What is Protein Powder?

What is Protein Powder?

Protein 

The amino acids (essential and non-essential) chains that make up protein cells form the structural core of the human body and are the building block of all cells. They are essential for almost every bodily function and contribute more than 20% of our total body composition.

To explain why protein is essential, the cells formed are required for all brain function and all muscle activity; it is the bases of the heamoglobin that transports oxygen around your body and the enzymic responses that help regulate your body all rely upon protein as the amino acids chains form the cells of each enzyme.

Protein Powder

We take on protein naturally through our normal diets from dairy, vegetable and pulse source’s, nuts and meat. These protein are described as complete and incomplete: complete if the source offers all of the 20 Amino Acids, and incomplete if the profile of Amino supply is reduced. We can also take on board extra protein through additional supplementation using protein shakes or BCAA tablets, drinks and capsules. These offer a good form of refined protein that can top up dietary protein intake and can be absorbed quickly and conveniently.

Protein Powder

Analysis of the body and its powers of regeneration suggest that almost 90% of the cells in the body are reproduced each year in a normal human being. The body is constantly regenerating itself and requirement a regular supply of protein to service the bodies needs is massively important. For maintenance of a healthy condition, the protein usage should be matched by the same level of consumption. Failure to achieve this due to a diet low in protein will lead to difficulties in maintenance of muscle condition and lean weight, but can also cause reduced skin, nail and hair condition along with weakened bones and poor recovery.

Protein 

Understanding this required supply is important if you are an active sports men, gym goer or someone looking to gain lean mass, as the requirement is substantially higher than they average person in order to maximize performance and recovery. The accepted level of protein intake required each day is between 1-2 g per kg of bodyweight each day.

Protein 

Protein Powders
Protein powders come in various forms. The three common ones are whey, soy, and casein protein. “Whey is the most commonly used, because it’s a water-soluble milk protein,” says Peter Horvath, PhD, associate professor in the department of exercise and nutrition sciences at the State University of New York at Buffalo. “It’s also a complete protein, so it’s got all those advantages.” (Complete proteins contain all nine of the amino acids necessary for human dietary needs.) People who are vegan may prefer soy protein, although Horvath notes that its taste is sometimes considered to be more unpleasant, and it doesn’t dissolve as well in water.

Protein powders also come with widely varying price tags. “For the casual athlete who doesn’t have a specific need at a certain time of their training, the cost is not that important,” says Horvath. “So if you’re going to use them, you can get pretty much the same benefit out of the less expensive, more commercially available proteins.

Protein 

In very specific circumstances, protein powders can be useful. “They’re an easy and convenient source of complete, high-quality protein,” says Carole Conn, PhD, RD, CSFD, associate professor of nutrition at the University of New Mexico. But remember: Most people, even athletes, can also get everything they offer by eating sources of lean protein like meat, fish, chicken, and dairy products.


So when might you want to use them? There are a few reasons why an ordinary athlete might want more protein in their diet, says Barbara Lewin, RD, LD, a dietitian and sports nutritionist who has worked with NFL, NBA, and NHL athletes and trained Ironman competitors:

Protein 

The Beginner’s Guide to Using Protein Powder
Walk into any gym nowadays, and you’re just as likely to hear the rattling of a shaker bottle as the clanking of weights. Powders, bars and other supplements have become so ingrained in our culture that it’s hard to imagine not following up a great workout with a shake of some sort (and sometimes even mid-workout). Protein powder is, in many ways, leading the supplement charge. Created by various sources — from whey to soy to pea — and popping up everywhere you look — from GNC’s to neighborhood grocery stores — the popular supplement has cemented its place in our minds and in our diets.

Protein 

Regardless of whether you’re an elite athlete or just a weekend warrior, chances are you have a tub of protein powder sitting somewhere in your house. At the very least, you’ve gulped down a shake at one point or another — maybe even a smoothie. But, do you really know what’s inside your protein powder or how it should be used to give you the biggest advantage and best results? To help you more effectively decide how, when and if you should use this supplement, we created this beginner guide, answering the most popular questions about protein powder.

Protein 

Protein Powder Primer: The Why’s and What’s

Many gym-goers grab a tub and start adding shakes to their diet without first considering why or if they need protein powder at all. As Brian St. Pierre, sports dietitian and nutrition coach at Precision Nutrition, puts it, the most obvious reason to supplement with protein powder is to reach your protein intake goal for the day. However, they aren’t absolutely needed. “If you can meet your protein needs with whole foods, that’s fine,” says St. Pierre. If you find yourself taking in a quality whole-food source of protein three to four times a day, generally a gram of protein per pound of body weight, you might not even need the powder fallback. But, when you’re crunched for time, protein supplements can be your biggest ally.

Protein 

Although the labels may claim otherwise, the various tubs are more equal than you think. At the heart of all protein powders is just what one would assume (or hope) — protein — whether it’s from whey, hemp, soy, or elsewhere. Still, you might see terms like “hydrolyzed” and “cutting edge” to spruce up bottles. St. Pierre argues that the pursuit of better and faster digesting protein powders may be frivolous in the grand scheme of things (research agrees). “A lot of companies will push for getting you to pay big bucks for grass fed whey or cold-filtered whey,” St. Pierre says. “These could be things that make them better, but how much better is up for debate.”

Protein 

When to Mix It Up

So, you’ve done your research and brought home a tub of high-quality protein powder. What now? Figuring out the best times to supplement can be difficult. Here are the two most common uses for protein powder during the day and specific applications for each.

