesterol, both of which are linked to poorer health outcomes. Because of this, demand for processing materials for plant-based protein mixes and product bases has sky-rocketed.
The Importance of Plant-Based Protein
Digging deeper, science tells us that people who tilt their eating habits in the direction of fruits, vegetables, legumes, seeds, and certain grains may realize the following benefits:
- Staying fuller for a more extended period because of slow and even digestion
- Better intestinal health
- The ability to potentially live a longer and healthier life
- Disease fighting immunity
- Easier weight loss
- Availability of an abundance and variety of micro-nutrients that only plants can provide.
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Commercially Processed Plant Proteins
A wide variety of plants are currently being processed commercially for their protein content. Some of the most common include peanuts, tree nuts, oats, lentils, peas, quinoa, and soy. Increasingly, other forms of plant protein are becoming popular and commercially produced, such as chia seeds, flax, hemp, and a full spectrum of ancient grains.
Plant-Protein Processing Equipment
All plants used as protein sources must be processed before being consumed. Several industrial-scale machines and equipment are used to process plant proteins at commercial enterprises. Hammer mills, Rotormills, fine grinders, air classifying mills, air classifiers, and rotary sifters are among the types of machines used to process plant protein.
An illustrative example is the processing of hemp seeds. After harvesting, cleaning, and drying, the seed is put through several sorting, grading, and sieving processes. Then, the seeds must be dehulled and the oil extracted from the raw seed. Finally, it is made into hemp protein powder using various milling processes.
Prater Industries and Its Role in Providing Plant-Based Protein
Prater Industries can provide the machines, tools, and expertise you need for any commercial enterprise that processes plant-based proteins. The company carries a full line of equipment and machines. If none fits your specific situation, it can design and build the machine specifically needed by your processing operation.