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There are a vast number of dietary supplements on the market today that claim to be the next big thing in weight loss. Most of them are too good to be true, literally. Keep it simple and think about using protein supplements instead. They used to be considered exclusively for athletes and bodybuilders, but they can be used by anyone who wants to have a healthier diet. Protein supplements are convenient as well, coming in a variety of forms, including liquid, powder or bars.
What Goes Into A Protein Supplement?
The choice of a protein supplement is more than just what form it will take – there is also what it’s made out of in the first place. Protein comes from many different sources and can be processed in many different ways.
Casein is a protein that takes a longer time to digest and is extracted from milk. The slow digestion time means it will make you feel fuller after you take it. This is a great type of protein supplement for anyone on a liquid diet for just that reason. Since it is derived from dairy, casein is not for the lactose intolerant.
Casein Hydrolysate is a special type of casein, made to digest more quickly than its standard counterpart. It can be digested even more quickly than whey. This makes it a perfect after-workout supplement, but it can cost a great deal more than other types of protein supplement. Like regular casein, this should be avoided by those who are lactose intolerant.
Whey is easy to find, easy to buy, and very popular. It is made from milk, as a byproduct of the process of cheese making. It can be found naturally in other foods as well, including chicken, beef and fish. This type of whey digests quickly, which means it is great for refreshing muscles after some hard exercise. Whey should not be used by those on liquid diets or by the lactose intolerant.
Egg protein tends to come in a powdered form. Also known as egg albumin, egg protein can be found in a variety of dietary supplements. It takes a moderate period of time to digest. Because it is not made from dairy, it is great for the lactose intolerant – but should be avoided by anyone with allergies to chicken or eggs.
Soy protein is a wonderful all-around protein supplement. It does not trigger any allergies and it can be taken by the lactose intolerant without a problem. It is entirely made of soy, which means vegetarians and vegans can take it without worry. Soy is also the only plant-based protein that is considered complete.
Rice protein can be used by people with allergies and by vegetarians and the lactose intolerant without any problems whatsoever. It contains no gluten and is low on carbohydrates and fats, which means it is perfect for dieters. Rice protein is ideal for shakes and smoothies and can be mixed into other liquids for a quick snack.
Blended proteins combine whey and casein. This gives you the lower cost of whey, as well as the quick assimilation factor, but it still has the longer-lasting effects of casein.
Whey vs. Soy
There are some that swear by whey, others by soy. Here’s the breakdown:
- Soy is great for the lactose intolerant. Whey comes from milk.
- Whey works quickly, but soy works for a longer period of time.
- Soy is made from plants, which is great for vegans. Whey works with growth hormones.
- The harsh fiber of soy can be difficult to digest. Why doesn’t have this problem at all.
So, where do these two stand in relation to one another? That is up to your personal needs. When you are working out and you need a quick boost from protein, its whey. If you want something that will make you feel fuller for a longer period of time, take soy. It’s all up to you.
Protein Bars
These were originally made for athletes who needed extra protein, but now everyone from every walk of life takes them to get the protein they need. These bars are packed with 20 to 30 grams of protein, yet remain low in carbohydrates.
Protein bars tend to be made from whey or soy protein, along with a number of other natural ingredients. Sometimes these ingredients are oats and nuts, so beware if you have allergies. If you are watching your weight or your calorie intake, avoid the bars coated in chocolate.
If you happen to feel the need for a mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack, protein bars can be a great choice. They are small enough to carry just about anywhere and don’t require the preparation of a shake or smoothie.
Protein Powder
Protein powders are another way to get much-needed protein. Some of them are plain, while others are flavored to they can just be mixed with juice and drunk quickly. Others are specifically designed to be made into shakes or smoothies for breakfast.
Protein provides energy, which means protein powder can give you that mid-day boost we all often need. It also strengthens your immune system, which means protein powder is a good thing to have around during cold and flu season. Protein also help control metabolism, so anyone trying to lose weight will find it a little easier to drop those pounds.
Liquid Protein Supplements
Liquid protein supplements are popular with athletes because they can be taken after a workout and the benefits are nearly immediate. These also make good meal replacements. More than athletes can benefit from liquid protein, however. Want some extra energy, stronger muscles or less weight? A liquid protein supplement might be just what you need.
Ready-made protein shakes often serve as meal replacements. If all you want is the protein, you can easily find shakes that contain no carbohydrates or fat. Remember these shakes often have some dairy content, so they are not recommended for the lactose intolerant.
Protein Shots
Don’t even have time for a smoothie? Just take a liquid protein shot and get a boost of energy to carry you through the rest of the day. They are small and easy to take anywhere, and take only a moment to consume.
These are often free of fats and carbohydrates, so dieters will find a lot to love about them. They generally come in a number of delicious fruit flavors.
Profect from Protica is a great example of this. Providing you with 25 grams of protein per 2.9 fluid ounce serving, it has just 100 calories. It also provides other vital vitamins such as vitamin C and the B complex vitamins. For more information check out www.protica.com
About Protica Research
Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm specializing in the development of protein-rich, capsulized foods (dense nutrition in compact liquid and food forms). Protica manufactures Profect protein beverage, IsoMetric, Fruitasia and more than 100 other brands in its GMP-certified, 250,000 square foot facility.
You can learn more about Protica at http://www.protica.com
Copyright - Protica Research - http://www.protica.com
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