We all need protein in our diets, but do you know what we need it for? Protein promotes muscle health, recovery and growth. Protein supplements are used by athletes and body builders before and after workouts, and as meal replacements. People who are on calorie-reduced diets for weight loss can reap the benefits of protein supplements. If you eat a lot of junk food, add some protein powder to a smoothie or milkshake to help get the protein you need.
Protein for Bodybuilders
A diet rich in protein is essential for body builders, in order to promote muscle repair and to build their muscles. Body builders and other athletes need a lot more protein than the average person (that’s not to say that everyone doesn’t need a little extra protein now and then.) The purpose of bodybuilding is to gain weight (not fat, but muscle), and in order to build muscle, you need protein. Many bodybuilders use whey protein supplements before and after workouts to promote muscle recovery and growth.
Protein also provides energy, something that you need if you are going to be working out. Using protein supplements will not only help to grow and maintain healthy muscles, it will also provide that extra little burst of energy that you need at certain times of the day, especially for bodybuilders.
Types of Protein Supplements
There are different types of protein supplements, and while some are good for some people, most are not good for everyone, particularly if there are intolerances or allergies involved.
Whey Protein: This is a protein that digests quickly and easily (often within one hour), and is often used by athletes following workouts because of the fact that its effects can be felt quickly. Whey is easier to mix than other protein powders and it tastes pretty good too. This is not a good product for people who are lactose intolerant, because it is a milk derivative, a bi-product from the cheese-making process.
Casein Protein: Casein has effects that are similar to whey, but it takes longer to digest, so therefore it is slower acting. Casein protein supplements are available in a variety of delicious flavors. Like whey, casein should be avoided by lactose intolerant people.
Milk Protein: This is a combination of milk proteins, including whey and casein, so the effects are short- and long-term. Milk protein is often higher in fat, cholesterol and calories than other supplements, and it is definitely not for the lactose intolerant.
Egg Protein: This protein comes from egg white, and is also referred to as egg albumin. You can get egg protein supplements in a powdered form, and they taste great in shakes and smoothies. These supplements can also be added to many recipes, and are great for people who are intolerant to milk and milk products. Egg proteins are not good for people with allergies to eggs and chicken.
Rice Protein: If you are lactose intolerant, or are a vegetarian, this is the protein supplement for you. Rice protein is gluten-free, and is also low calorie, low in carbohydrates and low fat. You can use it in shakes and smoothies or sprinkle it in your favorite recipes.
Soy Protein: This is the protein for everyone. People with allergies or who are lactose intolerant can use it, and because it is vegetable based (it’s made from soy beans), it is ideal for vegetarians. Soy protein is what is known as a complete protein, because it contains all of the essential and non-essential amino acids.
Types of Protein Supplement Products
There are a number of protein supplements available on the market today, including:
Liquid Protein – Can be used on its own, or mixed with juice and other beverages for delicious drinks, shakes and smoothies. These come in a number of flavors for every taste.
Protein Powders – Mix these powders with fruit juice, milk or yogurt for protein shakes and smoothies, or sprinkle into your meals as you are cooking.
Protein Bars – A terrific protein fix for people on the go. These handy little bars are packed full of protein and other essential nutrients, and are portable.
Protein Shots – These are little vials of liquid protein that come in a variety of delicious flavors. These little babies really pack a punch, with 25 to 30 grams of protein per serving.
Protein Capsules – Even though they taste great, especially when mixed with food and beverages, many people are still afraid that protein supplements will taste awful. For those people, there are protein capsules that you just take with water.
Protein Supplements for Teenagers
Anyone can use protein supplements in their diet, including children and teenagers. Just like with medications, children should use about half the amount that adults would, and teenagers can use the adult dosage.
Many teens who are weight conscious (especially girls) tend to go on fad or crash diets, mostly with few or no results at all. And many teens who are self-conscious about their weight can become anorexic or bulimic, conditions that over time can be, and often are, fatal. If you have a teenager who wants to lose weight, teach them how to do it the healthy way by having the proper nutrients. If they are not eating properly, then it’s time to start giving them protein supplements. Many teens who think that they will gain weight if they eat don’t mind drinking a couple of smoothies every day, and you can make them delicious protein-enriched smoothies that will get them off to a healthy start each day.
There are also a lot of teens who get into body building, and they need additional protein as well. As we all know, protein is necessary for strong muscles, muscle recovery after workouts and muscle growth. Make your athletic teens delicious protein shakes that they can enjoy after they are done working out. Remember to make sure that the supplements you use do not have any added hormones, because you definitely don’t want to do anything to cause them any kind of damage.
A Taste of Chocolate
Chocolate lovers rejoice! You can get the protein you need, along with your chocolate fix, when you use chocolate-flavored powders to make protein shakes and smoothies. Although they are a little bit more expensive than other protein supplements on the market, you will save money in the long run because you won’t need to buy chocolate bars, cakes and cookies to get the chocolate that you are craving.
For a chocolate treat that is low in calories, try a chocolate-flavored casein protein powder. This supplement is also low in fat and carbohydrates, but is still delicious. Add a couple of scoops to some skim milk or yogurt and ice for a delicious smoothie, or for a really tasty treat, add a scoop of chocolate ice cream (don’t do this too often, or you will defeat the purpose of a low-calorie chocolate treat.)
Chocolate casein protein powder supplements are also great for people who experience stomach troubles, such as gas or heartburn. It can also be used by children, but the amount of supplement that is used should be half the amount of that an adult would use. This is not a strong chocolate flavor, but the mild taste will definitely sate that chocolate craving and give you the added protein that you need.
About Protica ResearchFounded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm specializing in the development of protein-rich, capsulized foods (dense nutrition in compact liquid and food forms). Protica manufactures Profect protein beverage, IsoMetric, Fruitasia and more than 100 other brands in its GMP-certified, 250,000 square foot facility.You can learn more about Protica at http://www.protica.comCopyright – Protica Research – http://www.protica.com
