Best Protein Powders for 2021: The Definitive Must Have List
Top 10 Protein Powders and Best Protein Powder
The muscles we all work so hard to strengthen and build every time we step in the gym are literally made of protein – so what it is it exactly?
Protein is an essential nutrient found in every part of your body from your biceps to your blood. Next to water, it’s the most abundant (and probably most important) substance in your body. Proteins are made up of amino acids arranged in specific orders. There’s no end to the possible combinations, so there lots of different types of protein out there.
Endless combinations means that not all proteins are created equal, especially when it comes to bodybuilding. Protein’s basic job is to build, maintain, and repair body tissues. Does that sound like something that might be of help in the gym?
What to look for in Protein Powders
Since there are thousands of protein powder products out in the market, determining which protein powders to use can be tricky because it largely depends on a person’s goals which may be to gain weight, get ripped, or build lean mass.
There are a nearly endless variety of protein powders available for the consumer. They come in many flavors including Vanilla, Chocolate, Banana, Cookies and Cream, Strawberries and Cream, and many more. Price is also a key factor in choosing a good protein powder as there are many similar products at varying price points. You don’t want to pay more for the same thing just because of a brand name. Either way, protein powder is a good investment on your path to your fitness goals, be it mass and muscle or getting ripped!
Be careful because certain less-than-reputable brands of Protein Powder have been known to contain as little as 10% of the advertised protein, and have upwards of 1800% more sugar than it says on the label. What a nightmare. Stick to legit brands.
Benefits of Protein Powder
Protein powders are used by individuals who strive to build muscle and body mass, as well as maintain body mass, or lose fat. A protein shake is not a perfect substitute for the vitamins, nutrients, and proteins found in a full meal, but it’s pretty close. It also acts as a muscle enhancer especially after workouts, wherein it will provide the building blocks to regenerate the muscle and help repair the stressed tendons and muscle fibres.
Mmm protein shakes
Protein shakes are an efficient way to provide the body with additional protein, vitamins, and amino acids. Using protein shakes combined with a well-balanced diet which includes healthy foods will ensure optimal muscular growth in size and mass. It also enhances the body’s capacity to partake in long and strenuous activities which can be beneficial for endurance athletes as well as bodybuilders. Protein also helps to restore muscle glycogen which provides the muscle’s ability to tolerate painful stretching when used in weight repetitions and endurance training.
The muscle’s ability to heal or recuperate is also enhanced by protein shake supplementation. The enhance regenerative properties of consuming protein shakes might allow bodybuilders to workout more frequently.
Even people who do not aim to build mass and who are just interested in general fitness can greatly benefit from protein shake supplementation.
Research of Protein Powders
Previous research studies have demonstrated on how people who have a well-balanced diet as well as supplementation of 10 grams of protein a day, showed improved resistance to infections and viruses. This together with less frequent bouts of exhaustion and soreness after enduring long strenuous workouts were conclusive findings from intensive research studies. Protein shakes can also help overweight individuals lose weight faster.
Whey is the king of all proteins, and number one on our official list for good reason. One of the two proteins that come from milk (casein is the other), whey is a very high-quality protein that does wonders for muscle growth, recovery, and health in general.
One of the reasons why whey is so celebrated in fitness and bodybuilding communities is because it has an absurdly high Biological Value (BV). BV is a number that measures how efficiently a protein can be absorbed and used by the body for growth. Whey protein isolate can have a biological value rating of 120+, while other proteins like fish and beef top out at a mere 75. This means your body gets more for its money every time you ingest whey, as it is easily digested and used by the body to build and repair muscle (among other great things, like reducing disease risks).
Whey protein also received a perfect Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid score, which is the standard measurement of protein quality used by the FDA and World Health Organization. These people know what they are talking about.
How much Protein is Required?
The amount of protein a person needs varies pretty widely. Depending on your age, sex, diet, and goals, you could need anywhere from 20 to 200 grams per day. For bodybuilders, a common guideline is to aim for 1 to 1.5 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight. Every protein powder varies in protein content and concentration.
Protein shakes may also contain carbohydrates. If the goal is to lose weight then a person should select a protein shake that contains minimal carbohydrates. For those looking to gain weight, they might want to consider a protein powder product that has the greatest overall calories. These types of protein products may contain additional carbohydrates and other nutrients, and are known as “gainers“. Those who are looking to maintain their weight should seek the aid of a protein powder product that features just the right amount of carbs, normally the same type of product that can also be effective for weight loss.
The Benefits of Protein Shake Supplementation
People use protein powder or protein shakes and include them in their respective diet regimen. It provides the body with the necessary energy and vitamins to be able to last through strenuous workouts as well as providing them with the right nutrients and vitamins while safely reducing food intake.
1. Adding protein to a diet increases a person’s chances of building muscle. Protein powders also enhance the muscle’s ability to regenerate quicker no matter how strenuous the workout. Protein shakes are ideally taken with meals for maximum effect. Adding protein shakes to a healthy diet is beneficial for a person to reap excellent overall health.
2. Protein shakes benefit those trying to lose weight as they curb the body’s craving for food. In taking a protein shake, a person tends to lose the desire to eat as most of the nutrients needed are already packed in one glass of protein shake.
3. Studies have shown that protein shakes have bioactives which aid the body as it lowers cholesterol levels. In taking protein shakes, a person has reduced likelihood of suffering from high blood pressure which greatly affects the performance and integrity of the heart.
4. Protein shakes also improve the function and overall performance of the immune system. You are less likely to get sick or contract an infection if you possess adequate levels of amino acids in your system.
5. Athletes, as well as bodybuilders, take protein shakes even when they have already reached their goal of developing muscles and increasing their mass. This is for the reason that a steady and healthy supply of amino acids reduces the risk of injury. In the case of injuries, protein energy supplementation is known to hasten the recovery period as amino acids helps in rebuilding the muscle fibers at a faster and more efficient rate.
Protein is the catalyst of muscle building. This is where muscles begin and without it, muscles end. In body building, protein is converted to muscle tissue. The muscle grows as the more protein is digested by the body. In a sense, it is like yeast to bread, wherein without it, bread does not rise. It supplements the muscle in terms of tissue healing and expanding as each exercise repetition is done.
There are many forms of protein shakes that body builders use in their quest to morph their bodies into muscular form. Most prefer to use protein powder as it is the fastest way to ingest and digest protein into their system. Whey and casein are the primary proteins found in milk and are quickly broken down into amino acids and absorbed into the bloodstream. This makes it very potent and effective after a person works out. There are thousands of different protein powders in the market and most of them provide the same benefits. However only a handful of these proteins can produce superior protein, fast results with minimal to no side effects/ Here is a list of the top ten protein powders that will greatly enhance body building, increase health, and improve overall wellness.
*Individual results may vary. Please speak with your doctor or physician before undertaking any new weight reduction, supplement, or exercise regime.
This post was last modified on December 18, 2020 12:26 pm