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Pushing the Protein: Is Protein Powder Here To Stay?

August 23, 2010 By 9 Comments

The fitness supplements industry has been primarily targeted at young males wanting to bulk up in the gym. In 2008, bodybuilding – related products generated a $2.7 billion industry. Some health experts have criticized protein supplements as being unnecessary for the majority of people that buy them, because most already consume enough protein in a balanced diet. Since the human body can only metabolize 5-9 grams of protein per hour; excessive daily intake can cause kidney problems or weight gain. However, there is a subset of professionals in the medical and fitness industry that are recommending protein powders to aid in promoting fat loss and muscle gain.

Compared to some muscle building supplements, whey protein is more of a general fitness product that helps to speed up the recovery of muscles after a workout. It also can, in some instances, help athletes and fitness enthusiasts become stronger faster.

Here is a look at six different types of protein sources available in products at health food and supplement stores.

  1. Whey protein is the most commonly used type of protein. This is because it is absorbed by the body very fast and easily. It also contains high levels of all the essential amino acids and branched-chain amino acids. Whey protein also contains the highest amount of the amino acid cysteine which is key for the biosynthesis of glutathione.
  2. Casein protein (or milk protein) is the richest in glutamine, an amino acid that reportedly helps in recovery, and has casomorphin which helps the body to absorb the amino acids over long periods of time.
  3. Soy protein (Soybeans) contain isoflavones, a type of phytoestrogen. Soybeans are the only plant food that has all of the essential amino acids our body requires, making it a complete protein.
  4. Egg white protein Egg-white is composed of 40 different types of proteins and is almost pure protein, making egg white protein powder a very popular choice.
  5. Hemp seed protein The hemp seed contains complete and highly-digestible protein and hemp oil is high in essential fatty acids.
  6. Rice protein Naturally prominent in rice protein, tryptophan helps the body fabricate serotonin. With more readily available serotonin in the system, mood will be elevated, resulting in fewer sugar and starch cravings.

Even Hollywood has jumped on the protein supplement bandwagon. Fergie who always looks stunning and exercises regularly, gets some help through a protein powder called Ultima Power shake mix which is micronutrient-fortified, rich in protein, and promotes fat loss and muscle gain. Marvel’s ‘Thor’ is coming to the big screen next summer and the film’s leading man, 26-year-old Aussie star Chris Hemsworth revealed that he had to bulk up over the course of six months for the role by eating clean proteins and drinking  a lot of protein shakes. A Beverly Hills skin specialist, Sonya Dakar, who is best known for advising her clients that healthy skin begins with a healthy body, has just released an FDA-approved supplement collection called Beauty Boot Camp.

We want to know which protein powder you throw in the blender and drink after your workouts? Leave a comment below.

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About Suzanne Zilkowsky

Hi, I’m Suzanne, your editor. I’m passionate about health, fitness and well being. I’m never far from Fitness Goop, but I can also be found out and about exploring yoga classes, walking my dog and feeding my tummy with good food. I have a background in Fitness and own a Personal Training company. I also have experience in writing and editing. Although my post secondary education is in Criminology, I followed my heart which has led me to helping others stay healthy and fit in our fast paced world. I am always happy to chat with you, so don’t be shy.

  • Intensity Nutrition

    We think we've got the best protein shake on the market, and it's backed up with scientific studies. Intensity Nutrition's RECOVER contains 52grams of whey protein: http://intensitynutrition.com/products/recover/

  • Nicole

    Protein powder is great for both men and women. True some can be useful bulk up but most are actually low in fat and calories. Whey protein isolates are especially good because they are 90-95% biologically compatible which means your body is able to absorb and use more of the protein where as animal protein is only 60% biologically matched. Since everything in your body is made of protein getting adequate high quality protein is of extreme importance. Protein shakes are also probably the best way to refuel glycogen stores, protein and hydrate after a workout within that key 30-60 minute window when glucose can freely enter the muscle cell.

