Whey Protein Powder Review – Will it Work for You?

If you are a weightlifter, chances are that you have added protein powder to your diet to help you build muscle. But have you ever considered whey protein? Studies show that it has an edge over regular protein powder in helping to build muscles.

How Does Whey Protein Work?

If you know much about protein, you know that it is involved in the process of cell growth, replacement, and repair. In fact, protein is a part of every function of the body. It is absolutely necessary that those who are growing consume enough protein so that have enough “workers” to build the body bigger and stronger.

Even though body builders aren’t looking to get taller, they are still growing their muscles. This means that protein is necessary, as it aids cells in increasing muscle mass and strength. Because this is a form of growth, muscle builders actually require protein as well.

During a weightlifting session, muscle fibers are broken down and torn. In short, they are damaged. In order for the body to repair this damage to make the muscles stronger, protein production must be greater than protein destruction that occurs while lifting. This is why it is absolutely essential for weightlifters to consume enough protein each day.

The body produces 12 amino acids that are crucial for body function. However, there are 9 amino acids that are not naturally occurring that must be obtained from diet. Whey protein, which is found in cow milk, contains all 9 of those essential amino acids. This means that adding whey protein to your diet will actually increase your body’s ability to function properly.

Meats often contain all 9 of these essential amino acids, but they often come with high levels of calories, fat, and cholesterol. Whey protein is a great alternative to meat because it is easily absorbed and digested and is either low-fat or completely fat-free.

How Much Should I Take?

Many experts recommend that you consume about .08g for every 2.2 pounds of your body weight. If you are an athlete, however, you should increase that amount by 150%-200% depending on how rigorous your training is.

Make sure that you don’t eat too much, however, because diets too high in protein can actually result in gout, a very painful form of arthritis.

Also, if the body receives more protein than necessary, it is converted into fat and cholesterol in the liver.

Whey Protein and Muscle Building

In 2003, a study conducted in San Diego, CA found that when whey protein is paired with creatine, it results in significant increases in strength, lean mass, muscle fibers, particularly fast-twitch muscle fibers.

Even if you are trying to lose weight, whey protein has been shown to preserve lean muscle mass and decrease fat stores.

Even if taken alone, whey protein has been shown time and time again to help muscles recover much faster and stronger than they normally would on their own. Even when it is taken 24 hours after a workout, you will still see impressive recovery results.

Where Can I Find Whey Protein?

The most common and popular form of whey protein is in a powder. It can be easily added to milk, water, or a nutritious shake after a workout.

Whey protein powder is a great way to make sure that you get all of the protein and essential amino acids that you need throughout the day. It is also low-calorie, meaning that if you are trying to lose weight, you can still add whey protein powder to your diet.