Protein powder has recently become extremely popular, not only in the fitness world, but in every day life. It’s especially popular among the health-conscious people. Some use it as a way to get their daily dose of protein needed. Others use it simply as a meal replacement for an on-the-go option. There are various types of protein powder that anyone using them, should we aware of. Learn what each is for and how you can benefit from them.
1. Whey Protein
Whey protein comes from milk. It is the liquid that separates from the curds during the process of making cheese. It is very high in protein, however there are large amounts of lactose in it, which many people are sensitive to. If you are not lactose-intolerant and you are not a vegan, whey protein is a great option for you! The benefits are that it is quickly digested and will rapidly increase your amino acids which in turn help increase muscle mass and strength. This is great for weight lifters who are looking to increase their muscle mass rapidly.
2. Egg Protein
As the name states, egg protein comes from eggs, which have an excellent source of high-quality protein. They are very high in amino acids and are one of the best foods for decreasing appetite and helps you stay full longer. The only downfall is that egg protein is typically made from egg whites, rather than the whole egg. The protein level is still high, but you may not get all the same benefits as you would from a whole egg, such as curving your appetite. Egg-white protein would be a good option for people with dairy allergies who prefer an animal based protein.
3. Casein Protein
Casein is also a protein found in milk. Unlike whey protein, casein is digested and absorbed much more slowly. Reason for this is because casein forms a gel when it comes in contact with stomach acid, which slows down the stomach emptying process. This is best for those who are overweight and looking to lose some weight while getting lean.
4. Pea Protein
Pea protein is especially popular among vegetarians, vegans and people with allergies or sensitivities to dairy or eggs. The absorption rate of pea protein is in between whey and casein. It also promotes fullness and can increase muscle growth as effectively as animal-based proteins.
5. Brown Rice Protein
Brown Rice protein has been around for a long time, although it is considered inferior to whey protein for building muscle. It is most common among vegetarians, vegans and people with dairy allergies. There are not a lot of options for brown rice protein, but more options are popping up today.
6. Hemp Protein
Hemp protein is another plant-based supplement that is becoming extremely popular. It is very right in omega-3 fatty acids and several other essential amino acids. It is also easily digestible and easy on the stomach. Perfect for those who are looking for a plant-based protein.
7. Mixed Plant Protein
Mixed Plant protein is typically a blend of plant sources that are loaded with essential amino acids. Most mixed plant protein powders consist of two or more of the following proteins combined:
- Brown Rice
- Hemp
- Alfalfa
- Pea
- Flax Seeds
- Chia Seeds
- Artichoke
- Quinoa
These are all very high in fiber, which tend to digest slower than any animal-based protein. The only downfall to this is that it can limit the amino acids your body can use immediately after exercise. In order to combat this, you can add enzymes to your protein mix so that it may help increase your digestion and absorption of these mixed plant proteins.