Protein Powders
Bodybuilding, weight lifting, and excercise are becoming more and more exact sciences every day. If you are striving for a ripped physique, you’re going to need a specialized workout regimen and a precise nutrition plan. For anyone wanting to pack on muscle, a solid protein powder should be part of your diet.
Protein powders give your body the raw materials they need to build muscle. The digestive system breaks up the proteins into smaller peptides that raise amino acid levels in the blood. These amino acids can then be synthesized into muscle throughout the body. There are hundreds of supplements that provide protein, but they are not all created equal. Products contain different doses of protein, different types of protein, and different blends of ingredients. Prices vary greatly as well, usually ranging from about $20.00 to $50.00 depending on the brand and quality. With so many different factors, how do you know which one to buy?
For the most effective proteins, we’d recommend the following two forms:
Partially Hydrolyzed Whey Protein
Partially hydrolyzed whey protein is made by taking milk and fractioning out its proteins. Then acids or enzymes are used to split or slice the proteins into smaller chunks that can be used more easily by the body. This process can make protein easier to digest and reduce risks of allergic reactions. When the protein is sliced into more manageable peptides, the body can absorb them quicker and start building muscle faster. Recent studies show that approximately 25 grams of protein is the most the body can use per meal to build muscle. Above that, excess protein will be burned as fuel.
Whey Isolate Protein
Whey Isolate Protein is probably the most pure form of protein you can get in a powder. Derived through a unique filtration process, whey protein isolate yields a higher percentage of pure protein than the other type of whey protein. Whey Isolate is high in branched chain amino acids like valine and isoleucine, the building blocks the body needs to grow and repair muscles. Isolates can also be filtered well enough to contain virtually no traces of carbohydrates, lactose, or fat from the whey it was processed from.
Other Forms
While isolate and hydrolyzed proteins are some of the better ways to get protein, they aren’t the only sources. Other good sources are protein concentrate or egg albumim. Some formulas also contain micellar casein complexes that help digest proteins mores slowly to make sure the body gets a prolonged and sustained source of muscle building material. These are all great additions to look for.