Protein powder. Everyone knows what it is, and most people have tried it at some point. Protein powder has taken off in popularity among health-minded people, among those who are looking to lose weight, build muscle, tone muscle, or replace a meal. Protein powder is seen as a time-saver, a great way to consume an entire meal in just a single beverage. Protein powder is also sometimes thought of as the “key” to health and fitness, especially given how much it is discussed and applauded among the health and fitness community.
But what are the health benefits of protein powder? And are they meaningful enough to warrant taking a protein powder supplement every day? Will it make a difference in one’s health? Or are there other ways to get the same benefits and end-results?
Protein Powder Benefits
A popular nutritional supplement, protein powder serves a critical function by providing the body with essential macronutrients, tissue repair, and enzyme and hormone production. Daily protein powder supplementation can also aid weight loss and help people tone their muscles and generally improve their physical health.
What are some of the real benefits of protein powder? Is it beneficial enough to warrant taking it every day?
In addition to protein being one of the building blocks of bone, muscle, skin, and other critical areas of the human body, protein is also essential in producing hormones, enzymes, and other chemicals.
And even beyond that, a daily protein regimen can help individuals accomplish specific fitness and health goals. Let’s take a look at six protein powder benefits, any of which could be the reason why someone might take protein powder daily:
- Weight loss and weight management with protein powder. Taking a protein powder supplement is a great way to consume needed nutrients without consuming excess calories. Protein powder supplementation helps individuals feel fuller for longer, disinclining them to eat again. Feeling full generally helps reduce one’s food portion size and general snacking, all of which can help maintain a healthy weight or lead to weight loss.
- Muscle growth. Protein is a critical nutrient for muscle growth. Without protein, muscles cannot grow. People who want to build muscle might consider taking daily protein shakes with their best protein powder and other tasty additives (think almond milk or soy milk, fruit, yogurt, etc.).
- Post-exercise recovery. Protein powder and protein supplements also aid in post-exercise recovery. Protein powder can reduce muscle damage, improve muscle performance, and increase muscle protein synthesis.
- Added nutrition. As a general rule, the daily recommended amount of protein for people over 19 years of age is 46 grams for women, 56 grams for men. If someone finds it challenging to meet these amounts, protein powder can be a great way to reach one’s recommended daily protein intake quickly.
- Protein powder is highly customizable. That means individuals can add protein powder to their daily diet in lots of different ways. Protein powder can be sprinkled onto a salad, added to a soup, mixed with water, almond milk, soy milk, or blended into a smoothie with fruits and vegetables. Because a 100% natural protein powder can be worked into one’s diet in just about any way, the customizable nature of protein powder makes this natural supplement even more desirable as a daily nutritional supplement.
- It all comes down to convenience. Age-old wisdom applies here, that making something as easy as possible to do will increase the likelihood that one actually does that thing. While there are alternative diet choices that could give someone the same benefits as a daily protein powder supplement, will the individual utilize those alternatives every day? The sheer convenience of protein powder alone is one of its most significant benefits. People can quite easily take a protein powder supplement every day. And given how easy it is to customize or adjust one’s protein powder beverage or meal, that too adds to the overall convenience.
Types of Protein Powder – Whey Protein Versus Plant-Based Protein
While there are many different types of protein powder and protein supplements, the primary choices come down to whey protein or plant-based protein and their subsets. Let’s define these:
- Whey protein. Whey protein is a water-soluble milk-based protein. Popular among athletes, whey protein is a complete protein, meaning that it contains all of the amino acids that the body requires from food. However, whey is animal-based and dairy-based, meaning it won’t be the right solution for everyone.
- Plant-based protein. Plant-based protein comes from plants, namely soy, pea, hemp, and pumpkin seeds. These proteins are vegan-safe and vegetarian-safe. Plant-based protein contains essential amino acids, antioxidants, magnesium, fiber, carbs, healthy fats, omega-6s, vitamin K, phosphorus, manganese, iron, zinc, copper, polyunsaturated fatty acids, potassium, vitamin B2, and folate.
For the cleanest, healthiest, best-tasting, and most digestible protein powder, try Immune Solution’s 100% organic pumpkin seed protein powder. This protein has all of the benefits of protein supplementation with a plethora of superfood ingredients and healthful nutrients. You can order a 10 or 20 day serving of our pumpkin seed protein right here from our website. No additional charge for shipping or tax! And if you still have questions about our all-natural protein powder, don’t hesitate to ask! We can be reached via our convenient contact form. You can also call our office direct at (727) 768-4688.
Let us know what you think of the protein and good luck in achieving your health and fitness goals!
-Ren Brabenec
Immune Solution Writing Staff
