Protein drinks are often recommended for dieters and for those who are really too busy to eat a healthy, well balanced diet. However, there are so many options to choose from that finding the best protein drink may be a little difficult. The kind of protein drink that you need may vary depending on your individual protein needs and the type of drink that you are looking for.
Before you start looking for the best protein drink, you have to remember that there are two common types of protein drinks on the market: those that are meant to help you lose weight and those meant to help you gain it. Read the labels carefully and make sure that the protein drink you are interested in actually has what you need without additional ingredients that you do not need. Dieters who get higher amounts of protein may burn up to 38% more body fat than those who do not get enough of this nutrient. Drinking a protein shake each day can help the average dieter lose up to 150% more weight than the average low fat/low calorie diet plan.
Protein Shakes and More
There are a number of brands and flavors of the typical protein shake available in a can or a bottle or in powdered form to mix yourself. In addition there are protein boosted waters that are available. Again, these are available as pre-mixed in the bottle or in little packets that you just add to bottled water and shake them up. The most important thing to keep in mind about most protein shakes is simple: You have to find the brand that you like in a flavor that you enjoy. You also have to read the labels because some brands have to be kept in the fridge for safety while others do not need to be kept cold.
If you are looking at protein powders, you might be interested in the four major types: rice, soy, egg, and whey. Each type has specific benefits and may be a good choice in specific situations. Soy protein powder is created from soy flour and is available in a concentrate or isolate formula depending on needs. Soy is a complete, plant based protein and is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Considered to be highly digestible, soy protein powder shakes may lower cholesterol and will decrease the risk of heart disease. It also improves the nutritional value of other foods.
Egg protein powders are made from egg whites making them fat free and high in protein. Surprisingly low in cholesterol, eggs are considered to be the perfect food because of their nutrition and digestibility. Rice protein powders are isolated from the protein of brown rice. It too is a complete protein and is hypoallergenic, often the supplement of last resort for those who have many different food allergies to deal with. It is also perfect for both vegetarians and vegans.
Whey protein powders are made from whey, a byproduct of the cheese making process. It is the most common of the protein supplements and is often the first one recommended by nutritionists and doctors for their patients. Whey has been used since the time of Hippocrates, who prescribed the supplement for his own patients. The isolate is more expensive but higher in protein. It is also lower in lactose and may be tolerated by those who are only mildly bothered by lactose sensitivities.
The Best Protein Drink Might Be in Your Fridge Right Now
When you say the words “protein drink” to most people, the image of huge, muscle bound men and women chugging down glasses of raw eggs or great servings of thick, rancid smelling concoctions may come to mind. However, there are other types of protein drinks and for most of us, an example of it is sitting in our fridge right at this moment. Milk is considered to be one of the best protein drinks and can be the perfect drink for after the average workout to serve as part of the recovery process. An eight-ounce glass of milk has 9 grams of protein, 31% of the calcium for the day, and may help build lean muscle mass and promotes weight loss. Milk has also been recommended to increase protein intake in the average diet by a recent study that is revisiting the healthier version of the high protein diet.
Dairy protein may help to lower the salt induced increase in blood pressure through a combination of the amino acids isoleucine/proline/proline and valine/proline/proline. The tripeptides in milk have accounted for a nearly five point decrease in systolic numbers and a nearly three point decrease in diastolic.
The Best Protein Drink for the Best Athlete
According to research published in BioMed Central, the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutritionists, in a study conducted by researchers at Gettysburg College and the University of Western Ontario, a protein and carbohydrate sport drink may help recover after exercise, giving a 22-34% increase in glycogen recovery. This is important to decrease muscle fatigue and soreness. It also increases vigor and performance as well. This may be the best protein drink for elite athletes but is not meant for those who are doing light exercise.
The Unexpected Best Protein Drink
Profect, a small, protein supplement shot from Protica is one of the best ways to increase protein in the diet without adding a lot of fat or calories. With only 100 calories per serving, each shot has 25 grams of protein with fruit based flavors that are refreshing and unique.
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 shots for weight loss surgery patients. You can learn more at Protica Research – Copyright