Optimum 100% Casein Protein
Optimum 100% Casein Protein is different than any other protein powder because it emphasizes the process of slow protein digestion, rather than rapid protein absorption.
Speedy protein absorption is great for pre- and post-workout benefits because they can be readily absorbed as fuel and energy that muscles need to recover.
But time-released protein, also comes with its own perk — its been proven to be more beneficial throughout the duration of the day, including sleep hours when your body often goes without food and the nutrients it needs to progress and grow.
Along those lines, several other benefits of delayed protein absorption from Optimum 100% Casein Protein include a feeling of fullness, a steady stream of amino acids and the prevention of muscle breakdown.
With such a unique approach, its near impossible not to dive further into Optimum 100% Casein Protein to determine whether or not it lives up to the hype.
How Casein Proteins Function
Casein proteins differ greatly from your normal whey protein. The reason it takes the body much longer to break down Casein proteins is due to the fact that they are pH sensitive.
Being ph sensitive allows for Casein proteins to gel to the “acidic environment” of a stomach. Thus, it takes almost twice as long for Casein proteins to be broken down into their amino acid building blocks in comparison to other proteins.
Also, and on a side note, Casein proteins are also known as “muscle-protecting” proteins because of their ability to prevent muscle breakdown from occurring.
That being said, let’s look at what studies have shown in terms of Optimum 100% Casein Protein’s effectiveness.
What Findings Have Proven
A heaping scoop of Optimum 100% Casein Protein has 23 grams of protein. Casein protein has been proven to be effective in numerous studies. One particular study revealed that casein can increase protein synthesis by 31% and reduces protein degradation by 34%. Even better, casein protein was shown to have a positive effect on the body’s nitrogen balance even seven hours after ingestion.
Some research even reports that casein can improve sleep, which is important for maintaining muscle development. Either way, if you’re looking for a boost in terms of lean muscle gain and muscle protection/recovery, scientific findings have shown that Optimum 100% Casein Protein offers exactly what you need.
The Ingredients
Not only has Optimum 100% Casein Protein proven itself under the microscope, but it also boasts of and contains a solid list of ingredients.
Inside each blend of this protein powder, you’ll find 8 essential (those needed for survival and proper body function) amino acids, 6 conditional amino acids (only essential in times of stress and illness), and 5 non-essential (beneficial but not needed) amino acids! And you’ll find that most of these amino acids come in very high and potent amounts.
Take Leucine for example. Each serving of Optimum 100% Casein Protein contains 2,129mg of this essential amino acid. Leucine is the one and only amino acid that has the ability to stimulate muscle protein synthesis.
Not only that, but Leucine can also slow down the rate of muscle degradation, promote the growth of cells, and act as an appetite suppressant as well.
We were also excited to see that Optimum 100% Casein Protein also contains Aminogen.
Aminogen is a patented enzyme that is proven to increase amino acid levels in the body and boost nitrogen retention. Aminogen also breaks down protein to ultimately improve amino acid absorption.
Lastly, Optimum 100% Casein Protein only contains 10mg of cholesterol, and 45mg of sodium – levels that are much lower in comparison to their amino acid counterparts.
Potential Side Effects and Intake Directions
Overall, we really like what we see with Optimum 100% Casein Protein. The ingredient composition is solid, natural and safe as long as users take this protein powder as directed.
We should note that excessive intake of Optimum 100% Casein Protein is not advised, as overabundant levels of certain amino acids can lead to toxicity. Take Leucine again for example. An “overdose” of Leucine can lead to delirium and a compensation of brain function.
In terms of intake directions, users are instructed to take no more than one serving of this protein powder per day. That serving can be taken in the morning, before bed, or in place of a small meal. You can mix the powder with milk, water, or any other liquid beverage as well.
The Skinny
We were really impressed with Optimum 100% Casein Protein and would recommend this protein powder as an “any time of day supplement.”
The slow protein digestion with Optimum 100% Casein Protein supplies a sufficient source of amino acids to truly help you increase muscle growth, recovery, and more.
