Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Best Whey Protein Powder - Choosing the Best

While some people will tell you that it is possible to build muscle and get a great physique without it, the vast majority of successful muscle builders have used whey protein powder to help them. You need a great deal of protein in order to build muscle even, if you only want to get a lean and muscular look and a good product can help immensely.

There are many options when it comes to supplements and it can get very confusing when trying to decide what is right for you. Certain companies will tell you that to build muscle you need to have many different types of supplement that each does something different. While there are some great products out there your main addition to a good diet should be protein powder.

In order to find the best whey protein there are a number of things to take into account. If you follow these suggestions you can be certain of getting a good product that will make a great deal of difference to your training.

Taste
I have started out with taste and the importance of this can be disputed. It depends largely on how fussy you are about the taste of a shake as you will be consuming a fair amount of them so, of course, it helps if you can enjoy it. The best kind will go down just like a tasty milkshake and you cannot go wrong with vanilla or chocolate from a quality company.

Look for Isolate
The best whey protein powder is isolate. It contains the greatest concentration with very little fat so will give you the most benefit. This is based on the method of creating it which is part of the cheese making process. The protein is filtered to create isolate and you can be sure that it will not lead to you adding extra unnecessary fat without realizing it. It can be quickly metabolized by the muscle tissue as opposed to other forms of protein which act much slower.

Protein Levels
You will want to ensure there is a high level of protein within each serving or you may be dealing with an inferior product. I would suggest a bare minimum of 25 grams of protein per serving but there are products that offer a much greater level than this. Also take into the account the level of carbohydrates within each serving. You should be fine with 3 grams of carbs per serving.

If you take into account these 3 factors you should be fairly certain you are getting a quality product. The best whey protein will give you some great results and works particularly well after a training session. The most important factor is to take action and start implementing it into your routine and diet. In no time you will wonder why you did not start sooner.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3592793
http://bestwheyprotein.org/

5 Ways to Pick the BEST Protein Powder

Here are my 5 ways to pick a good protein powder.

Mass Gainer VS Protein Powder

First, you need to understand that not all protein powders are created equally.

First there are powders that are known as mass gainers. A mass gainer is basically a powder that includes protein's, carbs and fats. Although, all three of those macronutrients are required in a diet, when picking a protein powder, a person should never purchase a mass gainer if they really only want a protein powder.

Some people who are new to lifting often make the mistake of purchasing one of these so called protein powders not knowing that they are also consuming much more than just protein which may contribute to excess fat gain due to the excess calories.

When choosing a powder make sure it has the following:

- Low fat (1-5 grams is ok)
- Low carb (1-5 grams is ok)
- High protein (normally about 20-30 grams per serving)

The Test of Time:

Another factor to consider when picking a protein powder is to find out how long that company or product has been on the market.

My general guideline is to only consider products that have been around for at least three years and have received positive feedback.

Normally, if a product lasts this long it is because it is a quality product that people continue to purchase because it works.

Natural and Pure Powders:

The quality of a protein powder is in my opinion more important than the total quantity of protein.

Always look at the label when deciding on a protein powder and make sure it doesn't contain any more that 7-10 ingredients. Also, try and find a powder with more natural ingredients. Typically if you have a hard time pronouncing all the ingredient names, that might be a sign to put that one down and look for another one.

When choosing a powder it is also important to never get pulled in by advertisements that states it has so called added ingredients that will promote even more muscle growth.

Supplement Company's use a dirty little trick where they will include a small trace amount of an extra ingredient that may be helpful in promoting more muscle gain on its own, but the amounts they include in their product is not enough to make a significant difference. When they do this, the price is normally inflated and not worth considering.

Concentrate, Isolate or Casein?

There is also lots of debate as to which type of protein is the best to ingest.

To make this simple, here is what you need to know.

In my experience, I have tried them all at different times in my training and have found that it really doesn't make a difference. Of course, that is just my opinion, but that being said, if you have the money and you truly believe the type of protein will make a or break your results, then here is a basic guideline.

Concentrate - This is a good source of protein powder that is absorbed at a moderate pace. Typically it is good to include this type between meals.

Isolate - This type of protein is more rapidly absorbed and is recommended to have immediately following a workout to shuttle proteins and amino acids into the starving muscle cells.

Casein - Casein has a longer digestion period, more so that concentrate and isolate. Bodybuilders and many athletes normally include this type of protein as their final meal before bed as it provides a constant flood of amino's throughout the night time fast during sleep.

Stay Away From The Hype:

Supplements are notorious for hyping up their products with unrealistic claims and promises.

DO NOT buy into the hype of major companies that price their product above and beyond what you really need to pay.

I am not saying their products are not good or that you will not see results with them, but rather, they are just not worth the cost they are charging.

Take the time to compare ingredients, company track records and do not let the hype influence your decision.

I get my protein powder from a very generic company. The packaging is simple and there is not any excessive marketing tactics behind the product. The product is simply composed of high quality ingredients and I trust the company. That's all that matter's

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4674575
http://www.joeyvaillancourtfitness.com/blog

Monday, February 13, 2012

Rice Protein Powder - What's it Actually Good For?

