Protein supplements can help anyone who uses them to get the extra protein that they may need into their diets. These supplements are beneficial for people who are undergoing cancer treatments, diabetics, those trying to manage their weight, healing wounds (particularly following surgery) and much more.
Amino acids, such as whey and casein, which are the foundations of protein, are the main ingredients in these supplements. They are used for various reasons, including meal replacement for dieters and to encourage the growth of muscles and promote the recovery of muscles following a workout.
So, what exactly are protein supplements? First of all, let’s define protein. According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, protein is “any of various naturally occurring extremely complex substances that consist of amino-acid residues joined by peptide bonds, contain the elements carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, usually sulfur, and occasionally other elements (as phosphorus or iron), and include many essential biological compounds (as enzymes, hormones, or antibodies),” and “the total nitrogenous material in plant or animal substances.”
The body must break down proteins into amino acids in order for the body to build muscles. You can work out for 10 hours a day and not gain any muscle if you are not getting the right amount of protein in your diet, which should be digested before and after working out. To put it simply, no protein equals no muscles.
Protein supplements provide the protein that is needed by the body when it is not getting the proper nutrition through a regular diet and healthy lifestyle.
The Benefits of Protein Supplements
One of the great benefits of liquid proteins is the fact that they are easily digested. Also, they are a great dietary supplement for vegetarians and others who don’t get enough meat in their diets. Another benefit is that protein supplements are important workout aids, helping the muscles to heal following exercise.
Healthy proteins can be found in a variety of different foods, but in today’s fast-paced world, many of us are finding ourselves eating on the run and not getting the proper nutrition. Protein supplements provide many of the nutrients that we need to maintain a healthy body.
Another great thing about protein supplements is the fact that they are quick and easy to ingest. It takes less time in the morning to prepare a supplement smoothie than it does to make a cup of coffee, and it is a lot healthier for you. Protein bars can be eaten on the go, any time during the day, and liquid protein can be easily mixed into a drink of juice during a coffee break (which is much healthier than the typical donut and coffee).
Who Uses Protein Supplements?
If you are on a diet, liquid protein supplements make a great meal replacement. Busy people with unbalanced diets can use liquid protein supplements. Athletes need protein, which can include protein shots, for building and maintaining muscles. Many medical patients use protein supplements, and those who are health-conscious in general try to get additional protein through supplements. Basically, protein supplements of any kind are good for everyone, and those who are not taking them should consider it.
How Much Protein Supplement Do I Need to Take Daily?
The answer to this question varies with each person who asks it. Because we are all different, we all have different nutritional needs, and the amount of protein one needs daily depends on his or her body weight. Depending on which study you are reading, a person requires .7 to .9 grams of protein for every pound he or she weighs. A basic formula would be to multiply your body weight, in pounds, by both numbers, and then try to keep your protein intake in the range of these levels. For instance, a woman weighing 140 lbs should be getting between 98 to 126 grams of protein daily.
Whey Protein: Is it Really Good for Me?
Whey protein is a great supplement because even though it’s derived from milk protein, the person taking it is not getting all of the added fat, lactose sugar and calories that they would from drinking a glass of milk. Whey protein is one of the best and most popular forms of protein supplements for a number of reasons, including the fact that it can help to increase levels of the antioxidant glutathione in the body.
As mentioned above, whey comes from milk protein and occurs naturally in the cheese-making process. Rennet is added to milk to curdle it, the curds are used to make cheese, and the leftover liquid is the whey. It doesn’t sound too tasty though, does it? Well, scientists have discovered a way to turn the whey into a powder, which has little flavor and can be added to meals and drinks.
Whey protein can help build muscle mass, help to reduce workout-related injuries, help you to feel great while you are working out, speed recovery time from injuries and help you to maintain a fit and healthy body in general.
You will find whey protein in many diet supplements that are on the market today, including nutrition bars. You can also purchase supplement powders that can be mixed with fruit juice, fruit and ice for a tasty meal replacement smoothie that is chock full of protein and all kinds of other important nutrients. Or sprinkle the powder on a meal for added nutrition.
Protein supplements are important for body builders, and it is important that those using them learn everything that there is to know about the supplements. Just like anything else, taking too much is not always a good thing.
What about Fat and Calories?
A popular misconception is that taking protein supplements, including whey, will cause those taking them to gain weight. This is absolutely not true. Yes, people will gain weight, but it is in a good way. When protein supplements are taken, muscle mass builds. Muscle weighs more than fat, so therefore, some people taking supplements may think they are getting fat because they are seeing a higher number when they step on their scales.
What Are Protein Shots?
Protein shots do not involve needles. They are simply mini, ready-to-drink protein supplements that can be carried easily in a purse or backpack. They come in a variety of flavors, and since most people don’t have time to eat the six meals that are needed daily, these handy little shots can be used in between meals. They are pre-mixed, so there are no messy powders or liquids to measure or mix. Protein shots are a wonderful way for athletes, medical patients, dieters and anyone who doesn’t get the proper nutrition to get their protein on-the-go.
As you can see, using protein supplements is one of the best ways to make sure that you are getting enough protein in your diet. Whether you are an athlete looking to build muscle mass or someone who is just looking to eat right and take care of themselves, you can use protein supplements to do so. It doesn’t matter whether they are powdered or liquid supplements that you mix yourself or protein shots.
Whichever type of protein supplement you use, you will notice a difference in your comfort level following workouts and you will feel firmer and fitter. Your health will improve greatly and you will have more energy. They taste pretty good and the price is extremely reasonable, so really, you have no excuse not to try them!
Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey protein drinks for bariatric surgery patients. You can learn more at Protica Research – Copyright