Let’s talk about proteins! In this post, we will tell you more about protein powder, and why this supplement isn’t only reserved for gym fanatics looking to get as big as it gets, but for moderate fitness enthusiasts and regular people too. As you are about to see, protein powders can benefit you in many ways, and are a valuable tool for achieving your health and fitness goals Read on to find out more!
Proteins And Health
When asking a question from the above, we need to know why people consider taking protein powders in the first place? The most common reason is to increase muscle mass.
Muscles are built through the process of protein synthesis that happens within them, and the growth is triggered by exercise. Lifting weights damages muscle fiber, but in a good way, which starts the growth process. Of course, for protein synthesis, having enough protein is essential.
Muscles Are Much More Than Appearance
So, to build and maintain muscle mass, you need to intake protein. Having more muscles is not only visually appealing but is very functional too. Having more muscles means you will be stronger, but also faster, with better reaction time, and more energy. Muscles support your skeleton, and stronger muscles mean you are less likely to break bones, which becomes increasingly important as you age. Of course, muscles are essential for movement.
Therefore, consuming enough protein along with a balanced exercise regimen will mean you will be able to maintain and grow muscles, improving your health overall.
Why Take Protein Powders?
The key to muscle growth is protein synthesis, and as explained, for it to happen, you need to exercise and, you need to consume protein. Of course, it is best if you could consume protein from food, but that isn’t always available. If you can, try to meal prep and carry food with you to work. Foods like chicken breasts, eggs, tuna, and all kinds of meat are a great source of protein.
But, meal prepping isn’t always convenient. Unfortunately, most foods you can buy outside is classic junk food, with high amounts of carbs, fats, sodium, and very little protein. Even worse, this high-carb high-fat combination is usually packed with calories and will make you put on weight very fast.
However, if you make a protein shake, and carry it in your bag throughout your day, you will be able to eat/drink a healthy meal, protein-rich, which will prevent you from eating junk food on the go.
Three Of Our Favorite Protein Powders
- Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein Powder – This is the best protein powder you can buy. Whey is very quickly absorbed and has high bioavailability, which means that our body can utilize it better than other protein sources. It will rapidly feed your muscles, helping them grow, which is why it is ideal for taking around workouts.
Check out Gold Standard on Amazon!
- Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein – If you are vegan, or intolerant to dairy products, consuming a plant-based protein is a good idea. Plant-based proteins are rich in fiber and vitamins, which makes them a good option for anyone, not only for vegans. This article is a fantastic scope on how plant-based protein powder is a good alternative to traditional whey.
- Optimum Nutrition Whey Isolate – Last on our list is Isolate. Isolate is different from Gold Standard whey because it has more of a focus on delivering pure protein. Whey Isolate goes through much more processing to remove carbs and fat, which leaves customers with a larger concentration of protein per serving.
Check out Whey Isolate on Amazon!
All three options are great for building muscle and improving your recovery time. At the end of the day; as long as the protein meets your dietary restrictions and budget, it will provide you with the recovery you need.
Not All Protein Powder Is Created Equally
You may be wondering, why are there so many different types of protein powder? Don’t they all provide you with protein to make you stronger? The answer is simply, yes … but also no. Each brand, and sub-product, is usually targeted towards a very specific function. Some proteins, like isolates, are designed for optimal digestion for lean and fast protein intake. Others, such as weight gainers, are aimed specifically at packing on extra mass and are calorie-dense.
Before you shop around for a brand of protein powder, I would first identify what your goals are. Are you trying to build lean muscle? If so, Gold Standard is probably the protein for you. Are you trying to achieve a more healthy and environmentally cautious lifestyle? If this is you, then Orgain should be your choice of powder. Just remember that you want to be efficient with your fitness goals. Picking a protein powder that matches your way of life is a great way to get a jumpstart on any progress you hope to achieve.
Conclusion
As you can see from this post, proteins are a valuable ally if longterm health is your priority. And no, you don’t have to be a bodybuilder or an athlete to consume protein powder.
Yes, the majority of your protein intake should come from food. But, if you are struggling to meet your protein requirements, or you want to have a healthier junk food replacement, protein powders can definitely help, and we recommend you to start with the three kinds from our shortlist from above.
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