I believe protein is important for a healthy lifestyle.
Once I learned protein digestion differs depending on the product, I started conducting research.
I decided if I was going to spend my hard-earned money on expensive supplements, I wanted to get the most of my purchases.
The Importance of Protein
There is an important connection between fitness and protein.
This is because protein helps maintain a healthy weight, and promotes muscle recovery after an intensive workout.
Protein is a macronutrient you consume in numerous foods including dairy products, meats, beans and nuts. Your protein digestion is dependent on the specific type of protein.
Protein contains amino acids, responsible for building lean body tissue. Your body needs protein for healthy bones, muscles, skin, fingernails and hair.
Despite the many whole foods containing protein, it is not usually enough to provide you with what your body requires.
All protein supplements are different, and some are better than others. There are numerous factors determining how much protein you need.
Your protein requirements are dependent on your age, weight, level of physical activity, gender and overall health.
In most cases, women do not require as much protein as men. Your requirements increase with physical activity such as building lean muscle or weight training.
Determining the best protein supplements for your needs is difficult due to the wide selection available.
Protein Digestion and Muscle Growth
If you are resistance training, high-quality protein supplements will help you build lean muscle mass.
Your body is always using protein to replace and repair your muscle tissue. If you do not maintain a positive level of protein, you will be unable to effectively build and repair your muscles.
Your body becomes confused when protein is unavailable.
Your body has a limited amount of raw materials. When the amount is insufficient, you are unable to conduct the necessary repairs.
When this happens, you can lose muscle. A lack of protein compromises vital body functions including pH blood balance and hormone regulation.
Bodybuilders and weightlifters require a lot more protein due to intensive training regimens.
This means more muscle tissue requires repair than normal. Increasing muscle mass requires more protein than maintaining your muscles.
High-quality protein powders and supplements provide your body with a constant amino acid stream while maintaining the correct balance of nitrogen.
Muscle Recovery and Protein
Protein is critical for workout and muscle recovery. When you are working out, your muscles become damaged, muscle recovery is necessary, and there is a glycogen depletion within your muscles.
The best way to maintain the correct balance of nitrogen is by using a good protein supplement.
This places your muscles in repair mode. The length of time necessary for you to recover is dependent on muscle repair.
If your body does not have enough protein or your protein digestion is poor, a negative nitrogen balance is created.
This means your body will be unable to recover correctly. Extra protein is important for everyone, but especially for athletes working out on a regular basis or cutting fat.
Fat Loss and Protein
Sources of protein are extremely thermogenic.
This means your body needs more energy for protein digestion. Your body must work approximately 30 percent harder for the digestion of protein than either fats or carbohydrates. This is the reason a high-quality protein powder or supplement enhances your metabolism to help increase fat loss.
Your body needs enough protein to convert stored fat into energy.
Limited protein makes it more difficult for your body to use your stores of fat for energy. If you have ever felt tired, weak or sick while on a low protein diet, this is the reason why.
The Reasons Expensive Powders and Supplements are More Desirable
During my research, I discovered a lot of cheap protein powders and supplements.
There are many reasons I have found these products to be inferior.
I do not believe any product incapable of providing the results I want is worthwhile regardless of how cheap the price.
Undesirable Ingredients
Although there are rare exceptions, the majority of cheap protein powders and supplements contain questionable and undesirable ingredients.
More expensive products use necessary and high-quality ingredients.
The ingredients in most of the cheaper products do not have any specific purpose. Some have a potential health risk.
Others are included to make the product appear as higher quality or increase the quantity.
I have read the labels and found numerous cheap products containing artificial sweeteners, refined sugar, and synthetic flavors and colors.
Some products use thickening agents to change the appearance and texture to make the product appear better than it is.
These products often contain carrageenan, guar gum or locust bean gum. All of these ingredients have been connected to gastrointestinal disturbances.
High Protein Content
High-quality protein powders and supplements contain more protein than any of the cheaper products.
A good example is the content of whey powder. Although the more expensive products contain a minimum of 70 to 90 percent protein, this decreases to 30 to 40 percent in the cheaper versions.
This means you are consuming more fat and carbohydrates, filler ingredients and thickening agents.
Yes, you will need to spend more money on better quality supplements, but cheaper powders waste your money because they are inferior.
Higher Quality Ingredients
Your protein digestion generally improves with higher-quality powders and supplements because costs are not cut regarding the ingredients.
A good example is whey powder. Cheaper products often use milk obtained from cows receiving large does of antibiotics, and raised in contaminated and crowded industrial areas.
I would rather use a product containing milk from healthier, pasteurized cattle.
I have even found quality products using protein from cattle fed only organic grass.
The cheaper products generally contain genetically modified soybeans as opposed to organically and sustainably grown soybeans with no herbicides or pesticides found in the more expensive products.
Since every product is different, I recommend reading the label before you make your selection.
