Whether or not you are a fitness enthusiast, you’ve heard of protein powder. They aren’t an alien concept anymore, in fact, protein powders aren’t just restricted to the cashier counter of gyms, they now rather have a whole aisle to themselves at supermarkets. The best protein powders provide an easy way to up your protein intake. You could simply add them to your yogurt or smoothies and, for convenience, they are also available in various flavours, which make for delicious shakes.
Before we start with anything, there is a myth that needs to be debunked – protein powder is not just restricted to gym buffs. Protein comes in various forms that promote many elements of health, including muscle growth, mental clarity, and skin health. With so many options available, you’re sure to find one you’d like to regularly include in your wellness routine. But where should you begin?
Proteins serve as the essential components of nearly all parts of your body—muscles, bones, skin, hair, blood, and brain cells—comprising chains of compounds known as amino acids. However, due to our irregular schedules and dietary habits, we frequently fall short of the necessary protein intake for maintaining our bodies. This is where protein powders become crucial. They not only help meet your daily protein needs but also make for excellent meals, keeping you satiated for longer and curbing unnecessary snacking.
If you also find the world of protein powder a little intimidating, don’t worry, you are not alone. Given that historically these supplements were associated with buffed-up bodybuilders and loud, grunty gym guys picking up the heaviest of weights, no doubt protein shakes have a daunting impression.
Why is Protein Powder Important?
We all know protein is crucial for building muscle, but it does more than that. It helps with muscle growth, speeds up the healing of injuries, and repairs tissues, making the recovery process faster.
What Does it Mean to Be Gluten-Free?
Going gluten-free involves cutting out foods that contain gluten. Gluten is a protein found in the starch of various cereal grains. Many common foods like bread, pasta, cereals, biscuits, cakes, and pastries are rich in gluten.
When is the Best Time to Have a Protein Shake?
The optimal time to consume a protein shake is determined by your fitness and health objectives. If you’re aiming for fat reduction or weight loss, having a protein shake between meals is ideal. For those looking to maintain fitness levels and enhance performance, drinking a shake before and after exercise is beneficial. You can also enjoy a protein shake in the morning as part of your breakfast, or mix the powder into pancake or cookie batter for a nutrient boost.
What are the different types of proteins and what are they used for?
Whey and plant protein powders are the two most popular kinds you’ve probably come across while looking for protein supplements. Whey protein is extracted from milk and comprises all the essential amino acids. One thing about whey protein is that it isn’t suitable for those who are lactose intolerant, that’s where plant-based protein powder comes in. The plant-based protein powder for men comes from plants with major sources being peas, brown rice, soy and sunflower.
Other Examples Of Protein
Soy: Soy-based protein is an exceptional choice for those who cannot have dairy. It works as the perfect substitute for whey or casein protein.
Casein: Similar to whey protein, casein protein is rich in glutamine, an amino acid that aids muscle recovery after exercise. The key difference is that casein digests more slowly, making it ideal for consumption before bed, whereas whey digests quickly. However, like whey, casein is unsuitable for vegans and those with lactose intolerance.
Pea: Pea protein is a common ingredient in many plant-based protein products and serves as an excellent alternative to soy and dairy proteins. It is a great source of the amino acid arginine.
Hemp: Hemp seeds are a fantastic option for vegans or individuals allergic to dairy or soy, as they are complete proteins that also contain essential fatty acids.
How to select a protein powder according to your needs?
It can get very confusing to get a protein powder for yourself, but fret not, here are a few guidelines you can follow to buy just the right protein powder for yourself:
For Muscle Growth: In order to build muscle, go for a protein powder for men with a high biological value and high absorption. Whey protein and isolate are highly recommended products for muscle growth.
Weight loss: If losing weight is your criteria for selecting a protein powder for men then going for shakes without added sugar or starch-based sweeteners is beneficial. It is also preferable to avoid powders with added branched-chain amino acids as they are known to help in muscle growth and weight gain. Diabetic patients should also select protein shakes without added sugar and go for the ones with low carbohydrates.
Having there being so many types of protein powders existing it can get confusing to understand which one is the one for you. So, here’s the guide helping you through how to select, what type of protein powder for men to go for, the right time to take in your proteins and why is it necessary.
How to select a gluten-free protein powder for men?
Protein content: The protein amount per serving can differ among brands, with varying levels suitable for different goals. This is influenced by the protein source, manufacturing process, and overall product formulation.
Additional ingredients: Some protein powders include added vitamins for enhanced intake and performance, enzymes for better digestion, and BCAAs for improved recovery.
Quality certifications & manufacturing standards: Transparency and certification of ingredients and manufacturing processes are vital for ensuring product quality. A certificate of analysis (CoA) confirms that the label accurately reflects the contents and usually provides information on contaminants.
User reviews and brand reputation: User reviews help assess the best flavours, blend efficiency, packaging convenience, and overall experience.
Price: Affordability and cost per serving are key considerations. Therefore, we evaluated the price per serving and the total cost of the container.
