Protein powders can be found in every nutrition store as well as all over the internet, you can even find pre-mixed ready-to-drink protein shakes in many stores.
Protein powders come in various forms. The three common ones being Whey, Egg and Casein protein.
Whey Protein Powder
Whey is the most commonly used because it`s a water soluble milk protein. It`s also a complete protein hence has all nine amino acids necessary for human dietary needs. Whey protein can and is taken at any time. However, it is best when used as a post-workout shake. This is because it is rapidly digested and causes a spike in blood sugar which stimulates more immediate muscle building than other forms of protein.
Casein Protein Powder
Casein protein is the second most prevalent produced and sold form of protein. It is derived from milk just like whey protein. The difference lies in the fact that unlike whey casein protein features a much slower digested form of protein. This results in less of a spike of amino acids and sugar therefore not as good when used post-workout. This type of protein is best when taken on an empty stomach usually overnight. This protein is a lot slower to digest. Therefore it can help your body avoid entering a catabolic state and losing the muscles you worked so hard for.
Egg protein is available in powder form it is a great alternative to milk based proteins. This should be considered if you cannot handle lactose. It is highly bio valuable meaning it has a high measure of effectiveness and efficiency on your body. It I similar to whey because it can increase muscle growth. It is digested much slower than casein protein. For this reason it is best taken at night time. It results in a longer release of amino acids into the blood stream. Egg proteins are made solely from egg whites hence they have no fat and very little carbohydrates making it an excellent option for those looking for extra protein, without all of the sugar, fat and carbohydrates usually associated with protein powders.
Reasons for Using Protein Powder
There are various reasons why someone would want to use protein powders. They include:
When you are growing. A teenager needs more protein to fuel her workouts because her body is still growing and uses more protein in general.
When you are starting a program. If you are working out for the first time you may need protein powders to boost your protein levels.
When you are amping up your workouts. In case you plan to add your working out hours you definitely need a boost in your protein levels.
When you are recovering from an injury. For one to heal fast they need extra proteins and here protein powders come in handy.
If you are going vegan. People who pursue a vegan or rather a vegetarian lifestyle eliminate a number of common protein sources from their diet including meat, chicken and fish.
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