The Quality of Whey Protein
The cheapest form of whey protein available is called whey concentrate.
Take the time to read the labels and you will discover cheaper products contain only whey concentrate.
This is not nearly as good of a protein source. Some products contain a mixture of whey isolate and concentrate.
Now, read the labels of the more expensive products. The more expensive products use pure whey hydrolysate and isolates because they contain a lot more protein.
This is one of the reasons high-quality supplements cost more.
Types Of Protein
The best way to determine the value of any supplement is the type and quality of the protein.
Soya, whey and hemp are all complete proteins containing the full chain of essential amino acids.
Cheaper products often require additional supplementation for the formation of a complete chain.
The best protein for daily use is whey.
Whey protein digestion is easier, and you receive the complete chain of essential amino acids. This is the best choice when recovering from a workout.
Another popular option is soy protein because it aids some women with menopause symptoms and helps decrease high cholesterol.
Soy protein also helps increase bone mass which is important if you have osteoporosis. Other protein types include:
- Egg Protein: The release is slower than whey, so you can use it throughout your entire day.
- Brown Rice Protein: This type of protein has a 100 percent plant base. If you are a vegetarian, are gluten-free, or do not use dairy products, this is a good choice.
- Hemp Protein: This 100 percent plant-based protein contains omega-3 fatty acids.
- Milk Proteins: Milk protein is important for enhanced muscle growth and supporting your immune function.
- Pea Protein: This type of protein is hypoallergenic and easily digestible.
Testing And Approval
More expensive products undergo more research and testing before being released on the market.
The higher price is justified by rigorous trials making certain the ingredients are efficient.
You can find a lot of scientific and academic proof the product is valuable because it is both effective and efficient.
Guaranteed Results
More expensive protein powders and supplements are at the higher end of the pricing scale.
You are also provided with proof that what you are purchasing really works. Cheap supplements rarely offer any type of guarantee.
High-quality products provide you with a guarantee with reasonable terms and conditions.
If the product does not perform as the manufacturer stated, you have a money-back guarantee.
This does not mean sitting on your sofa eating donuts all day long will help you build muscle or lose fat.
It means if you use the protein supplement as intended, there is a very good chance you will reach your goals.
Finding the Right Product for Your Specific Needs
Depending on the results you want to achieve, here are a few guidelines:
Losing Weight
High-quality products have options for weight loss including products with no sweeteners manufactured from starch or added sugar.
Avoid products containing BCAAs because they are created to enhance muscle growth which leads to weight gain.
Diabetes
If you have diabetes, you need a product with no added sugar.
If sugar is listed in the first three ingredients, look for a different product.
You can also find more expensive powders and supplements extremely low in carbs with between five and 15 grams for each serving.
Building Muscle
If you are interested in increasing your muscle mass, look for a supplement containing a high biological value.
This measures the ability of the body to use and absorb protein. Your best choices are whey isolates and whey protein.
Avoiding Gastrointestinal Issues
If you are lactose intolerant or have irritable bowel syndrome, you need a product without any artificial sweeteners or lactose sugars.
If you have a sensitivity or allergy to gluten, high-quality supplements are available without these ingredients.
Vegans and Vegetarians
If you are vegan or vegetarian, a product with a milk base is unsuitable.
The more expensive powders and supplements offer you choices manufactured with 100 percent plant proteins including hemp, pea and soy.
Kidney Disease
If you have kidney disease, your body will be unable to process servings containing a lot of protein.
Find a product with a lower-range of protein between 10 and 15 grams for each serving.
Benefits of Protein
Protein powders and supplements offer you a wide range of benefits including:
Anabolism
Protein ensures your body remains in an anabolic state.
Anabolism is the construction of your muscle tissue as opposed to the destruction.
The opposite is called a catabolic state. If your body does not have enough protein, your muscle tissue can begin to break down.
IGF-1
IGF-1 enables the cells of your muscles to respond correctly to growth hormone because it contains more than 70 amino acids.
Your IGF-1 levels can decrease due to insufficient protein. The result is more difficulty using the growth hormone available in your body.
Insulin
Protein helps decrease your blood’s insulin levels. This is essential for regulating your energy properly.
Regulating Growth Hormone
Your levels of growth hormones must be regulated properly for good health.
There are 190 amino acids contained in the growth hormone. Protein ensures your body is able to construct growth hormones.
If your growth hormone becomes deficient, the potential results include decreased bone density and the loss of muscles.
Metabolism
The processing of energy is necessary to boost your metabolism.
A lack of protein makes it hard to use your fat reserves, which can negatively impact your metabolism.
The Final Word
Purchasing more expensive and higher quality protein powders and supplements will provide your body with the protein you need.
Cheap products offer you unnecessary ingredients, fillers and a much lower protein content. When it comes to these types of products, you really do get exactly what you pay for.
