Protein Powders
See Selection nowProtein powder supplements are an excellent way to get the nutrients your body needs to repair muscle after a workout, raise your metabolism, and assist with weight loss. There are quite a few protein powders available on the market, and while these products all share similarities, some may be better fitted to certain fitness routines. One benefit of these powders is that they are a fast and easy way to increase how quickly your body loses weight and builds up muscles.
If you are working out to grow muscle mass, it is vital to have enough protein. The best time to eat protein-rich foods and supplements is within the hour directly after a good workout or at night when your muscles are recovering from the day. Your body will use these essential macronutrients to strengthen and revitalize.
What Are Protein Powders?
Muscles are comprised of proteins, and including these supplements in your diet is a great way to improve your physique. The most common types of proteins contained in these products include the following.
- Soybean
- Pea
- Rice
- Potato
- Hemp
- Egg
- Milk
In addition to the protein, they almost always include additional ingredients to improve taste, look, and health benefits. Proteins are essential for every cell in the human body, and they play roles in metabolism, blood cell production, repairing cells, and immune responses. These supplements can help reduce hunger hormones making it easier to manage weight-loss diets. Every time we exercise, our muscles are slightly damaged, and because proteins help with cell creation, they are useful in building up more substantial muscle mass.
Common Types of Protein Powders
Protein powders come in a variety of forms, and their ingredients are extracted from a number of natural sources. While they all share certain aspects, such as raising metabolism or assisting with the creation of lean muscle, there are some slight variations that can make them better suited for specific types of workout routines and dietary plans. Before you start taking any supplement, you should speak with your doctor to find the best product for you.
Whey
Whey is one of the two proteins in milk. There are three types of whey proteins.
- Whey protein concentrate
- Whey protein isolate
- Whey protein hydrolysate
Whey protein concentrate is approximately 75% protein and is more common in supplements due to the added vitamins, lactose, and fat that can be found in it. Whey protein isolate has a much higher percentage (e.g., around 90%) of protein but lower amounts of other ingredients. When protein hydrolysate is much easier for your body to absorb due to being pre-digested, all types of whey protein supplements are useful for people looking to lose weight, boost lean muscle mass, lessen food cravings, or raise metabolism.
Casein Protein
The second protein found in milk is casein. While they provide similar results, casein is digested much slower than whey. It also repairs muscles and keeps your cells healthy, but because it is slow-acting, it works best when taken at night before sleeping instead of directly after a workout. While we are sleeping, our bodies are recovering from exercise and other exertions. This is best for anyone who has a busy schedule and cannot reliably follow up their workouts with an immediate whey protein.
Egg Protein
Eggs are an excellent source of protein. Most of it is found in egg whites. Other beneficial things found in eggs include the following.
- Vitamins D, B2, B6, B12,
- Zinc
- Copper
- Selenium
- Essential amino acids
When used in protein mixes, egg protein has a much lower fat content than other powders like why and casein protein. For anyone with lactose intolerance looking to lose weight, egg protein powder is an excellent alternative. It can lower instances of food cravings and leave you feeling fuller. This supplement has a high amount of leucine, which has an active part in building up muscle mass.
Pea Protein
Yellow peas produce proteins that are useful for maintaining heart health, growing muscle, and weight loss. This is a great choice for vegans or vegetarians who want to see enhanced weekly workouts results. Pea protein mix is also iron-rich and naturally hypoallergenic. It is usually eaten in protein shakes or added to drinks. Plant-based proteins are more challenging for the body to digest, but out of all the plant options, pea protein is the easiest for you to absorb.
Brown Rice Protein
Brown rice has the highest protein level, so most rice supplements are made by using an enzyme on ground brown rice to separate the protein and starch. It works great for anyone who cannot digest gluten or lactose. There is less lysine in brown rice protein than some other alternatives like whey, so it does not have the same effect on muscle creation, but it still has plenty of fantastic health benefits.
Brown rice protein supplements can help balance blood sugar levels, reduce cholesterol, keep your liver healthy, aid in muscle recovery, and increase weight loss. It is not meant to be a meal replacement, but it can be taken several times a day after exercise to improve muscle growth and fitness.
Mixed Plant Proteins
Some vegan plant proteins include ingredients like soy, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, hemp, quinoa, and sacha inchi seeds. They are more problematic for the body to digest, but they provide a cornucopia of favorable effects. These high-quality ingredients are usually included in vegan or vegetarian shakes and smoothies. Many plant-based proteins are incomplete, so they must be taken in combination with others to make sure you get all the nutrients that you need for the results you want. Sometimes they are used with meals. Mixed plant proteins can improve the following.
