Given the convenient access to information brought about by the Internet, people have become more conscious about their health. Read blog articles, check your social media accounts, and you will see tons of users sharing their fitness journeys. As a result, nutritional supplements have also soared in popularity, with more and more people taking charge of their health with the right nutrients.
One of the most well-known supplements is a protein powder, an effective protein source to help you reach your protein needs. However, one trip to your local health store and you will find several kinds of protein powder for women, leaving you confused about what you should get. Thus, it is important to understand your needs and what exactly you are looking for to determine which supplement will suit you best.
Whey Protein
Whey protein is likely one of the most familiar protein powders that you can find. It contains milk and may thus have certain amounts of lactose depending on whether it is protein concentrate or isolate. Whey is popular among athletes as it is easy to digest and packed with essential branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which promotes muscle protein synthesis and aids in recovery after workouts.
Among all the types of protein powder, you will find, whey may be the most prevalent as it is possibly the most commonly used. Its high concentration of leucine, in particular, makes it perfect for fitness enthusiasts who lift weights or want to build muscle since the amino acid can significantly help promote muscle growth.
Plant-Based Protein
If you are committed to a plant-based diet, practice veganism, or perhaps allergic to animal products, you can opt to get plant-based protein, such as soy, pea, or hemp protein. It is just as nutritious as other protein powders, containing several essential amino acids. Additionally, this type of protein powder for women usually has lower calories than animal protein, making it effective as a meal replacement for weight loss.
As more people grow conscious about their diets and lifestyles, plant-based protein powders have risen in popularity and addressed varying needs. Some are focused on addressing food sensitivities, whereas others are formulated for those with active lifestyles. This supplement can also be used if you are a vegan and need to get protein from another source apart from your diet, or if you are suffering from certain gut issues, such as bloating.
Brown Rice Protein
Though it is not as well-known as the other variants, brown rice protein is also readily available in the market. While it also contains essential amino acids, which your body does not readily produce, brown rice protein has significantly less lysine compared to whey protein. That said, it is ideal for people who enjoy snacking but prefer healthier and smarter options.
The best way to decide what protein powder you need is to determine what you are trying to achieve. Are you trying to lose weight? Build muscle? Bulk up? Hit your protein intake goals? Your answer to these questions can easily give you an idea of what kind of protein you need. Keep in mind that protein powders will only be effective if you lack protein. That is to say, if your current diet already provides you with enough protein, you are less likely to see results from consuming protein powders.
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