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 can be useful. Whether you’re weight training, looking to supplement your protein intake, or are just in need of a quick and healthy snack, protein powders pack a substantial amount of nutrition into a single serving.
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 substitute when cooking.
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 .
- There are vegetarian alternatives: rice protein ,brown rice vegetable protein ,pea protein ,organic and vegan .
- 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 ,Chocolate ,Strawberry ,Chocolate Mint , and Cookies and Cream.
Manufacturers
Popular Protein Supplements
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