Most people have heard of protein powders, usually in connection with bodybuilders. Yes, bodybuilders use protein powders to build up muscle, because weight training and exercising provides muscle tone but not bulk. Proteins are the building block of the body – every cell in the body is made up of protein, including muscle cells. To achieve the size and musculature desired by body builders, more of these building blocks are needed. A regular diet of meat and other protein rich foods is of course, necessary, but for bodybuilders, they are not rich enough in protein. This is why they rely on protein powders, to get the protein they require to build and maintain their physique.
However, protein powders are not just for bodybuilders. Protein is an integral part of any normal person’s diet, and including protein powders in daily meals will definitely improve their health. Proteins are needed for muscle development, as already mentioned, and they are also needed for repairs of the muscles and tissues of the body. Cells break down every day and must be replaced; for that to happen there must be enough protein available in the diet. The importance of this cannot be stressed enough. The body has no ability to store protein, the way it stores fats and carbohydrates. It must fill its protein requirements from meals eaten daily.
The body’s protein requirement is very high, second only to its need for water. Most of the various types of food fulfill this protein requirement adequately. However, many want to supplement their diet with extra protein. Also, some people may want to avoid certain types of food, as they may contain elements other than protein which are undesirable. And others simply prefer a hassle free, less time consuming meal. They don’t want to have a heavy lunch or dinner, where a protein shake does the job just as well, and they don’t want to waste time cooking.
For these people, protein powders are ideal. There are four types of protein powders: Egg, whey, soy and rice. The powders can also be a combination of these four ingredients. The powder can be mixed with water, fruit juices or milk to make a protein shake. They can also be sprinkled over cereal, mixed in soup or stews, and used for baking.
Protein powders are nutritious, and a protein shake at breakfast every day is extremely beneficial for health, as it stabilizes the blood sugar for the whole day. There is a recommended daily dose of protein, based on age, weight and level of activity which can be checked from the USDA. Athletes should consult a specialist in sports medicine about their own daily protein intake.
Whey provides the highest amount of protein, followed by egg and soy. It contains many essential amino acids, which the body cannot produce by itself, and several nonessential ones. Soy protein is similar to whey protein and can be taken by anyone with allergies (unless they are soy allergies). Egg protein is fat free, high in all proteins, and easily absorbed by the body, unless the person is allergic to egg.
Rice protein contains all essential and nonessential amino acids. It is what is known as a complete protein. It is completely hypoallergenic, that is, nobody is allergic to it. It is even suitable for vegans, as it contains no meat or dairy products.
Most people think rice is a source of carbohydrates; however, rice is very rich in protein, and several countries, where rice is the stable food, depends on rice to fulfill the population’s protein requirements..
Experiments show that rice protein supplementing a high cholesterol diet had improved their insulin sensitivity as well as lowered their serum and liver cholesterol.
Beyond that, pure rice has sweet flavor not found in other protein powders. Several health stores carry rice powder and it has become popular among vegan athletes.
Comments are closed