| There is a lot of hype these days about | | | | the choice is yours. |
| "revolutionary" dietary supplements that are | | | | Protein Bars |
| guaranteed to help you lose weight. Don't believe the | | | | Once used by bodybuilders and athletes to make |
| hype. If you are really interested in learning about | | | | sure they were getting enough protein in their diets, |
| dietary supplements, what you need to research is | | | | protein bars are now enjoyed by people from all |
| protein supplements. These aren't just for athletes | | | | walks of life who need extra protein in their diets. In |
| and body builders any more. Everyone can benefit | | | | addition to often having between 20 and 30 grams |
| from using protein supplements, whether in liquid, | | | | of protein per bar, these tasty treats are low in |
| powder or bars form. | | | | carbohydrates. |
| Types of Protein Supplements | | | | Protein bars are usually made with whey or soy |
| There are different types of protein supplements | | | | protein, and a number of natural ingredients, including |
| available, made from different ingredients, and people | | | | peanuts and oats. People on calorie-reduced and low |
| with allergies or lactose intolerance need to be careful | | | | sugar diets should be careful that they do not get |
| when choosing which type they are going to use. | | | | protein bars that are coated in chocolate. |
| Casein: This is a slow-to-digest protein that is mainly | | | | Protein bars are great to have around for |
| found in milk. Because it digests slowly, you will feel | | | | mid-morning or mid-afternoon snacks. They are small |
| fuller longer after taking it. This is a commonly used | | | | and portable, and you can eat them anywhere |
| form of protein supplement used by people on liquid | | | | without having to prepare shakes or smoothies. |
| diets, because of its "filling" effect. Casein is not | | | | Protein Powder Supplements |
| recommended for those who are lactose intolerant. | | | | Another great way to get the protein you need in |
| Casein Hydrolysate: This is a special type of casein, | | | | your diet is to use protein powders. There are a |
| which digests faster than regular casein. In fact, it | | | | number of different protein powders available, many |
| digests even faster than whey. It is great for after | | | | flavored, so they just need to be mixed with juice |
| workouts, but is rather expensive. Again, this is not | | | | for a tasty, healthy drink. Or use them to make |
| for those who are intolerant of milk and milk | | | | delicious protein shakes and smoothies for breakfast. |
| products. | | | | Protein powders help to give you added energy. |
| Whey: This is one of the most accessible, | | | | Because they are an immune system booster, having |
| inexpensive and popular forms of protein supplement | | | | extra protein in your diet is a good thing during cold |
| available. This also comes from milk, and is a | | | | and flu season. Protein plays an important role in |
| by-product of the cheese-making process. It is also | | | | metabolism, and if you are trying to lose weight, try |
| found naturally in other foods including chicken fish | | | | a diet that offers plenty of protein. Or add a protein |
| and beef. Whey digests quickly, and is a great choice | | | | powder to your breakfast juice or milk. |
| for an after-work out refresher. This is not | | | | Liquid Protein Supplements |
| recommended for liquid diets, or for those who are | | | | Many athletes and body builders use liquid protein |
| lactose intolerant. | | | | supplements following workouts for muscle recovery |
| Egg Protein: Usually found in powdered form, egg | | | | and growth because they are easy to digest, and |
| protein, also referred to as egg albumin, is used in | | | | digest quickly. They also often use liquid protein as a |
| many dietary supplements. It is neither fast nor slow | | | | meal replacement. But it is not just athletes who can |
| to digest, and it is a good supplement for those who | | | | reap the benefits of added protein in their diets. |
| are lactose intolerant. But, if you have any allergies to | | | | Anyone, of any age, can use protein supplements to |
| eggs or chicken, avoid egg protein. | | | | aid in muscle growth and development, get extra |
| Soy Protein: This is the protein that is great for | | | | energy and lose weight more easily. |
| everyone, with or without allergies, tolerant or | | | | Protein shakes are great to have around because |
| intolerant of milk and milk products. Because it is | | | | they make an easy meal replacement. You can get |
| made completely from soy, it is a perfect choice for | | | | shakes that don't have fat and carbohydrates if you |
| vegetarians, and it is considered to be a complete | | | | are just looking for extra protein, or you can also get |
| protein. Just like egg protein, soy protein is made | | | | shakes for workouts that have carbohydrates and |
| from natural ingredients. | | | | fat. Remember, most of these shakes contain dairy |
| Rice Protein: Here is another great protein source for | | | | products, so if you are lactose intolerant, you may |
| people with allergies, vegetarians and those who are | | | | want to try a different type of protein supplement. |
| lactose intolerant. Guten-free and low-carb/low-fat, it | | | | Protein Shots |
| is an ideal protein supplement for dieters. Rice protein | | | | Forget the energy drinks. Not only are protein shots |
| tastes great in shakes and smoothies, and can be | | | | a great source of additional protein in the diet, they |
| mixed up quickly. | | | | are also a terrific way to boost your energy. These |
| Blended Proteins: These are a combination of whey | | | | are another form of liquid protein supplements, and |
| and casein proteins. With blended proteins, you get | | | | are good for people on the go because they are |
| the benefits of the whey (including the lower cost), | | | | small and easy to take anywhere. |
| along with the longer lasting effects of casein. | | | | These supplements often have no carbohydrates or |
| Whey or Soy Protein...Which Is Better? | | | | fat, so they are great for dieters, and because they |
| Some people prefer whey, some soy, - but why? | | | | give you that added boost, many athletes and body |
| Each of these proteins has their own particular | | | | builders drink them. And they are available in delicious |
| benefits and disadvantages. For instance, soy is great | | | | flavors such as blue raspberry, apple and citrus. |
| for those who can't have any milk products, whereas | | | | Are Protein Supplements Dangerous? |
| whey is a milk derivative. Whey works faster, but | | | | Just like anything, any type of protein supplement |
| soy works longer. Soy is plant-based, so it is ideal for | | | | should be used in moderation, and if you have any |
| vegetarians, and whey works with growth hormones. | | | | health issues, you should consult your doctor before |
| Soy contains harsh fiber that can be difficult to | | | | using any at all. If used as part of a healthy and |
| digest, while whey is easily and quickly digested. | | | | balanced diet, these supplements are a terrific way |
| So, which is better? It really depends on you and | | | | of increasing your protein intake without getting any |
| your dietary needs. If you are looking for something | | | | extra fat or carbohydrates. Because they are made |
| that will give you a quick protein fix following a | | | | from natural sources, protein supplements are just as |
| workout, then whey is what you need. If you want | | | | safe as the sources they come from, so they are |
| something that will make you feel full and will work | | | | safe to add to your diet as an additional source of |
| over a longer period of time, soy is the answer. So, | | | | protein. |