Protein powders are a highly popular choice to gain muscles and increase protein intake. If you choose an expert-recommended high-quality protein powder, you will likely gain many good benefits.
Many people are concerned about the sources of protein powder. There are both animal and plant-based sources of protein powders. Vegans have the option to choose the vegan protein powder.
This article will provide in-depth information on the health benefits of protein powder and its types, different considerations for weight loss, whey protein, plant-based protein, how to choose the best protein powder for muscle gain and much more.
Top 12 Different Types of Protein Powders
In this section, you will get information on different types of protein powder available and their ingredients, different brands of protein powder, their specific health benefits, etc. This information is useful especially if you want to gain in-depth knowledge on protein powder or planning to buy the best protein powder for yourself depending on your healthcare provider's recommendation, health goals, etc.
1. Whey Protein Powder
This premium protein is rich in amino acids and derived from cow's milk. The extraction protein separates liquid whey from carbohydrates and fats. The composition of whey protein includes beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin, serum albumin and branched-chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, and valine). Are you searching best protein powder for muscle gain? Whey protein is the answer to many of such questions.
Different types of whey proteins are:
- Whey protein isolate
- Whey protein concentrate
- Whey protein hydrolysate
Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC): This is the most concentrated form of protein supplement. The protein content ranges from 34-80%. WPC is produced using ultrafiltration. The process removes lactose, minerals, non-protein nitrogen, etc.
It is suitable for beginners wanting to start exercise, build muscles and seek weight gain. The percentage of lactose and milk fat is 10-55% and 2-10% respectively.
Whey protein concentrates are used in sports beverages, muscle gain formulations, processed cheese, etc.
Whey Protein Isolate: It has a high protein content (around 90%) and minimal lactose (0.5%) and fat (0.5%) content. It is for those who want to focus on lean and well-defined muscles. The amino acid profile is excellent and provides more protein per serving.
Whey protein Isolate is found in supplements, sports drinks, protein-fortified beverages, etc.
The main difference between Whey Protein isolate and concentrate is that isolate form undergoes more processing leading to a higher content of protein and less of carbohydrates, fat and lactose.
Thorne Whey Protein Isolate Vanilla, Protocol for Life Balance Whey Protein Isolate, and NOW Whey Protein Isolate Vanilla are some of the high-quality whey protein options.
Whey Protein Hydrolysate: Large proteins are broken down into small and easily digestible proteins. It has an exceptionally high protein concentration around 99% and is well absorbed by the body. This type of protein powder increases blood insulin levels and may be the best choice for athletes who are looking to grow lean muscle.
Whey protein powder for muscle gain
Whey protein increases strength and builds muscles because of its composition. It also promotes quick recovery post-workout. A study found that it is more effective compared to soy protein and other supplements in stimulating muscle protein synthesis.
2. Casein Protein Powder
Do you know casein is found in milk? This protein powder decreases muscle breakdown and is a good source of protein and essential nutrients like calcium. It may be an option to consider for those who want to tone up their body by improving body composition.
Klean Athlete Klean Casein Protein, Natural Vanilla Custard flavor is an example of Casein protein powder. This formulation is suitable for athletes who want to achieve recovery while slowing down muscle breakdown. Due to this reason, this supplement is taken at bedtime. It also provides electrolytes to maintain hydration levels.
3. Egg White Protein Powder
Eggs are a good source of protein. You can get egg white protein powder if you are looking for an egg protein supplement. Egg whites are free from cholesterol, can be taken by people of all ages and are a rich source of protein. Taking egg white supplements are a good option to cover up protein intake and maintain muscle health.
The protein in these supplements is derived from egg albumen. This is also a choice for people who have a history of lactose intolerance and cannot tolerate whey protein powder.
Metabolic Response Modifier Egg White Protein Vanilla is rich in essential amino acids and sulfur-containing proteins. This powder has a good taste, can be easily mixed with liquid and helps in maintaining healthy muscles. While choosing such a high-quality egg white supplement one can bypass worries related to fat, carbohydrate, cholesterol and any other unhealthy content.
NOW SPORTS Eggwhite Protein is another high-quality protein supplement in this category. This powder is unflavored, paleo-friendly, provides 16 g of protein and contains BCCAs (branched-chain amino acids).
4. Collagen Protein Powder
As the name suggests, collagen protein powder is a great source of collagen which can help reduce joint pain and promote skin, hair and gut health. Those who want to combat ageing, and have a history of joint and gut issues may gain benefits from this type of protein powder.
Amy Myers MD Collagen Protein Powder contains protein sourced from Bovine Collagen Peptides. This collagen powder can be taken by those who are over 40 and want to support their gut, hair, skin, nails and bone health. Collagen can be taken at any time of the day, in the morning smoothie or at night.
5. Pea Protein Powder
This protein powder is derived from yellow split peas and is becoming popular due to its bioavailability. Its composition includes all essential amino acids. The health benefits include muscle growth, reduced hunger, heart health, etc. It is considered one of the best protein powders for weight loss. NOW Pea Protein Powder has all these mentioned characteristics. Interestingly it has 2782 mg of Branched-chain amino acids (L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, L-Valine) present along with essential and non-essential amino acids. In a serving size of 20 g (2-level scoop), you will get 15 g of protein per serving. In vitamins and minerals, this pea protein powder has 5 mg iron, 21 mg potassium and 58 mg calcium. Those who are not able to take other protein powders due to the presence of allergens may consider using a pea powder supplement because pea is not a major allergen.
6. Rice Protein Powder
Brown rice protein powder usually contains essential amino acids, fibre and micro-nutrients like iron, calcium and vitamin C. It helps in weight loss, muscle building, blood sugar regulation, etc. Metagenics Perfect Protein Pea & Rice Vanilla contains both pea and rice protein.
