What's Behind Protein Powder Shakes?

Proteins are said to be the building blocks of body tissue. That is what they thought us in school in 5th grade biology. Proteins are basically large chains of amino acids. Amino acids are of three kinds, essential, non-essential and conditional. Essential amino acids are not made within the body, thus have to be supplied through food. Non-essential amino acids are made in the body after the breaking down of essential amino acids. Conditional amino acids are not as important as essential acids, and are only required only during illness, stress or for someone with a medical condition.

Protein powder shakes are basically protein supplements. These supplements are used in high quantities by athletes and better known to be used by bodybuilders. These protein powders are rich in its protein content. They are the compressed versions of the different proteins we normally eat.

Some Of Its Major Contents Are as Follows:

Whey protein- It is said to be one of the purest forms of protein. It is extracted from cow’s milk. It is rich in essential amino acids and is very important on a daily basis. As pure as it can get, it has almost no content of fat, lactose and cholesterol. Whey protein has many benefits, especially in sports and also throws a significant impact on nutrition, improving the immune system and general wellness.

Soy protein- If you noticed at the super market, you can see an entire aisle only with soy based products. A decade back, it was just another kind of beans. Today, it is the most used dietary supplement. Its protein quality is on par with eggs, milk and meat. It digests faster than other variants of protein. It provides essential amino acids that aid in physical and muscular development.

Casein protein- Protein extracted from milk is casein protein. Cow’s milk is rich in protein, summing up to almost 80% of its total value of protein. Casein protein is insoluble in water, thus increasing its digestion time frame. In turn, leading to a more concentrated level of protein.

The question is, are these different proteins in the form of different powder brands available in the market?

The answer lie within who’s taking these supplements. Average intake of protein for an average adult is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. Body builders take between 1.2 to 1.7 grams per kilogram of body weight.

Like everything in life, these protein supplements have a dark side to it. Lactose intolerance is one major hassle. Since most of the supplements are bi-products of milk, it is not too long the outcome is disastrous. Many people would not recommend taking supplements, but in the end, it all comes down to what our minds are set on.