Air Protein: The Future of Food?
Air Protein: The Future of Sustainable Muscle Building
What is Air Protein?
Air protein, dubbed “Protein out of thin air” by its inventors Solar Foods, is a natural protein for every food imaginable. It is neither animal nor vegetable but can be added to any food to boost its overall protein content. Solein is gluten-free, 100% vegan, and can be consumed by all, regardless of religion. With a balanced nutritional profile, Solein supports those who eat little or no meat, containing all nine essential amino acids along with iron and other minerals difficult to absorb in fully plant-based diets. It also replicates the positives of a plant-based diet, offering unsaturated fatty acids and lower levels of cholesterol than are associated with eating meat.
How is Air Protein Made?
Born from air and electricity, Solar Foods launched Solein in 2021. The manufacturing process uses a gas fermentation process similar to that used in the making of lager. Dr Ying Zhang, a molecular microbiologist and assistant professor at the University of Nottingham, explains that instead of using sugar, wheat, and starch to convert sugar material into alcohol, the process uses gas as a feed that includes carbon dioxide – hence the term “air protein.” According to the official Solein website, this new protein originates from a natural, unmodified, single-cell organism and can be distributed in powder form, making it easy to add to a vast array of food and drinks.
Is Air Protein a Sustainable Choice?
The source organism feeds on minerals, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and hydrogen, while the hydrogen is created by splitting water molecules found in the air. The resulting bacterial evolves into an edible offering that is fit for market and shows great promise for sustainability. Solein promises many of the benefits of an animal-based diet without the need to slaughter a single one. However, hydrogen is highly explosive to work with, and the studying of Solein for its food safety is ongoing.
The Importance of Sustainable Protein Options
The human race needs to re-think the way we eat. The methane associated with rearing livestock is a driving force of global warming, and is having a detrimental effect on our rivers and streams. The ecosystems of the planet can’t keep up with humanity’s desire for meat, eggs, dairy, soy, and all other conventional sources of protein. The Solein company website emphasizes that a revolution is needed in the way we produce and consume protein. The manufacturing process boasts all of the protein while using less greenhouse gas emissions than plant or meat protein operations.
Conclusion
Solein is gaining ground, with food regulatory approval in Singapore, and is still in its early days. However, it has the potential to be the muscle-building choice of the future. As the world rethinks its protein sources, Air Protein is a game-changing option that promises sustainability, versatility, and a more balanced nutritional profile.
FAQs
Q: What is Solein made of?
A: Solein originates from a natural, unmodified, single-cell organism and can be distributed in powder form.
Q: Is Solein vegan?
A: Yes, Solein is 100% vegan.
Q: Is Solein gluten-free?
A: Yes, Solein is gluten-free.
Q: Can Solein be added to any food?
A: Yes, Solein can be added to any food to boost its overall protein content.