The only way to build more muscle is to eat proper protein. A tub containing a single, direct protein source”whey, casein, soy, or a plant-blend”is the most basic need. However, BCAAs and omega-3s are two substances that are frequently added to powders.
So, what should you include in your post-workout protein shake? These are the components.
1. Whey Protein
The concentration of amino acids in a protein is used as a metric for determining which protein is the best. According to Nancy Rodriguez, Ph.D., RD, director of the University of Connecticut’s Sports Nutrition program, proteins containing all nine essential amino acids”particularly the three branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) leucine, isoleucine, and valine”maximize muscle protein synthesis (the process of repairing damaged muscle to build it back bigger and stronger).
Regardless of dietary choices or constraints, all three of our experts agree that whey comes out on top. “Whey is great because it has a high concentration of the amino acid leucine, is quickly digested, and is a complete supply of protein,” explains Jacob Wilson, Ph.D, CSCS*D, CEO of the Applied Science and Performance Institute, a research and performance center.
What’s the drawback? Because whey is a form of milk protein, some people are unable to digest it, forcing them to rely on plant-based proteins.
2. Casein Protein
Casein, a milk protein, comes in second place for having the best necessary amino acid profile. But, unlike whey, casein is a slow-release protein, which means it provides sustained amino acids in the bloodstream over time to rebuild muscles that have been micro-traumatized during exercise, according to Lonnie Lowery, Ph.D, RD, professor of exercise physiology and nutrition at the University of Mount Union in Ohio and co-host of the Iron Radio podcast. It’s best utilized in a blend with whey because it doesn’t supply amino acids to your muscles right immediately. Even better
a protein combination containing casein, whey, and soy, which, according to a 2014 research published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, improves muscle repair and growth more than whey alone.
Wilson claims that “whey protein rapidly raises blood amino acid pools, which may be optimum for muscle building.” “However, we know that casein proteins maintain a higher level of blood amino acids than whey proteins.” Soy is in the middle, with a medium rate of absorption, thus the combination of all three prolongs nutrient delivery after a workout.
3. Soy Protein
Soy protein, like whey, has the perfect quick release, but because it’s a plant-based protein, it’s suitable for vegetarians and lactose intolerant people. According to Rodriguez, “to my knowledge, soy protein is the only plant-based protein that delivers all of the necessary amino acids.”
In fact, when it comes to enhancing muscle protein synthesis after strength exercise, Canadian researchers discovered that soy alone is equivalent to whey and superior to slow-release casein. While you may have heard that soy can cause males to grow boobs (which is untrue), the main issue is that soy is frequently genetically engineered, so look for organic powders.
4. Plant-Based Blends
The question of whether plant-based proteins can compete with animal proteins has grown as contentious as our forthcoming election. Plant-based proteins appear to have a weaker muscle protein synthesis response than animal-based proteins in some investigations, although there is minimal difference in others. Because most plant proteins lack one or more critical amino acids and are thus “incomplete,” most experts believe that eating just one source won’t optimize muscle protein synthesis.
However, there is power in numbers. Lowery explains, “I wouldn’t rely only on plant proteins unless I could mix a grain and a legume protein”or spike the plant protein with the necessary amino acid(s) to make it complete.”
In reality, a research published in Nutrition & Metabolism demonstrated that when the amino acid leucine is added to plant-based protein, the rates of muscle protein synthesis are not significantly different from those seen in animal-based proteins (done in adult rats). (However, this is true only for greater dosages”30 percent of daily calories”as opposed to lesser doses of 10% of daily calories.)
“Blended plant-based proteins are far more helpful than single-source proteins because they provide a more complete protein supply, which maximizes muscle protein synthesis,” Wilson says.
Look for a formula that includes at least one source from both the methione-rich camp (hemp, chia, soy) and the lysine and leucine-rich camp (lysine and leucine-rich hemp, chia, soy) (wheat, quinoa, oat, brown rice).
5. Brown Rice Protein
Men who received 48 grams of rice protein after resistance training experienced the same increases after eight weeks as those who drank the same amount of whey protein isolate, according to a research published in Nutrition Journal. One study is insufficient to establish clear comparison, and research demonstrates that plant-based proteins are only serious rivals in large numbers. If you wish to use brown rice protein on its own, your best choice is to eat meals that include the two necessary amino acids lysine and leucine (so nuts, seeds, eggs, beans, lentils, meats, shellfish, and cheese).
6. Pea Protein
One of the most popular (and unexpected) vegetarian protein sources is pea protein, which originates from yellow split peas. It’s hypoallergenic, and the powder usually contains little additives or artificial chemicals. It’s also high in the amino acids arginine, lysine, and phenylalanine, which help build muscle. However, because it’s still an incomplete protein, you’ll need to supplement it with a protein blend or couple it with meals like wheat, quinoa, oats, and other grains.
7. Hemp Protein
Hemp is a superfood for muscle growth since it is high in necessary fatty acids. It’s also vegan and allergic, so most individuals have no trouble digesting the tiny seed. Hemp, like most other plant-based proteins, is incomplete, particularly in terms of methione. Complete the meal by consuming a hemp-based beverage or a protein source high in the essential amino acids lysine and leucine, such as nuts, seeds, eggs, beans, or lentils (not to mention meats, shellfish, and cheese for non-vegans).