  • boris

    was there a list out about bad proteins making people sick

  • fitnessgoop

    Hi Boris, good question! While many proteins are good, there are some that can be bad for your health. What makes a protein good is its nutrient base, how it was raised and farmed, its omega-3 fatty acid value and if it's high or low in saturated fat. Not sure is these are the protein sources you were asking about, but the following are not the best choices when trying to incorporate more protein into your diet.

    1. Bacon: The Atkins diet allowed the consumption of bacon to lose weight, but it is high in saturated fat, contains almost no nutrients and can be hard on the kidneys.
    2. Beef jerky may be an easily accessible source of protein, but it contains a lot of sodium, which is hard on the body–especially the heart–and has been linked to high-cholesterol problems.
    3. Processed meat is fattening and also full of surprises, since no one knows what part of the animal is included. These meats contain excessive amounts of preservatives and fats that are unhealthy for the human body.
    4. Red meat is high in saturated fat and is hard on the heart, liver and kidneys. Too much red meat can lead to coronary disease, obesity and other health problems.
    5. Soy protein. There are emerging studies that link soy to many problems, like thyroid dysfunction and reproductive disorders. Nutritionists say having it in moderation is OK, but it's not what it's cracked up to be. It's not recommended for children because of its hormone-altering effects from phytoestrogen, which also cause men to develop feminine features.
    6. Dairy is necessary for the body, but there are plenty of low-fat versions. Whole-fat dairy contains a good deal of saturated animal fat, and whole milk can be hard for the body to process.

  • boris

    was there a list out about bad proteins making people sick

  • fitnessgoop

    Hi Boris, good question! While many proteins are good, there are some that can be bad for your health. What makes a protein good is its nutrient base, how it was raised and farmed, its omega-3 fatty acid value and if it's high or low in saturated fat. Not sure is these are the protein sources you were asking about, but the following are not the best choices when trying to incorporate more protein into your diet.

    1. Bacon: The Atkins diet allowed the consumption of bacon to lose weight, but it is high in saturated fat, contains almost no nutrients and can be hard on the kidneys.
    2. Beef jerky may be an easily accessible source of protein, but it contains a lot of sodium, which is hard on the body–especially the heart–and has been linked to high-cholesterol problems.
    3. Processed meat is fattening and also full of surprises, since no one knows what part of the animal is included. These meats contain excessive amounts of preservatives and fats that are unhealthy for the human body.
    4. Red meat is high in saturated fat and is hard on the heart, liver and kidneys. Too much red meat can lead to coronary disease, obesity and other health problems.
    5. Soy protein. There are emerging studies that link soy to many problems, like thyroid dysfunction and reproductive disorders. Nutritionists say having it in moderation is OK, but it's not what it's cracked up to be. It's not recommended for children because of its hormone-altering effects from phytoestrogen, which also cause men to develop feminine features.
    6. Dairy is necessary for the body, but there are plenty of low-fat versions. Whole-fat dairy contains a good deal of saturated animal fat, and whole milk can be hard for the body to process.

  • http://www.wholehealth.com/vitamins-supplements/5-htp 5-HTP

    There's nothing wrong in using protein shakes, but for me, nothing beats the natural way on building muscles. Eat smaller meals six times a day in order to provide enough fuel for your body to build your muscle and eat at least .8 to 1 gram of protein per pound of current body weight.

  • JST Books

    The amount of vitamin A you need is:
    1. 0.7mg a day for men
    2. 0.6mg a day for women
    For more information click on magnesium supplement

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_SN6QM4AP7JNRJGLL42CPRDAF6I Howmuscle Buildingworks

    Natural Supplements :—
    Creatine
    Glutamine
    Whey Protein
    Acids
    NoXide – Nitric Oxide Muscle Building
    Animal Pak – Sports Nutrition Supplement
    Muscle Milk
    Best Muscle Building Supplements