Whey
Protein Powders - Quality Food Supplements
Whey
protein powders remain one of the most popular of all protein food
supplements for several good reasons. First, unlike some alternatives
(like soy protein), whey protein tastes good, mixes and dissolves
well, and is generally absorbed easily into the body. Whey protein
is extremely popular among bodybuilders (but is suitable for anyone)
because of its amino acid profile -- specifically high in the branched
chain amino acids that are so critical for muscle gain.
Whey
protein powder has value to dieters, especially those who have implemented
any sort of resistance/exercise program. The ability to build lean
muscle mass is always important, since it raises the body's metabolism.
Lean tissue, or muscle, burns calories even at times of rest. Fatty
tissue does not. Implementing a high quality whey protein into your
diet ensures the raw material for muscle growth is always present.
Still
on the dieting front, one of the most important factors in attaining
weight loss success is to eat 5-6 small balanced meals each day.
A serving or two of whey protein provides a quick, easy and affordable
way to get your lean protein intake. If that wasn't enough, a whey
protein food supplement even encourages the production of the body's
most powerful antioxidant, glutathione.
Whey
also has one of the highest BVs (Biological Value) of all proteins.
All protein is not created equal, and Biological Value is a measure
of "usable" grams of amino acids a protein source provides.
Good examples of quality whey based products are (courtesy of my
favorite online store, MuscleMaster.com) ...
Designer
Whey Protein
EAS
Simply Protein
When
looking for a protein supplement remember -- most protein drinks
are meal replacements (click
here to read more about meal replacements) which usually contain
a blend of several different proteins - often casein (a milk-based
protein) whey (an isolated by-product of the cheese making process),
and occasionally soy, milk or egg proteins. The benefit of using
a blend of different proteins is this...
Different
proteins provide different amino acid profiles, and different benefits.
Soy protein, for example, is not nearly as helpful for bodybuilding,
but may stimulate the thyroid gland to increase metabolism. If you
are dieting, this is important.
A
blend provides the specific benefits of each protein. And that's
a good thing. However, you're welcome to experiment with the isolated
versions. On the other hand, keep in mind that of the isolated protein
powders nothing mixes as well or tastes as good as the whey protein
products.
