What are protein supplements and who needs it?

 

Protein powder is considered the most widely used supplement in sports nutrition. Most commonly associated with strength, speed and power athletes, protein shakes are now used in endurance-based sports too. This is because protein has been shown through scientific studies and research to contribute to both the growth and maintenance of muscle mass. This is why every athlete consumes protein powder.

If you go to a gym, you must have heard about the protein shakes they drink after a workout and what kind of shake they prefer. Protein powders; made into a shake or consumed however you like, are getting more and more popular as a nutritional supplement.

But are protein powders just for bodybuilders, or can the average everyday athlete benefit from them as well?

Protein powders come in various forms. The three common ones are whey, soy, and casein protein. Whey is the most commonly used, because it’s a water-soluble milk protein. It is also a complete protein, so it’s got all those advantages (Complete proteins contain all nine of the amino acids necessary for human dietary needs.) People who are vegan may prefer soy protein, although its taste is sometimes considered to be more unpleasant, and it doesn’t dissolve as well in water.

So when might you want to use them? There are a few reasons why an ordinary athlete might want more protein in his or her diet: 

• When you’re growing: A teenager needs more protein to fuel his workouts because his body is still growing and uses more protein in general.
• When you’re starting a program: If working out is new to you and you’re trying to build muscle, you’ll require more protein than you normally would.
• When you’re amping up your workouts: If you normally work out for half an hour a few times a week, but now you’ve decided to train for a half-marathon, your body will need more protein.
• When you’re recovering from an injury: Athletes with sports injuries frequently need more protein to help them heal.
• If you’re going vegan: People who pursue a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle eliminate a number of common protein sources from their diet, including meat, chicken, and fish, and sometimes dairy and eggs as well.