The Importance of Protein Supplements
It’s sometimes difficult to get all the necessary nutrients in a busy day. Protein supplements are for people who have trouble getting enough protein in their diets. People undergoing cancer treatments, treatment for diabetes, those trying to drop some pounds, and those recovering from surgery especially need a bit of added protein.
Amino acids are what make protein so important and are its main components. The supplements are often used to replace meals for dieters and by athletes and bodybuilders to speed muscle recovery and encourage muscle growth after a workout.
Your body needs protein to break down into amino acids, in order to keep your muscles healthy and strong. No amount of working out will build muscle if you are not getting enough protein to provide the basic building material. It’s best to have some before and after working out.
Protein supplements serve the purpose of giving your body the protein it needs when it is not getting enough through your daily diet.
What Protein Supplements Can Do For You
Liquid protein supplements have a certain advantage in that they are digested quickly and easily. They are perfect for vegetarians and anyone else who doesn’t eat a great deal of meat. Protein supplements are also great for anyone who works out on a regular basis, not just bodybuilders, since they help the muscles recover after exercise.
Many foods contain healthy proteins, but many more are not as good for people in general. Unfortunately, it is often hard to find time to eat a proper meal, let alone make sure the meal is properly nutritious. This is one of the situations protein supplements are made to address. Most protein supplements are quick to prepare and easy to ingest. You could probably make a protein smoothie in less time than it would take to prepare a cup of coffee – and it is likely better for you than coffee, anyway. A protein bar can be eaten as you run out the door or drive to work, or it could be a quick snack while you work. Liquid protein supplements can be mixed into a cup of juice while you’re on a coffee break. Nutritionally, this beats the usual donut and coffee hands down.
People Who Use Protein Supplements
Dieters use liquid protein supplements to replace meals, most commonly lunch and/or breakfast. People who just have no time to eat properly can use liquid protein supplements to be sure they are getting the right amount of nutrition. Athletes are big users of protein shots or other quick supplements, which both build new muscle and keep present muscle healthy. There are many medical patients who can use protein, especially after surgery for recovery. No specific reason is necessary for someone who just wants to be as healthy as possible. Just about anyone can benefit from taking a protein supplement, even if perfectly healthy and not prone to heavy workouts.
The Benefits of Whey Protein
Whey protein is a very popular type of protein supplement. It is derived from dairy products, but it doesn’t have the usual fat, lactose sugar, and calories one would get from simply drinking a glass of milk. Whey protein’s popularity comes in part from its ability to help the body produce the antioxidant glutathione.
Whey is made from milk protein and is produced as a natural by-product whenever cheese is made. When a curdling agent, rennet, is added to milk, cheese is made from the curds, and there is a liquid left behind, known as whey. It probably doesn’t sound terribly appealing right now, but science has provided a way to make it palatable. This whey is processed into a virtually tasteless powder which can then be added to food or drink.
Like most proteins, whey protein is great for muscles, for recovering from a workout, surgery, or injuries, and to give you energy during a workout. In general, it is a great way to help keep yourself healthy from day to day.
Whey protein is fairly easy to find when shopping for diet supplements. It can be found in protein bars, ready to eat. It can also come in powder form, which can be mixed with fruit juice or fruit and ice to make a smoothie that serves as a great tasting (and very nutritious) meal replacement. Some of these powders can even be sprinkled on or mixed into a meal seamlessly to give it an added nutritional boost.
Body builders, of course, need protein supplements. They, like everyone else, need to learn about supplement before taking them. While including them is undeniably a good thing, taking too much of it can be harmful, as with anything.
Should Fat and Calories Be a Concern?
There is a rumor floating around that protein supplements can cause weight gain. In a way, it’s true. But there is more than one kind of weight to gain. Muscle mass is heavier than fat and you will increase muscle mass with exercise and protein. This can be discouraging when you step on the scale and see your weight has increased. Rest assured, you are not getting fatter, just stronger.
Protein Shots
Anyone worried about the above title should know first and foremost that protein shots do not involve any needles whatsoever. They are small liquid protein supplements that fit into a purse or backpack. Profect from Protica features a number of flavors and a protein shot is an effective between-meal snack. Since they come ready to drink, there’s no mess that one gets from mixing powders or liquids. Athletes, medical patients, and people on diets who need extra protein can really benefit from the ease and nutrition of a protein shot.
Protein supplements are easily one of the best ways to ensure that you are getting the proper amount of protein. Athletes need not be the only ones to benefit. You can use powder, protein shots, or liquid supplements, but whatever the case, you will begin to see the results soon enough, as you look and feel more fit. You’ll also have more energy during the day. There’s no reason not to at least give them a try!
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 supplements for bariatric patients. You can learn more at Protica Research – Copyright
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