Choosing Protein Supplements: The Four Important Protein Sources
Protein is an essential nutrient for the body, especially for the muscles. The general recommendation is an intake of around .3 grams of protein for each pound a person weighs. For athletes and bodybuilders, though, the requirement is higher because the body is working harder and demands more protein. The recommendation jumps from .3 to 1.25 grams for this group of people.
It's not only how much protein you get though; it's also where the protein comes from that matters. While most of us get all the protein we need from our diets, athletes often need protein supplements to provide them with enough of this important nutrient. The protein used in protein supplements is nearly always from the same four sources. Each is used differently by the body and are more or less suitable for different individuals.
The 4 common types of protein supplements are whey, soy, egg and casein. Protein supplements can be strictly one type of protein or it can be a mix of, usually, two different types of protein.
Whey protein comes from milk and is the most common of these four sources used to produce protein supplements. This protein contains essential amino acids (those which we cannot produce ourselves and must take in through dietary sources) and nonessential amino acids. Except for people who are allergic to milk or have lactose intolerance (who should avoid whey protein), this is a great source of protein which is readily digested. Concentrated whey protein contains 30%-85% protein and is inexpensive, making it a common ingredient in protein supplements. Whey protein isolates contain around 90% protein by weight, but are far more costly. Whey protein helps improve immune function and speeds muscle recovery in addition to being a good source of protein.
Soy protein is derived from soy flour. This is the most complete vegetable protein known and like whey protein, there are isolates and concentrated forms available; isolates are higher in protein but more expensive. Easily digestible, soy protein is suitable for everyone except for the small number of people who are allergic to soy. Soy protein can be added to foods easily and is beneficial in lowering blood cholesterol.
Egg protein is often mentioned as being the best protein supplements. This protein comes from egg whites and is quickly and completely digestible. Containing all of the essential amino acids, it's also a popular ingredient in protein supplements. However, there are those who are allergic to eggs and should not use protein supplements containing egg protein.
Casein protein comes from milk, but unlike whey it is slow to digest. It is slow acting and therefore often used in combination with faster acting proteins. It works well meals prior to workouts. It also is a great choice to take just before bed.
Read the labels of those protein supplements to make sure you're purchasing one that you'll tolerate and will give you the protein you need for your exercise regimen. Keep the qualities of each protein source in mind as you choose protein supplements.
It's not only how much protein you get though; it's also where the protein comes from that matters. While most of us get all the protein we need from our diets, athletes often need protein supplements to provide them with enough of this important nutrient. The protein used in protein supplements is nearly always from the same four sources. Each is used differently by the body and are more or less suitable for different individuals.
The 4 common types of protein supplements are whey, soy, egg and casein. Protein supplements can be strictly one type of protein or it can be a mix of, usually, two different types of protein.
Whey protein comes from milk and is the most common of these four sources used to produce protein supplements. This protein contains essential amino acids (those which we cannot produce ourselves and must take in through dietary sources) and nonessential amino acids. Except for people who are allergic to milk or have lactose intolerance (who should avoid whey protein), this is a great source of protein which is readily digested. Concentrated whey protein contains 30%-85% protein and is inexpensive, making it a common ingredient in protein supplements. Whey protein isolates contain around 90% protein by weight, but are far more costly. Whey protein helps improve immune function and speeds muscle recovery in addition to being a good source of protein.
Soy protein is derived from soy flour. This is the most complete vegetable protein known and like whey protein, there are isolates and concentrated forms available; isolates are higher in protein but more expensive. Easily digestible, soy protein is suitable for everyone except for the small number of people who are allergic to soy. Soy protein can be added to foods easily and is beneficial in lowering blood cholesterol.
Egg protein is often mentioned as being the best protein supplements. This protein comes from egg whites and is quickly and completely digestible. Containing all of the essential amino acids, it's also a popular ingredient in protein supplements. However, there are those who are allergic to eggs and should not use protein supplements containing egg protein.
Casein protein comes from milk, but unlike whey it is slow to digest. It is slow acting and therefore often used in combination with faster acting proteins. It works well meals prior to workouts. It also is a great choice to take just before bed.
Read the labels of those protein supplements to make sure you're purchasing one that you'll tolerate and will give you the protein you need for your exercise regimen. Keep the qualities of each protein source in mind as you choose protein supplements.
About the Author:
Henrick Scofers has been a weightlifter for two decades. He has become an expert on the subject bodybuilding supplements. Get more info on top quality supplements today. Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service