The Protein Powder Way: Frequently Asked Questions
Most would agree that protein powder is today’s most popular gym supplement. This is because protein is used by gym members of every experience level, from beginners to experts. Protein supplements are popular because they promise massive benefits with little adverse consequences.
Due to its popularity, the gym supplement market has become oversaturated with a range of protein products. The product catalogue is vast and growing, from whey protein to vegan-friendly protein. However, this enormous range of protein products can be daunting for new customers looking to use protein as an effective gym supplement.
We at Prime Growth Nutrition, believe that proper education on protein powder will benefit new customers and encourage healthy and responsible use of these supplements. To better educate our readers, this article will cover some of the most frequent questions about protein products and their impact on your health.
Which Protein Powder Is Best?
Here are some of our favourite protein powder products from our premium Prime Growth Nutrition catalogue.
SSA Supplements 100% Whey Isolate: This protein powder is a truly amazing supplement that offers all the upsides of regular whey, and more. The ingredients have been refined and the amino acid profile is significantly higher than that of other isolate whey products.
TNT Mercury Anabolic Supa Whey: This is an ingenious blend of naturally occurring BCAA, glutamine, and EAA components which are further complemented by compounds like creatine, ZMA, and glycine. This protein powder works best after a gym session where all the vital compounds can be soaked up by the body and put to good use.
Nutritech Premium Whey: This formula embodies the legacy of nutrition technology and sticks to the purest, most real form of whey currently available.
Designed with 23g of rapidly releasing micronised whey protein isolate & concentrate, 5g of BCAAs and 3g of carbs, among other fantastic ingredients, this is the protein powder to beat.
Are Any Protein Powders Actually Good For You?
Protein is a critical nutrient to help repair and build new muscle tissue. Therefore for those who regularly go to the gym, their diet will require more protein to sustain this muscle development. Here is where protein supplements can be essential to maintaining a healthy diet.
Protein Powders And Health Factors
One of the biggest myths about gym supplements is that they are unhealthy for you. Many confuse gym supplements with artificial performance enhancers like steroids, which are harmful and can disrupt healthy bodily function. Like most supplements, protein powders enhance a person’s diet by providing them with specific macro-nutrients that they either lack or need more of due to their activities. When you work out at the gym, you put your muscle under strain, often creating micro-lesions in the muscle tissue to promote growth.
However, when picking a protein supplement, it is essential to note that there is a range in quality. Some protein products will be better for you than others. To use protein supplements healthily and responsibly, there are a few key points you should keep in mind before purchasing. These include:
- Always remember that protein powders are only a dietary supplement and should never replace your natural protein intake. It should only be used to enhance the amount of protein in the body when needed.
- If you are uncertain about the health benefits of any product, discuss it with a dietary physician or a professional in the field. This will be the quickest way to determine whether your protein will be beneficial. Furthermore, professionals in the area can also help guide you to the amount you should use.
- Remember that not all protein in protein powders are sourced similarly. Many companies try to cut costs by sourcing protein in unethical practices. It is essential that you use brands you know and trust.
- Before using a protein product, confirm its nutritional value, which can be found on the packaging. Many products may use additives you wish to avoid for health reasons. Make sure that you are utilising a product that meets your dietary requirements.
What Are Three Benefits Of Protein Powder?
Is Protein Powder Effective?
Protein, in general, is a macronutrient that is vital to natural bodily functions. Here is a list of three of the most commonly cited benefits of protein powder which will hopefully convince you of this supplement’s overall effectiveness.
Improve muscle recovery after exercise, especially with exercises focused on muscle development like weight training or endurance activities.
For many, the primary purpose they take protein supplements is their ability to help promote muscle mass. Especially when combined with a strict exercise regime like consistent weight training.
Although protein can help people build muscle, some scientific evidence suggests it can also help with weight loss and fighting obesity. Which in turn can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
What Do Protein Powders Do?
Protein powder is a nutritional supplement that provides the body with more protein ( a macronutrient) than it would get naturally. This increase of protein nutrients in the body, in turn, helps promote a variety of bodily functions, from enhancing the speed at which muscle tissue can recover to boosting the body’s ability to build muscle and even helping with the development of hormones and enzymes in the body.
Biologically speaking, a protein comprises fifty or more amino acids. When ingesting protein supplements, your body uses several digestive processes to break down the protein. In the small intestine, enzymes help cut the peptide bonds of a protein, which leaves singular amino acids. These amino acids are then absorbed into the bloodstream and sent to different body areas where they can help with various biological functions.
What Does Drinking Protein Powder Everyday Do?
At Prime Growth Nutrition, we believe that it is essential to be transparent with our clients. The truth is that the consistent intake of protein powder daily could have both positive and negative impacts on your health. That is why we encourage all our customers to consult a healthcare professional before taking supplements so that they are used healthily and responsibly.
When protein powder is taken daily in a responsible manner, you can expect several advantages. Numerous scientific works, like the 2022 menta-analysis published in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, link an increased protein intake with a more substantial body mass accumulation. Taking protein powders daily can also provide the body with a convenient protein source and helps with weight management. It can give the body additional nutritional support in the form of vitamins, minerals and, in some cases, even fibre.
However, when taking protein powder irresponsibly without consulting professionals, it is essential to remember that it can have negative consequences for your health. Some of the most common issues when over-using protein supplements include:
- Digestive issues
- Kidney strain
- Nutrient imbalances
- Possible weight gain caused by excess calories
Should I Drink Protein Powder Every Day?
Since we have considered the possible benefits and consequences of ingesting protein powder daily, you may be wondering whether you should drink protein daily. Here again, Prime Growth Nutrition reinforces the notion that when taken responsibly and with the advice of a healthcare professional, protein powder can be consumed daily and will provide numerous benefits.
When consulting with a healthcare professional about supplements, they will cover some general best practices. These include:
- Never allow the supplement to replace naturally ingesting nutrients through dietary sources.
- Take supplements as required. If you find yourself with increased exertion like weight lifting daily, then you should increase your protein intake, whereas the adverse is also true.
- Make sure to research the products you’re using before ingesting them. Ensure no allergens or additives would negatively impact your dietary requirements.
- If you exercise regularly, especially if partaking in activities that will strain your muscles – like weight lifting, then the recommended amount is about one or two protein shakes a day. However, this is only a rough estimate which will vary depending on your body size, gender and genetics.
What Happens After You Start Taking Protein Powder?
When you begin taking protein supplements, you may experience several things early on. It is important to remember that your experience will inevitably vary from others as several biological factors play a role. However, some of the most commonly reported signs you may start to see include:
- Increased muscle development and muscle recovery after strenuous workouts.
- You may notice that you have better appetite control. This is because protein sources are known to help satiate the appetite.
- You may notice that you perform better at your exercise sessions. This will also help you gain the results you are looking for quicker.
- Some individuals may even experience some digestive effects. This may affect your bowel movements. But this all depends on how sensitive you are to changes in your bowel movements.
Prime Growth Nutrition And Protein Supplements
This article has covered some of the most crucial information regarding supplementation, especially with protein powders. This was done by sourcing some of the most frequently asked questions regarding protein supplements. We hope that this article has convinced you of the possible benefits of protein powders, as well as helping you choose a product that is right for you.
If you have more questions or are ready to purchase protein powder for yourself, visit South Africa’s premier nutrition stockist – Prime Growth Nutrition.