What Are Protein Powders?

Protein powders are nutritional supplements that were originally the go-to tool for bodybuilders looking to add more muscle to their bodies. Increasing the level of protein in your body makes exercise more effective at building muscle. Today, men and women of all ages use the supplement to improve their health, add symmetry to their body, or help them lose weight.

What Is Protein?

Protein is an essential macronutrient that not only helps build muscle but also aids in repairing tissue, making enzymes and hormones, and losing weight more effectively. You get protein from eating animal products and, to a lesser extent, from other food sources like nuts and legumes.

Protein is primarily composed of amino acids. When protein breaks down in the body, it helps build muscle mass, increasing metabolism. Everyone needs protein to help build muscle and create energy. Bodybuilders, athletes, and people who don’t get enough protein in their diets can supplement their protein by using protein powder. All protein powders aren’t the same. Some might work better for your needs than others.

Types of Protein Powders and How They Are Made

Different types of protein powders come from a range of sources. Some of the most popular types include:

Whey Protein
This type of powder comes from milk. The whey is the liquid that separates from curds when making cheese. Whey concentrates contain some lactose, the enzyme that makes milk difficult for some people to digest. Whey isolates contain almost no lactose, so they are safe for almost anyone to use. Whey is the most popular type of protein powder because it is water-soluble. It is easy for your body to break it down for energy. The high level of protein makes whey protein powder the ideal choice for muscle building.

Casein Protein
Casein also comes from milk, but it is digested and absorbed into the body much more slowly than other protein types. Some people prefer this type of protein powder because it results in a gradual, steady increase in the exposure of the body’s muscles to amino acids – this means that it reduces the rate of muscle protein breakdown. Casein protein alone or in combination with whey protein is a good protein supplement for aiding in weight loss.

Egg Protein
Protein from eggs is very digestible, and it is highly effective at reducing appetite. Most protein powders come primarily from the egg whites, sometimes resulting in your feeling less full after ingesting it. Another benefit of egg-based protein powder is that it is a good source of leucine, which aids in muscle health. Egg protein is a good choice for people with dairy allergies who want the benefits of an animal protein.

Pea Protein
While animal-based protein powders are complete protein sources that contain all the essential amino acids, products made from peas are a popular choice among vegetarians or those with dairy or egg allergies. Pea protein comes from the yellow split pea, which contains all but one amino acid. This type of protein powder is optimal for vegetarians or vegans.

Protein powders are made by extracting the protein from the material. Depending on the type of material, the extraction process might use either heat or enzymes. Water, minerals, and some of the lactose are removed, leaving more of the protein behind.

What Do Protein Powders Do in Your Body?

Once you ingest protein powder, enzymes called proteases begin to break it down. The protein is converted into amino acids, which aid in muscle growth and repair. The better and faster a protein breaks down during digestion, the more effective it is. The protein enters the bloodstream soon after ingestion and travels to the tissues that need it. The ability of protein powder to break down for better absorption is what makes some powders more effective for certain uses. The majority of the process takes place during digestion in the stomach. To get the full benefit of ingesting protein powder, you must get enough daily to supply the entire body.

Protein powder has the ability to help anyone add balance and strength to their bodies. It can also provide the additional protein needed by athletes or anyone beginning a strengthening program. Starting with the right type of quality protein powder will help you achieve the type of results you want.