Getting enough protein is key to a healthy diet. It’s one of the three key macronutrients, primarily responsible for building muscles and keeping us looking lean. There are many kinds of protein powder on the market, and not all of them are created equal. Keep reading to learn more.
If you can’t get enough protein from your diet, then your best bet is to supplement the shortfall with a high quality protein powder. Here, we’re going to help you find the best protein powder for your needs. Below, we share five things you need to look for when buying protein powder so that you can ensure you’re making the best choice.
What To Look for In a Protein Powder?
If you search for protein powder on Google, you’re bound to get thousands of results, all from companies that claim to make the best protein on the market. But as you can guess, not all of them are telling you the truth, and some are just using good marketing to promote products at a high price when there are better-priced, better-value options on the market.
#1 – Look for Minimal Ingredients
We’ve all heard the well-known phrase “keep it simple” when it comes to nutrition, and you can also use it for your choice of protein powder. While many protein powders on the market are filled with tons of sweeteners, fillers, and all kinds of chemicals, you should always try your best to find the one that’s considered to be a clean powder.
#2 – Make Sure All of the Essential Amino Acids are Present
There’s a reason why some amino acids are labeled as “essential” while others are not. There are nine amino acids that are crucial for protein synthesis, tissue repair, and nutrient absorption. For any of the ones your body doesn’t make on its own, you can get them into your diet with a good protein powder. Therefore, when you go looking for a new protein powder, check the label to see which amino acids it includes.
#3 – Look for Around 20 Grams of Protein Per Serving
A good protein powder should have around 20 grams of protein per serving and ideally below 8 grams of carbs. If the protein powder you’re looking at contains any less than that, you might consider choosing another option. Typically, vegan protein powders start at around 18 grams of protein per serving, which is normal, but once derived from whey, begin at 20 grams or more. So, depending on your dietary choices, those are the least amounts to look for.
#4 – Check Out the Sweeteners
If you want a flavoured protein powder, be aware that it typically includes some kind of artificial sweeteners, even if they’re used in small amounts. For humans, consuming most artificial sweeteners in minimal dosages isn’t harmful at all, but depending on your needs, you might want to avoid certain types of sweeteners. Again, it’s important to check which ones are used in any protein powder you are considering taking.
#5 – Go for Your Preferred Protein Source
There are tons of different kinds of protein on the market – some are dairy-free, others are vegan, and, of course, there are the most basic kinds that are derived from whey. When choosing what type to get, it’s important to consider your dietary needs and any kind of intolerances you might have.
For example, if you have a hard time digesting lactose, you can opt for a dairy-free option such as beef or egg white protein, or you can go the veggie route and get a plant-based powder made out of pea, rice, soy, or a combination of all three. If you don’t have any special needs and you’re looking for the best value for money, then whey protein isolates are your best bet. Usually, they have the highest amount of protein per serving and are also low in carbs.
Final thoughts
We all love having choices and getting to pick from a variety of different options, no matter what we’re shopping for! However, when it comes to protein powders this can get overwhelming, especially given it has an impact on our health, Hopefully, with the help of this article, you’ll find the best protein powder for you with a lot less fuss.
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