PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTS: Which one should you consider and do you even need it?
Proteins give many health and nutrition benefits to humans. It maintains the body tissues, like organs, muscles, blood, nervous system, hair, and skin while also acting as a transport vehicle for vitamins, minerals, fats, etc. The consumption of protein in the right proportion also helps you to manage your body weight, as your body needs a relatively long time to digest any meal rich in protein.
After you consume a protein-based meal, you feel full for a long time and control your cravings. A few of the protein supplements contain phytochemicals and fiber in higher amounts to give you additional benefits in terms of good health.
However, the question that comes in our mind is what type of protein supplement is right according to your body’s needs. For this, we have elaborated on different types of proteins and protein supplements available in the market and their special features in this blog post. So get ready to learn and take an informed decision when you get on a protein diet.
Plant-based Proteins
With the availability of varieties of plant-based protein sources, you may easily get protein in enough amounts by following a vegan diet. Common plant-based proteins are-
Lentils
Lentils and beans contain about 18grams of protein in a single cup.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are recognized as small nutritional sources, which not only contain a high amount of protein but also have zinc, iron, calcium, and other essential nutrients.
Tofu
Tofu has about 15grams of protein in a single serving and hence, it provides about one-third of the total protein need by a woman in a single day.
Quinoa
Most of the nutritionists call quinoa a complete protein source, as it contains all the essential amino acids. It provides about 8grams protein in a single cup and other essential amino acids.
Whole Grain Bread
Whole grain bread contains 6grams of protein in a single slice. It also has high amounts of fiber to retain a healthy digestive system and simultaneously, to avoid cardiovascular and cancer problems.
Protein Supplements
Whey Protein
If you want to grow your lean muscle mass or improve your muscle protein synthesis, you should choose whey protein supplements combined with resistance exercise. It also contains each of the essential amino acids, comes with anti-cancer properties and has lactose in a lesser amount. Common health benefits of whey are-
- Helps in faster weight loss
- Reduces cholesterol
- Improvement in immune response for asthma patients
- Helps in patients suffering from hypertension and cardiovascular problems
Whey Protein Isolate
Whey protein isolate is also one of the highest qualities of protein supplements. Whey in isolate form is helpful for both weight loss and building muscles. This is because; other than amino acids (as contained in whey), whey isolate contains a minimum amount or percentage of carbohydrate. If you consume it in raw form, your body will get 90percent protein in terms of weight.
Common health benefits of whey isolate are-
- Helps build lean body muscles and reduce fat tissues
- Acts as a perfect performance booster during regular exercise
- Helps you burn more amount of calories in a single day
- Boosts metabolism
- Is a complete protein source with low calories and fat
Soy Protein Isolate
Soy protein is an isolate powder prepared by using defatted soybean flakes by washing them in water or alcohol. Soy protein is therefore free from dietary fiber and sugar. Later on, the protein is dehydrated to convert into powder. Soy protein is free from cholesterol and contains fat in a small amount. Prime health benefit of soy protein powder is to enhance the protein synthesis of body muscles to some extent. However, it is not superior as whey protein to build muscles.
Conclusion
To conclude, we should say that the selection of protein and protein supplements to be included in your diet depends on your specific fitness and health goals. However, if you want to get benefits from most of the aforementioned protein rich products, we will recommend you to try our Max Protein bars available in different sizes, like 10gram, 20grams and 30grams. Each of our protein bars contains a perfect blend of soy, whey and casein to let you sustained energy for the entire day.