Our Comprehensive Guide To Protein Powder
Your Total Protein Powder Review
Many people think that they get plenty of protein in their daily diet. The unfortunate truth is that the average person’s diet does not contain an adequate amount of protein from their daily meals. This is especially true for people on a plant-based or vegan diet.
For every person, protein is essential in forming new muscle and providing your body with long lasting energy. Protein powders are made from a variety of ingredients and provide a wide variety of benefits.
Determining your ideal protein powder can sometimes be quite overwhelming. If you need guidance when it comes to this decision, look no further.
Let’s break down some of the most common types of protein powders, their benefits, and what we recommend you might try!
Whey Protein
Whey Protein comes from milk and is very high in protein but also can be high in lactose, which many people have difficulty digesting. Whey digests quickly and promotes muscle growth and recovery. If you are hitting the gym looking to build muscle, or an athlete looking for the optimum game, whey is the way to go.
Additionally, whey protein has the highest biological value (BV) of any protein on the market. This refers to a protein that has ALL the essential amino acids in adequate quantities to sustain growth and development. Whey protein may also reduce appetite and promote fat loss. More often look to choosing a whey protein isolate which is higher in protein by weight and tends to have less gut distress with lower lactose levels vs. whey concentrate which may be cheaper but contains less protein by weight and has higher amounts of lactose.
We love this whey protein powder from Bluebonnet. This protein powder is 100% natural, from grass-fed cows, a whey protein isolate with low to no lactose, mixes easily in just a shaker with water or adds a creamy boost to any smoothie, and both the chocolate and vanilla flavors are delicious!
Pea Protein
Pea protein is ideal for vegetarians/vegans or people who are allergic to dairy and other animal products. Pea protein is very rich in BCAAs and is absorbed slower than whey protein. Pea protein’s ability to digest slower than whey allows it to trigger more feelings of “fullness” which can aid in weight loss.
Studies have shown that consuming the same amount of pea protein, as whey protein yielded similar amounts of muscle growth. Another great bonus to pea protein is that it can lower your blood pressure and might be just as effective as animal-based protein powders.
We recommend this pea protein powder because it’s only ingredient is pea protein extracted from yellow split peas.
Mixed Plant Protein
Mixed plant protein powders have been some of my favorites in the past. These protein powders are great because you are getting multiple sources of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients along with a healthy dose of protein. Mixed plant protein powders are usually a combination of two or more of the following ingredients: Brown rice, peas, hemp, alfalfa, chia seeds, flax seeds, or quinoa.
Plant-based proteins often digest slower than animal-based proteins, this makes you feel fuller for longer. If your goals are more focused towards weight loss or if you are choosing not to ear animal products, plant-based proteins are the way to go.
This organic plant based protein powder from Garden of Life is one of our favorites at the shop and comes in chocolate, vanilla, or unflavored!
Collagen Protein
There are also many different types of Collagen – The most popular types are type 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10 which can be sourced from beef (1,3), chicken (2) , fish(5), and eggshell membrane (10). Look for Collagen “Peptides” as they are more bioavailable and easily absorbed by the body. Be aware there is no such thing as Vegetarian Collagen, all Collagen protein is a by-product of an animal source. Vital Proteins makes a great unflavored Collagen Peptide from Type 1 and 3 derived from Grass-Fed Pasture Raised Cows.
A typical scoop of collagen contains about 10mg of protein and is an excellent addition to any daily routine especially as we age. Collagen is also best absorbed if you have adequate amounts of Vitamin C in the body which helps it synthesize properly. Collagen can be found flavored or unflavored which is great to add to coffee.
Keep in mind that when choosing a protein powder, you want a complete source of protein that contains the nine essential amino acids.
Check the amount of carbohydrates, fats, and sugars in the protein powder, correlate those numbers to your current diet. Another key aspect in your decision-making process should be checking the ingredient list carefully for additives like thickeners, preservatives, sweeteners, and fillers. You would be surprised how often these things are added into our foods. Especially look to avoid Sucralose/Splenda which can disrupt good gut health and good bacteria, as well as avoiding Aspartame which can create addiction to sweets by controlling your brain’s perception and desire for sweets.
Reach out to us here at Simply Nutrition if you have any questions about protein powders or anything else! We have some great people here to help!
p.s. Just in case you are looking for a specific supplement solution, or any other wellness need, reach out to us here at 916-253-9276 and we would be happy to help you find exactly what you are looking for.
We are deeply committed to sharing our knowledge of health and therefore have carefully chosen the products we offer in our store. You’ll find only the highest quality brands and a large selection to choose from so you’re sure to find exactly what you need.
If you can’t make it into the store, we’re always happy to deliver it to you because your health and happiness are our #1 priority!
Collagen Peptides
20oz – Vital Proteins
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