Rice protein powder is a relatively unknown protein supplement outside of the vegan community. Despite its lack of popularity, rice protein offers many great benefits that might make it a good addition to your daily diet. To give you a better idea of what rice protein powder is and how you can utilize it most effectively to supplement your nutritional needs, we've outlined some of its pros and cons. Here's the scoop:

Pros for Rice Protein Powder

o Rice protein powder is a natural protein source with natural fiber. It is derived from brown rice and carries all of the essential amino acids.

o Rice protein powder is also hypoallergenic, meaning that it causes fewer allergic reactions than other protein powders, like egg and whey. It is also free of soy, milk, yeast, wheat, and other allergens that often cause allergic reactions.

o The body utilizes rice protein powder more efficiently than soy. However, both rice protein and soy protein are priced similarly.

o Rice protein powder is vegan friendly. No animal products or byproducts are included in rice protein powder. Most soy protein powders also share in this distinction.

o The natural flavor of rice protein powder is sweet and mild. This makes it easy to blend with water, juice, and other mixers to create a great-tasting protein drink.

o Rice protein powder is available in all of the major protein powder flavors (i.e. vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry). While we haven't seen it in some of the more exotic flavors, the day may come soon as rice protein gains popularity.

Cons for Rice Protein Powder:

o Rice protein powder is not as effective for building muscle as whey protein and many of the other animal-based protein powders on the market.

o Few companies manufacture rice protein powder, and very few rice protein snack options are available, such as pre-packaged rice protein bars and drinks.

o Compared to comparably priced whey protein powders, rice protein powders generally provide less protein per serving. Hence, less value for your money.

However, rice protein is a great option for many, especially vegans, those who are lactose intolerant, and those who are allergic to soy. Even if other protein powders are a viable option for you, you might just want to try rice protein powder for the taste!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/729039
http://deliciousprotein.com/

The Goods on Vegan Protein Powder

Vegan Protein Powder

Many benefits come along with eating a vegan diet. Some of the benefits include how this type of diet is friendlier to the environment, in addition to animals. In some cases, people find they are not eating enough proteins within their vegan diet. In such situations, vegan protein is one way to supplement the protein you are missing from your diet.

The Four Main Types of Vegan Protein Powder

Although some believe vegan diets lack many of the essential nutrients, this is the furthest thing from the truth. In most cases, when a vegan eats a healthy diet they do not have to worry about supplementing their diet with anything more. However, when people do not always eat a healthy diet, protein supplements help cover the nutrients a person is lacking. Vegan powder tends to be one of the popular choices and the four most common are rice, pea, hemp, and non-GMO.

Rice Protein Powder

Most people experience an easy time digesting rice powder, which shares many of the same benefits as soy. In addition, it caters to those who are on a gluten free diet. Furthermore, processing consists of a raw food technique, due to the enzymes used for the separation of carbs and proteins. Rice proteins are either non-flavored or flavored.

Some people tend to find the taste bitter or chalky. However, this feelings not shared by all. One drawback of the rice powder has to do with how it does not consist of a complete protein unless other proteins are added. Some of the main advantages consist of how:

1. Very few people experience allergic reactions
2. Most find the rice protein easy to digest

Pea Protein Powder

Pea protein comes from yellow peas or more specifically Pisium sativum. Generally, processing consists of milling them into flour. Followed by hydration and further processing into a powder. This type of powder does not contain any type of cholesterol.

In addition, some research has found pea protein to act as a preventive measure for things such as kidney disease and hypertension. However, people suffering from gout should not take this type of powder. Some of the main advantages of pea protein relates to how:

1. It contributes to the building of strength and muscle mass
2. Greener alternative since it does not come from egg, casein, or animal-derived whey products

Hemp Protein Powder

Often, hemp protein consists of the hemp seed, since it contains a large amount of protein. Many times, the hemp protein powders make a good alternative source of protein for those who are sensitive to dairy and soy. The protein also contains a high amount of various types of vitamins and minerals.

Furthermore, hemp protein deliver a complete protein with all of the essential amino acids that are required for the body. In addition, people find the protein easy to digest. One of the main reasons for this has to do with how it does not contain any phytates or inhibitors. Some main advantages consist of how:

1. Hemp acts as an excellent source for essential amino acids
2. Contains natural balance of essential fatty acids and minerals

Non-GMO Soy Protein Powder

Non-GMO soy protein comes in a variety of different types and flavors. Protein that is Non-GMO does not contain any genetically modified organisms. Some of the advantages with this type of protein powder are:

1. How people are less prone to allergic reactions and less likely to build a resistance to antibiotics
2. Contributing to decreased risk in gene transfer

In conclusion, there are some really great alternatives to animal based proteins which satisfy or exceed standards of quality. It is as important to note that vegan powder taste great as well with the same range of flavors you expect from other powders.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5333666
http://www.veganproteinpowder.net/

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Protein Powder - What is Protein Powder?

