The internet can be a very hard place to navigate when it comes to finding usable and legitimate information - Information regarding Protein is no exception. Lucky for you, we have put together a rather comprehensive blog post which should answer most of your questions!
If you have any more, don’t forget to phone us, email us or even pop in and see us! We love to help. So without further delay, let's get into it, and get whey deep in Protein.
What Is Protein?
Well, to put it simply, Proteins are large molecules. If you can’t remember your high school science class, let me refresh for you. A molecule is defined as two or more atoms that are bound together, and given the fact that atoms make up everything (except energy), Proteins are a very small, and extremely important part of life as we know it.
Our bodies are made up of about 30 trillion cells. Do you know how many of those cells don’t have protein in them? Trick question. All of our cells contain one Protein. All 30 Trillion. It really is quite incredible. Our muscles, our bones, skin, enzymes, hormones, and antibodies all require Protein.
So what is Protein? Well, the basis of all life, the machines that make up all living things from viruses and bacteria, butterflies to sharks, all living plants and of course Humans.
How Protein Powder works
Now that we’ve answered “what is protein?”, it is much easier to understand how Protein Powder works. We know that Protein makes up almost everything within our body, so you can start to picture how Protein Powder works. It simply works by increasing your intake of Protein allowing your body to use these molecules as building blocks! Protein can be found in foods which are down by our body, but the easiest and most effective way to increase your Protein intake is with powdered Protein.
The Protein Powder you digest can now be used to repair skin, build enzymes, build bones repair muscles and so much more!
Protein and Weight Gain AND Protein and Weight Loss
Protein is sounding great so far, but will Protein make me fat? Will Protein make me gain weight? What happens when you eat too much Protein?
These are all very valid questions, ones we get asked a lot. Not to fear though, the ASN experts are here.
It is very important to remember that weight loss/gain and fat loss/gain are very different. As you shred fat and build muscle you can actually increase your weight. Muscle is denser than fat meaning your muscles occupy less area than fat. As your physical appearance shrinks, you build lean dense muscle and may find that your weight increases.
Protein and Weight Gain AND Protein and Weight Loss are two very talked about subjects in the sports and nutrition industry. We have learnt that proteins repair, build and help with all of our bodies functions, so instead aligning protein to gaining, or losing weight let's take a step back and look at protein for what it is. A vital tool (tool being something used to carry out a particular function).
So what is the function you want from your tool? Do you want to gain weight or lose weight?.
Weight Gain can be achieved using things like Mass Gainers (which we will touch on later), but not particularly by just increasing protein alone. Don’t get me wrong, if you eat enough of anything you may gain weight, but generally, using the recommending serving, Protein Powder will not make you fat.
Weight loss however can be achieved by using protein as a builder for your body, working out and creating a healthier you with better physique, shredding fat in places it doesn’t need to be and replacing it with lean muscle, all with the help of Protein.
This is something that requires work however, but when working out, what better thing to feed yourself than Protein? Working out can put stress on your organs, bones and muscles, as we have learnt, protein is going to be the best thing to repair yourself with.
If you’d like to see our tips on Shredding Fat, Click Here.
Cool, so you’re on board with Protein but I'm sure your thinking, which protein is best for me? What protein should I buy? Well check below and lets decide which is best suited!
What protein is best for me?
With the information below, you should learn enough about the types of Protein to select the particular type that is best suited to you! Check them out, have a look at our recommendations and get into it!
Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC)
This is the most common form of Whey Protein. Having been through a filtration process that removes most of the lactose and fat, it is very low in carbohydrates, lactose and sugars. The end result leaves a concentrated form of protein known as Whey Protein Concentrate. WPC used in sports nutrition supplements is usually more than 80% protein.
These are our recommend WPC supplements:
- MusclePharm Combat 100% Whey
- Optimum Nutriton Gold Standard 100% Whey
Whey Protein Isolate (WPI)
Whey Protein Isolate is a fast digesting, fast acting Whey with close to no carbohydrates, fats or sugars at all. This includes lactose. WPC is usually more than 80% protein, whereas isolates commonly sit between 90% and 95%. The extra processing and filtration methods used when creating Whey Isolates result in maximum protein content per serve.
These are our recommend Whey Protein Isolate supplements:
- Gold Standard 100% Whey Isolate
Casein Protein Powder
Casein Protein is one of the most underused protein powders available. Casein is a slower acting protein powder which makes it a fantastic tool. This is particularly useful at times when your body goes without food for prolonged periods of time. Casein helps repair and grow muscle by ensuring your body isn’t starved of nutrients, therefore preventing muscle breakdown and speeding up your recovery times. It is great for use before bed as a night time protein.
- MusclePharm Combat Protein Powder (Casein Blend)
Plant / Vegan Protein
Vegan & Natural Protein Powders offer a natural and organic alternative. This is useful for someone who lives a Vegetarian or Vegan lifestyle. Supplementing with a Vegan Protein gives you a fast and easy way of adding extra protein to your diet. Dairy-Free Protein is also a great alternative for individuals with specific dietary requirements or allergies.
These are our recommend Vegan supplements:
- White Wolf Nutrition Vegan Protein Blend
Egg White Protein
Egg White Protein is one of the best types of protein available. It is extremely clean protein packed with vitamins and minerals. Its is super convenient for someone who also uses a lot of natural eggs and egg whites in their diet. We recommend mixing this into a shake or with other products.
This is our recommend Egg White Protein:
- Gaspari Nutriton Proven Egg.
Mass Gainer Proteins
Mass Gainers are designed with the idea of putting on weight as well as promoting muscle growth and repair. Mass Gainers contain a mix of protein, carbohydrates, fats and sugars. This is useful for someone needing to increase their calorie and protein intake all at once. If you are struggling to meet your daily requirement of nutrients, and therefore struggle to put on weight, mass gainer is your solution!
These are our recommend Mass Gainers:
- MusclePharm Combat XL Mass Gainer.
To Summarise
If you have made it to here, you should now have enough information to have decided that the addition of Protein Powder to your diet, is a great idea.
If you have any further questions, Team ASN is always available to answer them! If you would like to get in touch with us, contact us here.
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