Going to the store and seeing stacks of large boxes filled with powdered protein might have attracted you several times. But, the common myth that powdered supplements aren’t healthy has made several people step back.
On the other hand, gym-goers who regularly use protein powders have tons of praise for their benefits.
Seeing these two sides can definitely make anyone double-minded about trying a protein powder. But the thing is, the huge variety of protein powders has made them go beyond gym-goers. Even office workers have started to include them in their diet to get that energy boost.
So, is protein powder good for you? Well, protein powders have their pros and cons that make them suitable for certain people. They aren’t inherently bad, but protein powders shouldn’t be used as a substitute for real food.
In this article, we will dive into the details of protein powders and see if they are good for you.
First of all, what is a protein powder itself?
If you’re new to the fitness industry, you would definitely have heard that a protein powder is good. But do you know what it really is?
If you’re still relying on the popular myth that protein powder is for gym-goers because it builds muscles, you’re on the wrong note. Many people have started using it to meet their daily protein needs and get an energy boost after a hectic day at work.
In simple words, a protein powder is a nutritional supplement that doesn’t have any standard formulation. Some powders come from plants (soybeans, hemp, potatoes, peas, and rice), while others are animal-based (whey and casein). Most protein powders also contain other ingredients like carbohydrates, fats, artificial flavoring, vitamins, minerals, etc.
The fact that you just add the protein powder in water and blend it makes it a super-convenient option for quick results. Instead of preparing high-protein diets and food themselves, people often rely on protein powders to get a quick energy boost. This is also one of the reasons for its popularity.
What makes protein shakes good?
The fact that protein shakes have several health benefits isn’t wrong. Although it’s better to use high-protein foods to fulfill your body’s requirements, adding a little extra protein from other sources is a good idea as well.
The thing is, due to the preferences in diet and changes in food consumption, it has become difficult for people to consume all the required protein in their diet. According to a report, adults should consume ≥1.2 g of protein in their diet.
When this nutritional requirement cannot be fulfilled in your regular diet, you can move to protein powders to do the job. Although it’s still good to get this requirement from your food if things don’t align and you don’t have enough time, a protein shake can provide a simple way to meet your daily requirements.
Pros of protein powders
As we said, protein powders are healthy. But what kind of health benefits do they provide? Building muscles? That’s it?!
Well, here’s a list of the pros of protein powders that can help you find out why they’re considered healthy.
Help in weight loss
Protein powder has become famous among people trying to lose weight. A study also concluded that a high-protein diet can help in weight loss.
Luckily, you don’t have to go on a strict diet and deprive your body of all the required nutrients.
It’s because protein shakes make you feel full for a long time. Thus, it suppresses hunger and makes you eat less.
For people consuming protein shakes as a meal replacement option, they still contain enough calories and nutrients to fulfill their daily needs. Still, it’s better to check the nutritional profile of your protein powder and match it with your nutritional needs.
Convenient to use
Protein powders are highly convenient to use. The process is pretty simple. You just have to blend the protein powder in milk or water, and your shake is ready!
This convenience factor has made protein powder famous for people who don’t have enough time to prepare high-protein foods at home. Office workers also drink protein powder for added energy at the end of the day.
Also, you can try many different recipes with your protein powder!
Helps build muscles
Building muscles and giving energy are the primary benefits associated with protein powder. However, you need to make sure that combining protein shake intake with regular exercise will help you see visible results. Otherwise, drinking protein shakes will only make you gain weight as you’re not using it the right way.
A survey also stated that protein consumption during exercise can improve performance capacity.
A versatile option to reach your health goals
Apart from being convenient and easy to use, protein powders have gained a lot of popularity for being versatile.
But what do we really mean by this?
Well, as we mentioned before, protein powders are now available in a wide variety. This means that you’ll always find a protein powder to reach your fitness goal. Whether you’re vegan and need a vegan diet or you want to hit back on carbohydrates with a low-carb product, you will always find your type of protein powder in the market.
While the common types are plant-based and animal-based protein powders, the sub-types and specific protein powders make them worth a try!
What makes protein powders bad?
Well, protein powder cannot be specifically bad for the general audience.
The difference would only come if that specific protein powder isn’t suitable for you or the company is selling false products for the sake of money.
If your protein powder contains too many artificial sweeteners or fillers, it’s time to step back from it. While such ingredients are meant to enhance the taste of protein powders, they can have a negative toll on your own health in the long term.
Also, lactose-intolerant people might have digestion issues while consuming dairy-based protein powders. It’s simply because milk products don’t suit them, and thus, the protein powder gets the whole blame.
Also, if you’re suffering from other health issues, it’s better to consult your doctor before starting protein powder intake.
According to research, protein powders may contain some level of heavy metals. However, this research also concluded that consuming it in the recommended quantities probably won’t cause severe health issues to consumers.
Take-away message
Consuming your protein powder in the right amount and the right way will help you gain the most of its benefits.
While protein powder isn’t potentially harmful, not using the right product and ignoring the importance of exercise will make you prone to the cons.
So, it’s better to keep a check that you’re using the right product and that protein powder is specifically catering to your needs!