8. Creatine
Creatine is the second most popular muscle-building supplement after protein. Creatine aids in the production of more energy, which your muscle tissue subsequently uses to perform harder and for longer periods of time. While creatine may not benefit everyone, research suggests that if your system responds favorably to the mixture, it may considerably boost lean body mass, strength, and muscular growth. “Creatine will help you recover faster, restore depleted creatine levels, hydrate muscle cells, and there is even evidence that suggests it can help with neurological health,” Wilson says. One thing to keep an eye on “Added peptides like creatine might inflate the overall protein dosage on the label,” says Lowery. emphasizes So, if you’re buying a creatine solution, go for one with a larger protein count than usual.
9. Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)
For optimal muscle protein synthesis, your body requires all nine essential amino acids, but three in particular”leucine, isoleucine, and valine”are especially important due to their chemical makeup, which has a unique branched structure that gives them muscle-building abilities beyond the other six. Rodriguez argues that leucine is important because it functions as a metabolic trigger for muscle protein synthesis. In fact, according to a research published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 3 to 4 grams of leucine are required for maximal protein synthesis.
Complete proteins, such as whey, casein, and soy, are unlikely to require extra BCAAs, according to Lowery. However, he adds, choosing a formula with leucine or BCAAs added to a plant protein can help compensate for the lack of these amino acids. For maximum recovery, Wilson recommends looking for a formula containing 3 grams of leucine and 5 to 10 grams of total BCAAs.
10. Omega-3 And 6 Fatty Acids
Most of us are aware that fish oil is beneficial to our health. However, researchers discovered that omega-3 supplements can help reduce post-exercise discomfort in a study published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine. Why? According to Rodriguez, evidence shows that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may help decrease inflammation.
11. Hmb
Wilson says, “HMB (short for -Hydroxy-Methylbutyrate) is a metabolite of leucine, which means that when leucine is broken down, one of the results is HMB.” “HMB has been proven to improve blood indicators of poor recovery, decrease pain, improve lean mass, decrease fat mass, and improve lean mass.” In other words, whereas leucine improves strength, recuperation, and muscle growth, HMB prevents muscle loss during periods of intense training or dieting, making it a useful complement to a post-workout protein mix.
12. Almond Protein Powder
Almond protein powder is progressively gaining popularity among health-conscious individuals. It’s high in nutritional nutrients and aids muscular development. The greatest part? Almond protein is gluten-free and cholesterol-free! It has a strong almond taste, making it an excellent addition to smoothies and shakes.
Essentials To Look For In Your Whey Protein Powder
1. Grass Fed
Grass-fed cows’ whey, not pesticide-treated grain-fed cows’ whey. When compared to grain-fed cows, pasture-fed cows generate whey that is more nutritious. It has a high amino acid and immunonutrient profile, is high in healthy fats like lipoic acid and CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), and grass-fed cows provide a solid supply of protein.
2. Gmo-Free
Choose whey made without Genetically Modified Organisms.
3. Raw
Look for raw or cold-processed. Whey that has been cold processed preserves the nutrients in their original condition.
4. Acid / Ion Exchange Processing
Acid / Ion Exchange Processing is less expensive than acid-free processing, but it denatures the amino acid profiles by separating the whey from the lipids using acids and chemicals.
5. Concentrate Over Isolate
Protein isolates are proteins that have had their vital cofactors taken away. Isolated proteins are less effective in assimilation than concentrates; isolates are low in critical amino acids and dietary cofactors; isolates are still good, but concentrates are best.
6. Low Glycemic Whey, Not Artificially Sweetened
Your whey should be naturally sweetened rather than artificially sweetened. Natural sweeteners, such as stevia and monk fruit, are favored.
7. Free From Heavy Metals
Heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and arsenic can be found in many protein powders, both whey and non-whey. Some prominent brands of protein powders surpassed the United States Pharmacopoeia’s (USP) recommended safety limits for certain heavy metals, according to a Consumer Reports investigation. These goods should be avoided at all costs, since any high concentration of heavy metals consumed over time can have major health repercussions.
How To Use Protein Powders?
How can you best use protein powders to help you improve your performance if you calculate your protein intake and find that you’re not getting enough for your athletic needs (some signs of too-low protein intake unusual fatigue, feeling weak when lifting weights or doing other strenuous activity, or recovering from injuries slowly)?
To begin, disregard traditional knowledge, which states that protein powders should be consumed soon following a workout. “Carbs are what your body needs before, during, and after an exercise.” “They’re the fuel that your body runs on, and they’re what your muscles run on,” Lewin explains. “Yes, protein is crucial for post-workout recovery, but research suggests that the body requires a 4-1 or 5-1 carbohydrate-to-protein ratio at that stage.” Because most protein powders include at least 20 grams of protein each scoop, you’d need roughly 80 grams of carbohydrates to balance out the nutrients! Protein powders are not actually essential if you have access to a regular, nutritious diet.