What is the Best Source for Protein?

Protein is vital for muscle growth. In fact, proteins are what make up muscles. And amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.

The most potent dietary protein comes in the form of meat. However, this protein takes some time and energy for the body to digest, and can have unwanted fat and cholesterol. As well, many health buffs are vegetarian and can’t get protein from meat.

This is where protein supplementation comes in. Though meat protein can be directly utilized by the human body (other sources can only provide amino acids for the most part), there are effective supplements to add to your current diet.

Whey

Whey is what’s left over from milk in the process of making cheese. And, though it can be used to make certain kinds of cheeses, it is often used in supplementation because of whey’s high protein content.

Whey has long been held as the gold standard for protein supplementation. It not only contains all of the necessary amino acids that our bodies require to make proteins for muscle growth, but is fast absorbing. It is also great tasting, convenient to consume and readily available.

Soy

Though soy has an unearned bad reputation, it is actually just as potent as whey. It is fast absorbing and has all of the necessary amino acids like whey does.

And contrary to popular misconception, it does not affect hormonal levels for the better or worse in men or women.

One of the main advantages that soy has over whey is that it’s vegan. That also means it has no fat, cholesterol or lactose. And as an added bonus, soy contains antioxidants.

Egg

Derived from dehydrated egg whites, egg protein has been used for centuries by men seeking to increase their musculature.

It’s incredibly common and easy to obtain in supplement form.

Eggs are low fat & carbs (they are almost entirely protein). It digests slower than whey, but faster than casein, making it vital in a long term protein fueling for muscles. Though not vegan, eggs are an all-natural way to get that extra protein in your diet.

Casein

Whey is actually a by-product of casein, which is used in making most cheeses. It has similar nutritional properties as whey, but clots in stomach to become a long term source of protein.

Some bodybuilders will use whey, egg and casein to get a continuous influx of protein over a long period of time.

Which is Best?

As with all supplements, the type of protein that works best depends on the user. Most athletes with a regular diet will do fine with just some whey and/or soy right after working out. Vegetarians may consider stacking whey with egg and casein to get enough protein in their diet.

One of the best supplements we have found to help you get the recommended amount of protein is Myotein, which can be particularly useful for those who have a hard time remembering which foods or ingredients to eat in order to get the most protein.

Either way, by supplementing with protein, you’ll end up “roughly the size of a barge!”