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Protein Powder
Note: Protein Powders are not tested by the FDA. Consult your physician before adding any new dietary supplement.
Protein is an essential building block of life, and a crucial element in maintaining a balanced diet. But for those whose workout regiment or diet requires large amounts of protein, or small servings several times a day, finding whole food protein solutions can be difficult. This is where protein powders
Why Protein?
- Protein is a direct precursor to muscle growth, and increased consumption will help muscles recover and grow faster after intense exercise.
- Protein consumption balances blood sugar levels, as oppose to carbohydrates, which cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate.
- Balanced blood sugar levels keep you from overeating and gives you more energy with greater fat loss.
Types of Protein
Whey Protein
- When it comes to protein powder, whey is the industry standard providing the highest quality, and best value.
- It also provides the highest value of branched-chain amino acids, which result in the best muscle growth and retention.
- Whey protein comes from milk, and is extracted during the process of turning milk into cheese
. - It provides the body with the necessary building blocks to produce amino acids that are used for building muscle tissue.
- Whey offers the perfect combination of overall amino acid makeup, in just the right concentrations, for the best results.
- Whey protein is also an antioxidant and can help support a healthy immune system.
Egg Protein
- Athletes looking to supplement their protein have long turned to egg protein.
- Before powdered protein was available, athletes would eat cooked or raw eggs to increase their protein intake.
- Egg protein offers a calorie-to-protein ratio comparable to whey protein, but is more expensive per serving.
- It is, however, the perfect protein for people with milk-related allergies.
Soy Protein
- Soy protein is derived exclusively from soybeans.
- It’s a complete protein that is highly digestible.
- It tends to be very low in fat, cholesterol, and lactose.
- Being that it’s a non-animal protein, it’s ideal for people with a “meat free” lifestyle.
- Soy is also a good protein for those with milk allergies.
- Soy protein can be also be used as a flour
How Much Protein?
- Check with your physician before adding a significant amount of protein to your diet.
- Athletes often consume at least 25 grams of whey protein per day when training.
- Bodybuilders interested in serious muscle gains generally consume at least 150 grams per day.
- Extremely high doses of whey can overload the liver leading to decreased effectiveness.
Which Protein is Right for You?
- It’s important to find a supplement that offers the right amount of protein, carbs, fat and the correct protein type for your fitness goals.
- For those interested in losing fat, you’ll need a low-carb, low-calorie protein.
- If you are trying to gain muscle, you would want a high protein, high calorie powder that is relatively low in sugar and fat.
- If you just want a quick meal replacement
, a protein powder with medium carbs and medium calories would work.
Flavors
Different manufacturers produce a wide variety of flavors. The flavor typically has little or no effect on the nutritional content. Some flavors include Vanilla
Manufacturers
Popular Protein Supplements
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See Also
External Links
- Bodybuilding.com -- an engine that allows you to find exactly the type of protein that's best suited for your needs.
- Bodybuildingforyou.com -- valuable side by side comparisons