How To Choose The Right Protein Powder?

When it comes to protein powders it can be daunting to find the most suitable option for you. Whilst some protein powders are beneficial for muscle growth, others are designed for a weight loss.

In this article will be explained what are the types of protein powders and what they do to your body. This way you can better understand what option will suit your goals to achieve your desired results.

You should know that you are able to digest certain protein powders easily whilst others not. There are protein powders that your body will process for hours.

Therefore, some of them you can drink before your training without feeling too full whilst others are better to take after workout.

Let’s have a look on the different types of protein powders.

Types of Protein Powders

Whey Protein

Whey protein is made from milk by the cheese-making process. Types – isolate, concentrate and hydrolysate.

The differences between whey proteins are in the amount of protein that they contain. It can vary from 30% -100% pure protein.

They are the most popular among all protein powders.

Plant Protein

It is typically popular amongst vegetarian and vegans.

Plant protein requires less processing and it is usually more natural and contains natural sweeteners. The most popular plant protein is soy protein and pea protein.

It usually contains less amount of protein than whey protein. Plant protein is also divided into protein isolate, protein concentrate and protein hydrolysate.

One of the best vegan brand – Power plant By Prana On

Another vegan option that comes in a sample box is Vegan 85 Sample Box – you can test it before you buy a large container.

Protein Isolate

This protein type is composed of the highest concentration of pure protein. Usually 90% -100% which is higher than protein concentrate.

Protein isolate goes fast the into bloodstream and it is easy to digest as it contains less than 1% lactose. It is naturally rich in amino acids. 

Protein isolate contains less fat and the taste is slightly better than protein concentrate as it is smoother. It also enhances your immune system.

If you are looking for a fast-digesting protein powder, try Dymatize ISO 100 Whey protein

Protein Concentrate

It contains 30-80% pure protein.

For this reason, it is usually cheaper than protein isolate. It provides faster recovery, increases protein synthesis, supports lean muscle growth.

Protein concentrate is a good choice if you workout every day. Your body will digest it for a longer time in comparison to protein isolate. Recommended use is after a workout or for a night.

It has lower lactose level than for example casein protein so your gut will tolerate it better.

Mixed Protein Isolate and Concentrate – 

Some protein powders combine two or even three types together.

One of the most popular is Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder which combines protein isolates and concentrates. 

Therefore, if you are not sure which one to go for the beginning this might be a good start.

Once you become more specific with your goals and monitor your eating habits and how does the protein powder make you feel, you might swop to only protein isolates or concentrates for your specific needs. 

Protein Hydrolysate 

It is highly water-soluble, increases plasma amino acid concentration. It is composed of around 70-85% of protein and has a faster absorption.

Protein hydrolysate enhances the production of insulin and provides faster recovery after a workout.

Casein Protein

Made from milk. It reduces the rate of muscle protein breakdown. You will digest it for a long period of time – 7-8 hours. For this slower absorption, it is recommended to drink it at night to let your muscles grow whilst you sleep.

For example Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Micellar Casein Protein Powder

Collagen Protein

Apart from helping your muscles to grow, this protein provides health benefits such as better elasticity for your skin, healing joints.

One of the best quality collagen protein powder- True Collagen Hydrolyzed protein

What is Your Fitness Goal

Protein Powders for Gaining Muscles

Research says that the best effect for muscle growth provides Whey protein. 

Top value – Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder

Protein Powders for Weight Loss

The most effective can be casein protein or a combination of casein with whey. It creates an effect of fullness and supports fat loss. 

For example Garden of Life Raw Organic Fit Powder with Green Coffee Bean Extract to burn fat naturally.

Bottom line

To choose the right protein powder, you should know what is your fitness goal. Then decide if you prefer a natural, organic and vegan protein powder or if you want to choose the standard whey protein. 

There are pros and cons. 

Firstly, whey protein mostlprovides amino acids that are essentials for muscle growth. Secondly, plant protein is more natural, however, it sometimes doesn’t come with the amino acids.

It usually contains less protein than whey protein which can mean that your muscle bulking might not be that significant. The taste of the vegan protein might not be that pleasant in comparison to whey isolate but it all depends on choosing the right flavour.

Moreover, don’t buy a flavourless protein powder as it is just too rough and you would need to add some flavours anyway.

Overall, if you have a nutritionally rich diet and value a healthy lifestyle, then adding a plant protein that contains essential amino acids can be the smartest choice.

In conclusion, it is always recommended to choose high-quality products that support your muscle growth but also are good for your health. This way you will have enough energy, not feel bloated and you will transform your body faster.

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