- Help encourage weight loss
- Decrease hunger cravings
- Lower blood pressure and cholesterol
- Decrease the risk of stroke or heart disease
- Repairs muscles after workouts
How to Best Use Protein Powders
Protein powders can be added to water, shakes, or other drinks. The amount that you add, how often you should take them, and whether you should take them with anything else will be included in the instructions of the protein powder that you purchase. You want to be sure to read the specifications provided. When in doubt, reach out to your doctor or the manufacturer for additional information about that supplement and the best ways to use it for maximum effect.
If you have special dietary needs due to allergies or digestive issues, then make sure that whatever supplement you are looking to buy will not exacerbate them. We have plenty of options available, including multiple plant-based hypoallergenic supplements that work great for anyone who might not be able to absorb whey or egg proteins.
Using Protein Powders For Muscle Gain
Proteins improve muscle mass through their reparative powers. Whenever you work out, your muscle fibers are damaged in small ways (e.g., hypertrophy). These areas then grow new muscle cells to repair the damage and fuse it in place, which works to increase muscle mass. Protein is essential to this process.
Using Protein Powders For Weight Loss
Protein supplement powders can be used to assist with weight loss though it should be combined with regular weekly exercise and a healthy diet for the best results. Their primary function in weight loss routines is cutting down your calorie intake. They also help stop cravings and may keep you feeling full longer. Because you are eating less, you will naturally lose weight.
NOW Protein Powder Benefits
The fantastic thing about NOW supplement products is that there is one for almost any type of diet. Anyone who is strictly following a vegan, paleo, vegetarian, or keto diet will find a protein powder that will fit seamlessly into their current meal plan. This versatility means anyone looking to control their weight or get fit can find a supplement for their individual needs. They are also superior in quality of ingredients. NOW protein powders are great for people who take part in professional sports. They revitalize and strengthen the body by enhancing naturally occurring processes.
Several other benefits of taking NOW protein supplement powders include the following.
- Increased metabolism
- Hunger reduction properties
- Muscle repair
- Heart healthy effects
Should I Be Taking Protein Powder?
Take stock of your goals and what you are currently eating. If you want to enhance your workout sessions' impact to meet a particular weight loss or strength goal, then protein powders can be highly effective.
Most people can benefit from taking protein powder when it is paired with appropriate fitness routines. If you have a high protein diet, it will not be needed, but it is not meant to replace proteins found in your food entirely, so you should not stop eating protein-rich foods simply because you are taking a protein mix.
FAQ
There is a lot of confusion and misinformation surrounding protein powders and how they work. Many people contact our support agents, wanting to know more information on the ways our products can improve their fitness and health. To ensure you can make the best decision possible, we have made a list of the most asked questions regarding protein powder supplements and how they should be used to be most advantageous to you. If you have questions, please reach out to us or ask your doctor for further clarification about which supplements can work best for you and how to use them.
Should you drink a protein shake every day?
Foremost you should follow the advised directions on the product label. It will indicate whether it is best to take it daily, multi-times a day, or only a few times a week. Which protein and what effect you are trying to achieve will play a part in determining how much you should be taking. They are not meant to replace meals, and they work best if taken after a workout, so if you are not working out daily, then there is no reason to take it that often.
Is protein powder bad for kidneys?
Although you should make sure to consult your doctor before taking a new supplement, this is very important if you are diagnosed with any sort of kidney disorder. Some studies point towards a connection between protein powder and adverse reactions for people with kidney problems. However, if you have a healthy kidney and use the protein supplement as instructed, then you should be able to take it to help you reach your fitness goals.
Do I need protein powder for weight loss?
Weight loss can be controlled by exercising more, changing your diet to include fewer calories, and other lifestyle alterations. While supplements like protein powder can help raise your metabolism and control hunger cravings, they are not necessary for you to lose weight. A healthy use of protein powders can make a significant difference for your fitness.
Can I take whey protein without exercise?
All supplements are designed to be used in conjunction with healthy eating and regular exercise. They enhance the positive aspects of each of these to keep you looking and feeling your best. There are clinical trials that appear to indicate whey protein can have mild weight loss properties even when taking it without exercise while following a healthy dietary plan. However, if you avoid eating well and taking part in proper exercise, the supplements will not be sufficient. You can talk to your doctor about what dietary changes you may need to make in order to incorporate whey proteins to facilitate weight loss if you are unable to exercise regularly.
Do protein shakes make you fat?
Overusing protein shakes will add to weight gain and mood disorders. This is due to the amino acids included in the compounds, which can be harmful when taken it too high of a quantity. Whether you are trying to bulk up your muscles, lose weight, or achieve some other fitness goal, it is vital to use protein powders as they are meant to be used and in the quantities suggested by the product directions. Your doctor can also provide insight into how much protein is likely to positively influence your weight loss goals.
Article Sources
- https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01960335
Protein Powders
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