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Is Protein Powder Good For You? | What Is Protein Powder and How Is It Made
If you’re a person who works out regularly, you’ve definitely tried a protein shake. It’s sweet, creamy, and delicious. But have you ever wondered how protein powder is made?
Protein powders are either made from animal or plant-based products such as soy, peas, hemp, and rice. Protein is extracted from the product with the help of heat. Simply put, protein powders are concentrated sources of protein from plant or animal products.
There have been a number of speculations about whether or not protein powder is good for one’s health. Some believe that it’s absolutely unnecessary since you can get protein from real food. However, it’s quite hard for people who work out regularly to get all that protein just from food.
Is Protein Powder Good For You: Pros
This supplement is great for people who work out. Pretty often, you may find yourself in a hurry without having the time to eat a protein-packed meal. Even though there are many protein powder alternatives, in moments like this it’s much easier to drink a protein shake. A scoop of your powder and a shaker full of water or milk is all you need. It’s that simple to get 20 grams of protein.
Another good thing about this supplement is that it’s fairly affordable. Many gym lovers buy it to cook or make healthy desserts with it.
Protein is great for people who are trying to lose some weight. To feel full for longer, just add some fruit to your protein shake and blend everything together. This way you will also get extra vitamins and minerals.
Also, they come in many different flavors. You can choose between chocolate, vanilla, cookies, banana, coconut, raspberry, brownie, etc. Even though this can be considered a benefit, in my opinion, it’s quite the opposite.
Is Protein Powder Good For You: Cons
The artificial flavors of a myriad of proteins are perhaps their biggest downside. All these chocolate, ice cream, cookies and cream, and the rest of the irresistible flavors are simply chemical mixtures that smell and taste exactly like your favorite dessert. Also, many proteins with sweet flavor are usually rich in sugar and thickeners, which is something you’d want to avoid.
What is believed to be a disadvantage of consuming whey protein powder is that it may cause some digestive problems. Due to excessive consumption, many people experience bloating or/and stomach pain. This is often because of the sugar or sugar substitutes found in these supplements.
Also, if you’re lactose intolerant, it’s better to buy some plant-based protein. I would also advise you to use water or plant-based milk for your shakes, instead of cow milk.
Another common belief is that people with kidney problems shouldn’t consume too much protein because this may lead to a decrease in kidney function. Often this can make you feel tired, nauseous, or weak.
Protein Powder Alternatives
If you’ve decided that this supplement is not for you, don’t worry. There are many good protein powder alternatives that will help you get your daily protein intake.
Eggs
Eggs are an amazing source of protein. They are not only healthy, but one egg has 6 to 7 grams of protein. The good thing about eggs is that there are many different ways you can eat them – boiled, poached, fried, etc.
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is perhaps one of my favorite protein powder alternatives. It’s low in calories and high in protein. 100g of the product gives you 12g of protein, and it has less than 100 calories. This inexpensive product is great for people who are trying to lose weight, as well. You can consume it as it is, or you can add some spices to it.
Meat
When it comes to protein powder alternatives, it’s impossible not to mention meat. Whether it’s chicken, pork, or beef, meat as a whole is an excellent source of protein.
- A portion of 85g skinless, boneless chicken breast has only 128 calories and 26g! of protein.
- A portion of 100g pork loin has 192 calories and 26g of protein.
- A portion of 100g beef has 217 calories and 26.1g of protein.
Please, bear in mind that these numbers are tentative.
Fish
The last food from the list of ‘Protein powder alternatives’ is fish. There are types of fish that contain more protein than others. For example, 85g tuna has 25g of protein and 110 calories, and 85g cod has 16g of protein and 72 calories. However, no matter what type of fish you choose, you’ll surely get that extra protein.
Is Protein Powder Good For You?
All in all, protein powder is not bad for you. However, if you have experienced some of the problems listed above, I would suggest you consult a doctor.
When buying it, it’s important to read the labels. Look for products with no artificial flavors and such without sugar or sugar substitutes.
Also, remember that too much protein is not good for you. You should always consume it in moderation.
Great information! Yes I have a bag of protein powder in my cupboard and it’s a nice alternative but never thought of it for desserts!
Thanks, Rose! I suggest you try protein pancakes. They’re so good.
It’s crazy how many products are fluffed up by so much sugar. Checking ingredients are indeed important, and I’m glad there are food alternatives that we can substitute it with!
I know, right? 🙁 There is sugar in almost everything.
I’ve been using chocolate flavoured Vega protein powder. I’ll add it to smoothies in the morning when I have to run out of the house before work and sometimes I’ll add it to oatmeal. I usually use it if it’s a day I know I’m not going to be eating proper foods. This was a really informative article! I had no idea about the sugar/sweeteners and potential bloating. I’m going to have to check the ingredients now!
Thank you for your hearty comment, Kristyn! I really like Chocolate Flavored Protein Powder but the fact that it contains so many bad ingredients stops me from consuming it too often.
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Thank you so much! <3
Great post, lots of info which is great! I am working out a lot at the moment, I tend to weigh myself to see just how much protein I should be eating each day. The only problem with me is that I am a vegetarian and so I have to try and get my protein from things other than meat which sometimes can be hard to make sure I have enough each day! Thank you for sharing though, has definitely made me think more about protein powder!
Chloe xx
Hi, Chloe. Thank you for your thoughtful comment!
Even though I am not a vegetarian, I am not a big fan of meat. I rarely eat it. I get most of my protein from eggs, cottage cheese, dairy products, chickpeas, peanut butter, and green peas. <3
Protein powder has always seemed a bit controversial. I like what you have done here. You talked about the powders but then also whole foods with high protein. Protein powders are incredibly processed so I would encourage people to eat some eggs and meat instead.
Thank you so much, Adam! 🙂
Thank you for the reminder to look at the ingredients list! I don’t really do this when choosing my protein powder but I should start.
I’d really advise you to pay special attention to the ingredients in the protein powder you buy. 🙂 Sometimes you can find better alternatives that don’t have sugars or artificial flavors.
Great information!
Personally, I use protein powder because I don’t think I get enough protein from my food as I’m a person who generally doesn’t eat much. I’ve been like this my whole life so for me shakes are a way to get the nutrients I don’t get from food. I don’t like the flavored ones though so I opt for vanilla, if the people I bought from sold flavorless options then I’d go for that lol.
If you’re a person who doesn’t eat much and can’t get enough protein just from food, then it’s probably a good idea to drink one protein shake per day. Going for those that don’t have artificial flavors and sweeteners is great! Thank you for your comment. 🙂
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This is a thorough post about protein powder and I would think protein bars. I fear that many do not realize the consequences of ingesting too much protein or have a discussion with their physician before consuming it.
Absolutely. 🙁 Thank you for your comment.