If you go to a gym you have most likely seen people mixing their protein shake at the fountain, or talking about how they need to get home right away to drink their protein shake. This drink is usually the first thing a person consumes after a workout to help them recover and strengthen. There are so many conflicting opinions on protein powders out there. In one day I read an article about why I absolutely had to use protein powder and one about protein powders being a waste of time and money on the SAME SITE. If you are considering trying a protein powder it is best to do some research. There are different types of proteins out there and knowing what you want to achieve will help you choose the right one.
Protein powders have removed the non-protein parts so that you are getting a higher concentration of protein. They also include the amino acids that your body cannot produce on it’s own. However, some types of protein don’t include all the essential amino acids so a balanced diet will be needed to supplement that.
The most common type of protein is whey. It has been shown to promote lean muscle growth and fat loss, as well as support cardiovascular health and a healthy metabolism. The body also absorbs whey quickly so it is good for after a workout. However, many whey protein brands contain a lot of sugar and added chemicals which is can actually hurt rather than help. If not used properly you can actually gain weight using this protein.
Casein is another animal based protein that is derived from milk. It has the same benefits as whey but is absorbed very slowly. This makes it a pretty poor choice for after a workout. Because it comes from milk, casein is not a good choice for people with lactose allergies, and there are many chemicals added to make it taste better.
There are also many vegetarian and plant based proteins that are now used for protein powders. These include soy, rice, hemp, and pea protein. Soy protein has all the essential amino acids and promotes strong bones and immune systems. But with soy being a high GMO food it also has many hormones which may not make it an ideal protein source. Rice protein is mostly derived from brown rice. It’s a great source of fibre and is almost entirely absorbed by the body. Hemp protein improves metabolism, brain function, and circulation. It is also high in fibre, and is a complete protein containing all essential amino acids. Pea protein supports weight loss by being highly satiating. It is also the protein closest to a food source and therefore, does not require a lot of additives. But like most of the other plant based proteins it also lacks some amino acids and should not be used as your primary protein.
I do take a protein supplement after I work out because I have noticed a difference in my muscles. I don’t know if I get enough protein during the day so using a protein powder gives me the necessary protein that my body needs. Right now I am using Genuine Health Vegan Protein. The sources of protein in it are pea protein, organic sprouted brown rice, potato tuber protein, alfalfa powder, and hemp seed protein. They are also all non-GMO products. I like that they keep out the artificial flavours, sweetners, wheat, soy, and animal products, so I’m getting a pretty clean protein source.
There are so many brands of protein out there and you need to do a bit of research to find the one that works for you. It takes a bit of time, but it can actually help you get the most out of your fitness routines.
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