1. Meal Replacement

When you’re rushing out the door late for work in the morning, the last thing you have time for is to make a quick breakfast to kickstart your day. That’s one scenario where protein shakes can come in handy. In general, St Pierre recommends adding in a source of vegetables, a serving or two of fruit and some healthy fats alongside a scoop or two of protein powder. In fact, he and the team at Precision Nutrition have coined a term for these massive meal-replacers — “super shakes.” These shakes can be used in place of a meal or in addition to a regular meal when trying to gain weight. Here’s their recommend recipe for both men and women:

Protein

Men
2 scoops of protein powder
1-2 cups of vegetables (like spinach, which doesn’t affect the taste)
2 handfuls of fruit (fresh or frozen)
2 tablespoons of healthy fat (a nut butter or seed for example)
Mixer (almond milk, regular milk, water — your choice)

Protein 

Women
1 scoop of protein powder
1 cup of vegetables
1 handful of fruit
1 tablespoon of healthy fat
Mixer (almond milk, regular milk, water — your choice)

These recipes bring up another topic of concern — gender differences. Workout supplements are often viewed as a male-dominated industry, but protein powders are also effective for women. St. Pierre points out, however, that women have different nutritional needs than men. In general, they need less protein per pound of bodyweight (primarily due to differences in body composition). For that reason, St. Pierre initially recommends for females to use one scoop instead of two. However, he’s quick to admit that the “cut in half” lesson isn’t the definitive solution. “It’s not that women need exactly half as much as men…Ultimately, it’s just giving you a framework to start something. You can adjust it from there based on your needs,” says St. Pierre.

Protein Powder

Gender differences aside, if these shakes are so nutrient-dense, why shouldn’t you just blend up a shaker bottle for each meal and ditch cooking (and dirty dishes) for good? St. Pierre cautions that although the shakes are great, they still aren’t the same as whole food. “There is more nutrients inherent to whole foods then there ever will be in a powder,” he says. You can also sometimes lose nutritional value drinking your nutrients and vitamins instead of eating them. For that reason, he recommends supplementing with no more than two shakes in one day (even that is pushing it). The key is to use shakes in a pinch and rely on whole food sources for the rest of your meals.

Protein 

Protein Powder for the People
1. Whey Protein Powder
Perhaps the most common and cheapest variety of protein powder on the market, whey protein can be found at any supplement retailer and even in some grocery stores. Boasting an impressive array of vitamins and minerals, this dairy-based product has become a post-workout staple in the diets of pro athletes and recreational gym-goers alike. And there’s good reason whey is the way to go for many: It has been shown to help repair muscles post-strength session, and increase muscle strength and size when consumed within two hours of your workout.

But it’s not as easy as grabbing any old jug and hitting the road. Consumers have the option of “hydrolyzed,” “isolate,” and more. At its core, “hydrolyzed” means the product has broken down from whole proteins down into smaller groups of amino acids (the building blocks of proteins), also referred to as peptides. This method is meant to improve the speed of digestion. Another term, “isolate,” refers to a purification process where supplement companies attempt to get the purest form of whey protein possible.


All of these processes sound great, but are they worth the additional $15 or more per container? Not necessarily, research suggests. According to Brian St. Pierre, sports dietitian and nutrition coach at Precision Nutrition, while specialized protein powders may be slightly more beneficial, the advantage is small in the grand scheme of sports nutrition. A basic whey concentrate protein powder from a reputable company can deliver great results, too, so long as adequate attention is paid to overall protein intake, optimal supplement timing, and diet quality, St. Pierre says.

Protein Powder

2. Casein Protein Powder 
Although it might not fly off shelves quite as quickly as whey, casein protein is actually very similar in more ways than one. Like whey, casein protein comes from dairy and is actually the primary protein found in cow’s milk. Unlike whey protein, however, it digests slower due to a complex interaction with stomach acids. This results in a slower release of essential proteins and amino acids, which makes casein the preferred supplement in situations when a slow release of nutrients is beneficial (like before bed when you’re going 7-10 hours without food).


This same benefit is also thought to make casein protein a less optimal supplement post-workout (when you want nutrients quickly). However, research indicates this might not be as big of a deal as we thought. In many cases, whey and casein can be interchangeable, St. Pierre says. “Honestly, it’s pretty much an equal substitute. The research that compares whey to caseins post-workout is equivocal,” he says. You can stock up on both. But, according to St. Pierre, “Your total protein intake far outweighs anything else.” While that total amount will vary from person to person, the experts at Precision Nutrition recommend taking in 0.6-0.9 grams per pound of bodyweight depending on activity levels (more active individuals need more protein). 

Protein Powder

3. Pea Protein Powder
In the land of muscle, sweat and ripped physiques, it’s hard to imagine that fuel can come from the almighty…pea. This 100 percent plant-based protein is typically made from yellow peas and towers above common protein powders in a few regards. First, it is naturally fat- and cholesterol-free (it comes from a plant after all). Second, pea protein isn’t derived from dairy, making it appropriate for those who are lactose-intolerant. Lastly, it’s completely gluten-free, which can help individuals avoid gastric distress when supplementing frequently. 


So is time to ditch your regular source of protein in search of the elusive pea? Not exactly. Pea protein has its benefits, particularly for those with specific dietary considerations. But that doesn’t mean it’s perfect for everyone. While pea protein is affordable and contains similar levels of protein per same-sized serving as whey and casein, it has been shown to be deficient in one amino acid (cystine). If you’re having stomach trouble with your current protein powder, it might make sense to give pea protein a try. Otherwise, you could try rotating it into your supplement schedule to avoid boredom and mix up your nutritional routine.

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