Do Protein Supplements Work?

The question on the minds of most bodybuilders is do protein supplements work? They are equally curious to know the kind of protein supplement which will work best for them and whether these supplements have any adverse impact on their body. Proteins are one of the three essential parts of the human diet besides carbohydrates and fats. Proteins help the body to build and repair muscles as well as play a key role in the immune and endocrine systems and revitalize nerve impulses throughout the nervous system.

What Are Protein Supplements?

Protein supplements are protein and nutrition sources in our food that aid bodybuilders and athletes in achieving their daily protein intake requirements. There are various types of protein supplements available in the market including:

  • Protein powders
  • Protein bars
  • Weight gainers
  • Meal replacements

They are available in different flavors, such as cookie- and cream-flavored weight gainers and fruit-flavored protein powders. So the question still remains do protein supplements work?

The issue in question is one of the hot topics being debated in the sports nutrition industry. Given below are points which are in favor and points against the question.

How Much Protein Does My Body Need?

Although the daily requirement of protein needed by the body is 40 to 70 grams, yet the protein intake of an individual varies depending on his gender, age, weight, and profession. However, if you are an athlete or a bodybuilder, your intake of protein would be higher than a normal individual because of strenuous workouts and resistance training. The average daily requirement of sportsmen and bodybuilders is about 1.2 to 1.8 g/kg.

Pro-Supplements

The supporters of protein supplements believe that they offer an instant and nutritionally effective alternative. They are able to answer the question do protein supplements work in the affirmative by reasoning that protein supplements, such as whey proteins, have amino acids which help to build and maintain muscles if combined effectively with a diet and exercise plan. They also help in the production of red blood cells, make your hair strong, and give you a healthy skin. Though there are different types of protein supplements that the body builders take, including soy proteins and egg proteins, but whey proteins are considered to be the best protein supplements.

Whey Protein

Protein supplements, such as whey proteins, make up about 25 percent of milk proteins. Whey proteins are also helpful because they are absorbed quickly by the body and help prevent constipation and other intestinal diseases. Whey protein, unlike other milk proteins, does not contain lactose or sugar. In fact, studies have proven that whey protein helps in increasing blood levels of glutathione.

Anti-Supplements

Some people are of the view that a well-balanced diet is the best way to ingest protein. The body is made to adapt well to proteins received through a natural process, and the protein supplements can never take the place of nutrients food sources.

If you weigh the pros and cons of taking protein supplements, you will realize that reasons for taking a protein supplement are much more than not taking it. Now, you are equipped to answer yourself do protein supplements work?

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 25th, 2010 at 10:46 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site. Sports Top Blogs Health blogs Blog Directory

Leave a Reply