The Benefits of Protein Powders
by Hamoon Arbabi
zone3
I know protein is good for me, but do I need a supplement? Whey,
egg, casein and soy — which one protein is right for me and what does each
one do?
Let’s get the facts straight. Protein exists in virtually everything
that moves and makes sounds, or in almost any animal. Primary dietary
protein sources include fish, eggs, chicken, pork, beef, venison, buffalo
and many other wild animals.
But which is the best source of protein? Ah, the million dollar
question. As with any supplement, no protein powder will match what Mother
Nature provides on earth. Natural proteins deliver more quality nutrients
to your body than any protein powder ever could. Still, protein powders do
have their place.
Scientist have come a long way in their development of protein
supplements, including how they taste. Even recently, the best you could
hope for with a protein shake was that you could choke it down in spite of
its chalky taste and consistency. Now they actually taste good. Today
there are plenty of protein powders and meal replacement shakes on the
market. The key is finding the best quality products with the highest
level of bioavailability.
Your primary source of protein should be meat, fish, poultry, eggs and
other seafood. The protein source should be organic and grass-fed,
free-range or wild. These furnish the body with the highest quality
protein, provided that they are not cooked, or cooked very lightly,
because heat denatures protein (kills proteins).
Other sources include commercial meats, farm-raised fish, and other
genetically modified organisms like soy. Protein also can be found in
other foods like nuts, legumes, some veggies and certain grains. However,
your best sources of protein for packing on the muscle are organic meat
and fish.
Protein shakes or meal replacements should be the last place you should
look to fulfill your body’s protein requirements. Although they can be
beneficial, remember, nothing beats Mother Nature’s proteins — not even a
scientist-developed protein — for making you healthy and strong. Protein
supplements are particularly useful for vegans, vegetarians and non-meat
eaters, as well as for people with problems digesting heavy proteins or
whose lifestyle prevents them from consuming proteins during the day.
A protein drink or meal-replacement shake is a great morning meal for
those get-up-and-go types who only are short on time but understand how
important breakfast is to losing fat and gaining muscle. Breakfast is the
most important meal of any healthy diet, so a quick protein shake is a
must for people who just don’t have time to prepare a good breakfast.
The best protein powders or shakes are made from egg or whey. Use
casein, protein from dairy products, sparingly. Avoid soy proteins, as
these are the cheapest products you can buy and typically are genetically
modified. Genetic modification means scientists have altered the organism
from its natural state, a practice discouraged by most non-soy-paid
scientists. Do your own independent research if you like, but always
consider the source. Take with a grain of salt the comments of
“specialists” who are paid by companies to say theirs is the best stuff
for your body.
Remember, these are general protein recommendations. If there’s
something on this list that you are allergic to, that obviously would not
be a good product for you. A food allergy test is recommended before you
begin any supplementation program to determine if you have specific
allergies and if there are particular substances your body has problems
processing.
One last note: All the protein in the world won’t help you if your body
is deprived of other nutrients, such as essential vitamins and minerals.
For optimal health, make sure you consume enough protein, eat organic and
supplement with a great multivitamin.
The Number One Recommended Protein Products that will deliver your body
the highest amounts of quality protein. These Supplements will give you
the most gains and help you lose the most fat.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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