How to Choose a Protein Powder
- 1). Decide what you want to achieve by taking protein powder. You will need a different kind of protein if you want to gain weight or build muscle compared with taking protein powder as a health supplement. If you want to build muscle, you should look at whey protein, and if you want to remain lean and take protein as a health supplement, you should look at soy protein or milk proteins, such as casein.
- 2). Read the ingredient labels on the tubs of protein to check for the purity of the protein. The best protein is natural and does not have any artificial additives. Often protein is mixed with carbohydrates to increase the volume and make it cheaper to produce and sell. If you want to build muscle, the best protein is pure whey protein that is not mixed with any carbohydrates or other types of protein. Whey protein mixed with carbohydrates should be consumed if gaining weight is your main goal. Pure soy protein is available as well, but the cheaper types are mixed with other milk proteins. Those who follow a vegan diet should opt for pure soy protein. Soy protein also has other health benefits, such as isoflavones, which can improve heart health.
- 3). Choose the flavor of protein you want. If you are going to mix your protein with a variety of flavors, such as fruit, nuts or chocolate, consider buying a vanilla-flavored protein to give you the most options. Other typical protein flavors are strawberry and chocolate.
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