7. Seed-based Protein Powder
Many may not know that seeds are rich in protein and they are one of the best options for vegans looking for plant-based protein powder. One such example is Omega Nutrition Pumpkin Seed Protein Powder. This is a single-ingredient powder and contains only pumpkin seeds (partially defatted).
8. Hemp Protein Powder
You may have heard of hemp protein powder. These are preferred due to easy digestion, greater utilisation and the presence of fibre and omega-3 fatty acids. This is one of the options for those who are looking for plant-based protein powder, vegan, etc. The presence of fibre favours healthy digestion, stabilising blood sugar levels, supporting weight loss, etc.
Foods Alive Hemp Protein Powder is one of the options in this category. It has 7g of protein, 3 g of fiber and 176 mg of magnesium constituting 14%, 10% and 40% of daily value. As always said, read the label before buying any supplement. When you read the label of this supplement, you will find the recipe for a blueberry-hemp smoothie and other details on its nutritional value.
9. Mixed Plant Protein Powder
These supplements are made using a blend of different proteins derived from plants and may contain a combination of peas, brown rice, chia seeds, hemp, etc. They have a rich fibre composition and nutritional profile. You can choose these types of protein powder from different flavors available.
Brain MD OMNI Protein Vanilla is a plant-based protein supplement. It has numerous health benefits like brain health, energy maintenance, athletic performance and weight management. The composition is a combination of the proprietary plant-based protein complex of pea protein, rice protein, Quinoa and chia protein, added free form of L-Glutamine and BCCA complex and plant enzymes like cellulase, bromelain, papain, lipase, amylase, etc.
Metabolic Response Modifier Veggie Protein Vanilla with Superfoods contains 22 g protein, calcium, iron, potassium, niacin, amino acids, pea protein isolate, organic brown rice protein concentrate, flax seed powder, seed powder (sunflower seed, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds), veggie blend and fruit powder. The composition is organic and free from common allergens.
10. Paleo Protein Powder
Paleo protein powder can be beneficial for those who are following a paleo or keto diet, want to curb sugar cravings, searching for a high-quality protein powder, etc. There are many ways you can consume this protein powder. It can be added to morning smoothies, coffee, shakes, soups, etc. The health benefits of paleo protein powder include nutritional benefits, gut barrier function, healthy lean muscle mass, weight loss, healthy joints, skin health, etc.
Amy Myers MD Paleo Protein powder is sourced from grass-fed pasture-raised beef, hydrolysed, maximised absorption and usability, present in incredible flavor (strawberry and cream, salted caramel, vanilla bean and chocolate), provides 21 grams of high-quality protein, contains no antibiotics or hormones, rich in amino acids, etc. The composition and benefits make this supplement different from other supplements.
11. Protein Powder for Weight Loss
If you are looking for weight loss, you should aim for 30 g of protein every meal to support your weight loss journey. How proteins can help in weight loss? It works by helping curb cravings. For weight loss, different composition protein powders are available.
Garden of Life Sport Raw Organic Fit Chocolate provides 28 g of plant protein. This high protein content helps support weight loss. The supplement is made using raw sprouted organic ingredients.
It contains less than 1 g of sugar. Other ingredients include Organic Svetol, Green Coffee Bean Extract, Organic Ashwagandha, organic fibre, Raw Food Created Chromium Organic Cinnamon, etc. All the ingredients used in this supplement are clinically studied
These ingredients work by burning fat, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, elevating energy levels, promoting weight loss, fighting cravings and satisfying hunger.
Garden of Life Dr Formulated Keto Meal Chocolate is another option in this category providing 23% of proteins. This supplement is formulated for those who are following a low-carb or ketogenic diet and have weight loss goals. It is also available in vanilla and organic flavors.
12. Enzyme-activated Protein Powder
US Enzymes Proteinxym Vanilla Enzyme Activated Protein Powder provides 5 organic plant-based protein sources, prebiotic fibre and probiotic strains, AstraZyme for more absorption and a vegetable blend. The composition of this protein supplement is designed in such a way that its ingredients support extra benefits of colon health, and promote regular bowel movements and nutrient absorption.
Tips for Taking Protein Powders
Here are some of the very simple tips that can help you if you are taking protein powder.
- Morning is the best time to take protein powders like whey protein.
- These are available as both flavored and unflavored powder and can be easily added to water, recipes, etc.
- When looking for whey protein, whey concentrates derived from grass-fed cows is a great choice because these contain a higher concentration of minerals and immunoglobulins.
- Vegans can choose natural and organic protein powders.
- Avoid using cheap protein powder supplements because they have added ingredients and artificial sweeteners that can compromise gut health.
- Protein powders are best chosen depending on the lifestyle and goals.
Conclusion
This article provided in-depth information on different types of protein powders, highlighting their ingredients and benefits. If you are looking for protein powders, you may search for different types of protein powders online at Nutriessential.com. We have a team of expert Nutritionists to help you more with protein powders. If you have any queries on protein powders, email us or comment below.
FAQ:
1. What protein powder is best for muscle gain?
Visit Nutriessential.com to find out about protein powders for muscle gain. There are many options available. You may consult our expert online to help you choose the best depending on your health status and goals.
2. Can protein powder help with weight loss?
Yes, there are specifically formulated protein powders for weight loss available. Some of the options and their ingredients are mentioned above in the article.
3. How much protein should I take daily?
The protein you need depends on age, sedentary lifestyle, whether you exercise or not, intensity of exercise whether moderate or rigorous, your dietary choices, etc. If you want an opinion on the protein you need daily, you may consult our expert doctor.
4. What are the best-tasting protein powders?
There are many options for the best-tasting protein powders. You can visit Nutriessential.com to check the flavors you love.