Whole Supp Science Library #2
Welcome to the second edition of the Whole Supp Science Library. Our goal is simple: give you transparent, evidence-backed insights into the ingredients inside your Smart Food formulation.
Here's what you'll find below:
• Broccoli: immunity, heart health & chemoprotection
• Coconut: metabolic boost, healthy cholesterol & organ fuel
• Pea + Brown Rice Protein: muscle adaptation, complete amino profile & body-composition support
Scroll, nerd out, and see why these whole-food heroes made the cut.
Key Takeaways
- Broccoli: Rich in selenium and sulforaphane, supporting immune health, heart health, and offering chemoprotective properties.
- Coconut: Contains MCTs and Lauric acid that boost metabolic rate, reduce visceral fat, and improve "good" HDL cholesterol.
- Plant Protein Synergy: The combination of pea and brown rice protein provides a complete essential amino acid profile equivalent to whey for muscle growth.
- Scientific Backing: All ingredients are selected based on peer-reviewed research regarding metabolic health and body composition.
All research undertaken by James H Kellett (Research and New Product Development Associate) and Dr. Brian Carson (Head of Science and Innovation). Explore the full health benefits of broccoli in our dedicated article.
Broccoli science-backed benefits
Key research papers
Immune Health
Health Benefit: Broccoli is a great source of selenium, which is needed for the normal functioning of the immune system.
Paper Title: The importance of selenium to human health
Heart Health
Health Benefit: Flavonoids are rich in broccoli & they have been shown to have an impact on mortality in coronary heart diseases.
Paper Title: Flavonoid Intake and Long-term Risk of Coronary Heart Disease and Cancer in the Seven Countries Study
Cancer Protection
Health Benefit: Sulforaphane, which is abundant in broccoli has been identified as a chemoprotective agent.
Isothiocyanate from Broccoli, Sulforaphane, and Its Properties
Autism Treatment
Health Benefit: Sulforaphane has also been shown to have a positive effect upon autism spectrum disorder behaviors.
Paper Title: Sulforaphane treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Coconut science-backed benefits
Key research papers
Metabolic Health & Body Composition
Health Benefit: Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) from coconut raise energy expenditure, supporting better metabolic health and leaner body composition. Whole Supp delivers MCTs in an easy, food-first dose straight from coconut.
Paper Title: Thermogenesis in humans during overfeeding with medium-chain triglycerides
Health Benefit: Coconut oil supplementation led to a significant decrease in waist circumference.
Paper Title: An Open-Label Pilot Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Virgin Coconut Oil in Reducing Visceral Adiposity
- https://downloads.hindawi.com/archive/2011/949686.pdf
- https://www.metabolismjournal.com/article/0026-0495(89)90101-7/pdf
Heart Health
Health Benefit: Daily consumption of coconut oil has been shown to increase HDL or 'good' cholesterol levels.
Organ Health
Health Benefit: Lauric acid is abundant in coconut oil. Once metabolised into ketone bodies, it becomes an important energy source for extrahepatic organs in the body.
Paper Title: The Properties of Lauric Acid and Their Significance in Coconut Oil
Pea protein vs whey & brown rice protein science-backed benefits
Key research papers
Improved Muscular / Strength Adaptation
- Pea protein matched whey for muscle thickness and strength gains after eight weeks of functional training (The Effects of Whey vs. Pea Protein on Physical Adaptations …).
Bottom line: you can hit your performance targets with plants, no compromise.
Paper Title: The Effects of Whey vs. Pea Protein on Physical Adaptations Following 8-Weeks of High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT): A Pilot Study
Health Benefit: Pea & brown rice protein, as used in Whole Supp, provides all essential amino acids needed in the human diet.
Paper Title: Composition, physicochemical properties of pea protein and its application in functional foods
Health Benefit: When compared to a placebo, both whey and pea protein provided an equal improvement in muscle thickness following resistance exercise.
Paper Title: Pea proteins oral supplementation promotes muscle thickness gains during resistance training: a double-blind, randomised, Placebo-controlled clinical trial vs. Whey protein
Topic: Body Composition
Health Benefit: A decrease in fat mass has been associated with an increased intake of plant protein, along with a decreased intake of animal protein.
Paper Title: A plant-based diet in overweight individuals in a 16-week randomised clinical trial: metabolic benefits of plant protein
Frequently asked questions
Can pea protein help you build muscle?
Yes. Studies show that taking about 20–25 g of pea protein after your workout can increase muscle size and strength. In the pea protein vs whey debate, an 8-week trial showed equal muscle-thickness gains when paired with high-intensity training.
- Lift 3–4 times a week and eat enough total calories.
- Give muscles 24–48 hours to recover.
- Stay consistent for at least 8 weeks to see changes.
Bottom line: combine pea protein with regular resistance exercise for best results.
Is pea protein a good option if you have SIBO or a sensitive gut?
Often, yes. Pea protein isolate is low in fermentable carbs (FODMAPs), so it usually doesn't feed the bacteria that trigger SIBO symptoms.
- Free of lactose, gluten, and soy.
- Very little fibre or sugar alcohols.
Start with half a scoop to test your tolerance. Talk to your health-care provider if discomfort continues.
Does Whole Supp give you a complete protein source?
Yes. Whole Supp combines pea and brown rice protein, delivering all 9 essential amino acids in every serving.
Your body gets the full set of building blocks for muscle repair, hormone production, and immune support. Learn more about our science-backed ingredient formulation.
Posted: Dec 06, 2023 · Last updated: Apr 16, 2026
