Workout junkies may be far too familiar with protein powder, one of the most well-known nutritional supplements from brands like Thorne Research at Supplement First. There are various kinds of protein powder, including plant-based and dairy-based to suit all diets. These supplements may help with weight loss and tone muscles, which is why they are so popular.
But before you purchase tubs of protein powder from Supplement First for your diet, check out what health benefits it has to offer first to see if it suits you.
The Benefits of Protein Powder
Before we get into the benefits of protein powder, what is protein in the first place? Protein itself is an essential macronutrient for building muscles, repairing tissue, and creating hormones and enzymes. The macronutrient is a building block for our muscle, bone, and skin, and.
Protein powder supplements us with more of that macronutrient to meet our target requirements. Moreover, it offers the following health benefits:
- Weight Management
Consuming protein-rich foods and taking protein supplements can help people feel satiated for longer, which results in consuming smaller portion sizes and snacking less. This can help people lose or maintain weight, and reach their goals.
A 2017 review showed that whey protein supplements can help reduce body weight and total fat mass in overweight or obese individuals. Moreover, it may reduce total cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and more risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
- Muscle Growth
Protein is necessary for muscle growth, which is why you see many athletes and gymgoers chugging down protein shakes, as they believe it can help them bulk up when strength training.
The studies show it! A 2018 analysis of 49 studies suggests that these supplements can improve muscle size and strength among healthy adults who lift weights and perform other forms of resistance exercise training.
- Exercise Recovery
Besides helping with muscle growth, protein supplements can also repair damaged muscles and tissues. This is also why athletes take protein powder, as it helps quicken the recovery process of muscle soreness post-workout. That way, they can get back up to training quicker.
Studies have shown that taking protein supplements after working out can help with recovery as it reduces muscle damage, as well as improve muscle performance and muscle protein synthesis.
- More Nutrition
The recommended daily amount of protein for adults over 19 years old is 56g for men and 46g for women. Those who find it difficult to meet this amount, usually vegans and vegetarians, can greatly benefit from protein powder.
However, note that some individuals may exceed the daily recommended intake. This is why it’s important to speak with a doctor before taking protein supplements to know how much of it you should be taking to avoid any side effects. That said, athletes can benefit from having twice more protein as they should normally take.
Wrapping It Up
If you believe protein powder is beneficial for you make sure you talk to your doctor before you purchase one from a reputable brand.