A good protein powder is probably the best muscle-building tool you can buy. Protein powder is generally consumed immediately after exercising, or in place of a meal. It is commonly used by both men and women in search of a better physique. Using protein powder is one way to ensure an adequate intake of protein. I think protein powder is a very versatile component in your nutritional plan.

Basicly taking protein powder is a way of making sure that your body has the raw materials need to make your muscles bigger and stronger. Pure protein powder is tasteless and some people argue it is tough just getting the stuff down. Plus, this virtually tasteless protein powder is scientifically formulated to be bland in flavor, so you won't even notice that it's there.

The best way to use protein powder is to mix it with foods or liquids where you cannot notice them, such as hot cereals, casseroles or in sauces. Something that I've found works great for having your daily protein powder is adding it to yogurt. Blend well, until the protein powder is completely dissolved.

Protein powder is the most basic and fundamental of all bodybuilding and fitness supplements. This high-quality protein is perfect for the diet low in protein, people dieting, and vegetarians. Protein powder is available in many forms, with the two most popular being whey or milk based protein and soy based protein. Protein powder is essential for building muscle and it's easy/convenient to carry around with you. The best time to utilize protein powder is right after a workout.

The most popular and highest quality protein powder is whey protein. Undenatured whey protein powder is an easily digestible source of protein derived from cow's milk that contains no carbohydrates or saturated fats. After filtering, purifying and removing the water from the whey, a high quality protein powder is produced, free of fat and lactose.

Whey protein powder is an excellent protein for everybody. A pure whey protein powder is for post workout and protein powder blends are for all day or right before bedtime. Whey protein powder is suitable for putting into smoothies. I have to say that the best protein powder is not cheap, but whey protein is good.

The first thing you need to have in a protein powder is great taste. CytoSport Muscle Milk, Chocolate Milk, Shake rates 5 out of 5 stars for best tasting protein powder. CytoSport makes Muscle Milk in a large variety of flavors all extremely tasty so you can drink a different flavored shake for weeks!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/606788
http://www.milkmusclereview.com/

The Benefits of Plant Based Protein Powder

Plant based protein powders represent a new popular trend in nutrition. There are many reasons for this, but chiefly among them are the perceived limitations of whey protein and the limited side effects of many of the leading plant proteins.

For vegans, these powders are almost essentially to maintaining a healthy diet. Whatever the motivation for using soy, rice, pea or hemp powder, it is important to understand the distinct advantages of each before going out to purchase a particular supplement. All four are generally effective replacements for whey protein, but some of them bring unique attributes that could be the perfect fit for your needs.

Soy Protein Powder

Soy has long been known in the "green" and healthy living community as an effective replacement for most any other protein source. Those who are lactose intolerant, are vegetarians or vegans, or have allergies to certain grains, have turned to soy in order to get the essential protein their body needs. One of the benefits of soy powder are that it is low in fat, something not all protein powders can boast of.

Additionally, soy powder is low in carbs, while containing many essential amino acids. Many studies have shown a steady diet of soy protein to lower "bad" cholesterol. This could be an important factor for certain individuals looking to lower their cholesterol effectively. Practically speaking, soy powder is considered to be highly mixable, meaning that it can be integrated well with a wide variety of smoothies, shakes, and added to baking recipes with ease.

Rice Protein Powder

Rice protein powder is a relatively new addition to the plant based supplement powder market. One of the first benefits users tend to notice is the markedly lower retail price. This is because rice is a generally cheaper plant protein ingredient. While it does not have as much protein per serving as some of the other powders, rice protein is great in that it delivers complete amino acids that have not been broken down in the production process.

Like soy protein, rice is easy to digest. People who have had issues digesting the other nutritional supplements may wish to try rice powder to alleviate some of these symptoms. It is also another great protein to easily mix with drinks and baking recipes.

Hemp Protein Powder

While hemp may conjure up images of marijuana smoking teenagers, this plant based supplement serves a very different purpose when utilized as a protein supplement. Many users state that hemp powder has a noticeably better taste than any of the other alternatives.

While this should not be the first factor to consider, it can make the difference when all other factors are equal. Hemp protein is a whole food source, rich in fat, but the good kind of fat. The high fat levels can be a turn off for some potential users, but it is important to make the distinction between good and bad fats. Hemp is also extremely high in amino acids and other hard to get nutrients such as zinc, iron, and magnesium.

Pea Protein Powder

Pea powder may seem like an unlikely source of protein, but the split pea has been know for its protein packed life giving vitality for centuries. In addition to being highly soluble and relatively affordable, pea protein has been proven not only to lower blood pressure but to improve kidney function as well.

Most of the commercial protein powders contain over 25 grams of protein per scoop which is considerably more than many soy and rice powders. Bodybuilders also point to the fact that pea protein has over 5 grams of BCAAs which helps accelerate muscle building.

All of these plant based supplements are remarkably effective, yet often go unnoticed in favor of the highly commercial whey powder. The reality is that these protein powders are just as effective as whey protein powder. While they are great for vegans and those with allergies, plant based proteins are a perfect option for virtually any person in any situation.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6481410
http://buypeaproteinpowder.com/