Keeping in theme with last weeks blog post on Protein! I thought I’d provide you guys with a little insight into the world of protein powders!
What are Protein Powders?
Protein powders are dietary supplements that contain a high percentage of protein. This protein is derived from a variety of different food sources, including:
- Rice
- Egg
- Milk
- Pea
- Hemp
Along with the raw form of protein, many company fortify their products with vitamins, minerals, greens, additional fats, grains, fibre and/or thickeners. So although protein powders come directly from whole food sources, they’re not whole foods themselves.
For Vegetarians and vegans, rice and pea isolate proteins are powerful on their own. But mixed together, they're the first vegetarian protein that can compete with animal-derived proteins and meet the demands of hard-training athletes!
Next question! Why would I want to use a protein powder?
Regardless of your individual goals, its important that you get enough protein in your diet and protein powders can be very helpful if you aren’t getting enough from whole food!
As the protein market has exploded with an array of brands, values and ingredients! Here is a list outlining the strengths and weakness.
- Rice protein – Hypo-allergenic, gluten-free, neutral taste, economical. 100% plant-based. May be derived from genetically modified rice.
- Egg protein – Fat-free, concentrated amounts of essential amino acids. May upset stomach.
- Milk protein (includes whey, casein, calcium caseinate, and milk protein blends) – May enhance immunity, high in BCAAs, contains lactose, highly studied. May cause digestive upset or other symptoms in people sensitive to whey, casein, and/or lactose.
- Pea protein – No saturated fat or cholesterol, highly digestible, hypo-allergenic, economical. Rich in lysine, arginine and glutamine. 100% plant-based.
- Hemp protein – Provides omega-3 fats, most forms provide fibre, free of trypsin inhibitors, can get in raw form, high in arginine and histidine. 100% plant-based.
Just remember you get what you pay for so by choosing the “cheap” protein powder you most likely buying into a product with higher amounts of lactose, fat, filllers etc..
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