Protein Shake: Healthy or Not?

Introduction:

Just like any other drink or liquid we use in our lives, protein shakes are one of the many. Protein shakes help in building muscle mass or can be used for the removal of fats depending upon the category we choose to transform into. Everything has its pros and cons, therefore, protein shakes have their own.

Is a protein shake junk food?

No, a protein shake is not considered to be junk food at all. It is first of all a liquid in terms of state and second, it is a source of raw protein made from many food items.

Some protein powders have little added sugar, and others have a lot (as much as 23 grams per scoop). Some protein powders can simply convert a glass of milk into a drink with more than 1,200 calories.

The risk: weight gain and an unhealthy spike in blood sugar.

Is protein powder junk?

Protein powder is not bad for anyone. Some protein powders may contain unwanted or harmful ingredients, but this is rare. Be sure to buy powders that have been through third-party testing which they have mentioned on the label.

Protein powders are powdered forms of protein that come from plants (soybeans, peas, rice, potatoes), eggs, or milk (casein or whey protein). The powders may include other ingredients such as added sugars, artificial flavoring, vitamins, and minerals.

The amount of protein per scoop can vary from 10 to 30 grams. Supplements used for building muscle contain relatively more protein, and supplements used for weight loss contain relatively less.

Which is the NO.1 healthy protein shake in the world?

Protein shakes can be an easy way to increase protein intake. This may be useful for people looking to put on muscle, lose weight, or promote injury recovery.

All of the protein shakes which are being manufactured in the world have their specific purposes and results. Some contain hygienic and purely extracted nutritious content from raw foods and some possess a low percentage in this regard. Therefore, several protein shakes have been proven quite useful in the result outcomes. One of them for reducing body weight and fat is discussed below:

The best one for losing weight:

The SlimFast protein shake is one of the best protein shakes out there. It contains caffeine so it may suit people looking for an energy boost in the morning.

This product contains dietary fiber, which research suggests can promote weight loss and help people stick to their diet. This is likely because fiber takes longer to digest, helping people feel fuller for longer.

Its primary protein source is milk protein isolate.

This shake is also available in a range of flavors:

• rich chocolate
• mocha cappuccino
• Cappuccino

Pros

• contains added vitamins
• no added sugars (except for the cappuccino flavor)

Cons

• relatively high-calorie content per serving
• relatively high in sodium
• contains lactose, canola oil, and sucralose

Why we chose it:

Momentous Essential is our pick for the best whey protein powder thanks to its high-quality ingredients and best quality testing.

Specifically, the powder contains whey isolate sourced from milk produced by grass-fed cows.

Whey isolate contains more than 90% protein by weight and is relatively low in lactose, whereas whey concentrate contains 25–89% protein and more lactose.

The powder also includes an enzyme blend that the company claims helps improve the absorption of protein and reduce stomach upset, though research doesn’t currently support these claims.

Momentous Protein is third-party tested and is both NSF Certified for Sport and Informed-Sport Certified, which means it’s a good option for competitive athletes. It’s also certified gluten-free.

What is the most unhealthy protein shake in the world?

We have written a complete guide for protein consumption, read here. Any protein shake that can cause trouble in health in any possible aspect has severe and detrimental consequences. No one can 110% rely on the healthy outcome of having a protein shake. One has to keep in mind the pros and cons of having a protein shake and use it in an orderly and balanced fashion.

High or more scoops of protein can cause some side effects such as increased bowel movements, acne, nausea, thirst, bloating, reduced appetite, tiredness, and headache.

Many of these products contain added oils, sugars, probiotics, or amino acids. Sugars and oils can mean more calories, potentially leading to weight gain.

What are the risks?

There are numerous risks to consider when using protein powder. They are discussed below:

• A protein powder is a dietary supplement.

The FDA leaves it up to manufacturers to evaluate the safety and labeling of products. So, there's no way to know if a protein powder contains what manufacturers claim.

• We don't know the long-term effects.

It may cause digestive distress. People with dairy allergies or trouble digesting lactose (milk sugar) can experience gastrointestinal discomfort if they use a milk-based protein powder.

• It may be high in added sugars and calories.

Some protein powders have little added sugar, and others have a lot (as much as 23 grams per scoop). Some protein powders wind up turning a glass of milk into a drink with more than 1,200 calories.

The risk:

Weight gain and an unhealthy spike in blood sugar.

A new risk revealed

Earlier this year, a nonprofit group called the Clean Label Project released a report about toxins in protein powders. Researchers screened 134 products for 130 types of toxins and found that many protein powders contained heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury), bisphenol-A (BPA, which is used to make plastic), pesticides, or other contaminants with links to cancer and other health conditions. Some toxins were present in significant

quantities. For example, one protein powder contained 25 times the allowed limit of BPA(Bisphenol A).

Conclusion:

From the above discussion, it can be concluded that protein intake must happen in a limited and balanced form. As we all know that excess of everything is bad, therefore, one first needs to check and verify the ingredients and then consume it in a prescribed order.

What type of protein shake is used commonly?

Protein powders are a quick way to help ensure that your body is nourished and satisfied. People use them for a variety of reasons — to lose weight, improve sports performance, build muscle mass, and overall wellbeing.

What is the most commonly used protein supplement?

Whey protein is one of the most commonly used proteins and is best for day-to-day use. It contains all of the essential amino acids and is easily digested. It helps boost energy and can reduce stress levels. Whey isolates and concentrates are best to use after a workout.

Protein types and uses:

Soy protein is a common choice as well. It helps reduce high cholesterol and can ease symptoms of menopause for some women. It can also help with osteoporosis by helping build bone mass.

Other types of protein include:

• Egg protein, released more slowly than whey, can be taken throughout the day.

• Milk proteins help support immune function and enhance muscle growth.

• Brown Rice protein, which is 100% plant-based, is a good choice for vegetarians or for people who don’t consume dairy products.

• Pea protein is highly digestible, hypo-allergenic, and economical.

• Hemp protein is also 100% plant-based. It’s a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Which meal is best to replace it with a protein shake?

There can be many items one can eat to obtain the same amount of protein as one can consume with a protein shake. Some of the best meals as a replica to protein shakes are discussed below:

Try the following protein powder alternatives or meals for size:

1. High-protein smoothies.
2. Hard-boiled eggs.
3. Greek yogurt and fruit.
4. Chocolate milk.
5. Apple slices with nut butter.
6. Overnight oats.

Problems with traditional protein powder:

There are some problems one can face having a protein powder shake. These are discussed below:

1. Taste and texture

While some people enjoy the taste of protein powder, others can’t stomach the grainy, powdery texture or the overly sweet, artificial flavors used in an attempt to make it palatable.

2. Artificial ingredients

Not all protein powders are created equal, some have added vitamins and nutrients, others use artificial sweeteners and sugar to make them drinkable.

3. Bloating or stomach upset

People who have trouble digesting lactose can have stomach issues with milk-based protein powders. Plant-based protein might provide a more suitable alternative.

What if someone wants to eat for protein intake?

If someone prefers to eat rather than drink his/her protein then try Veloforte’s hazelnut, coffee, and cocoa mocha protein bar. It comprises complete protein from all-natural sources.

Try the following protein powder alternatives for size:

1. High-protein smoothies

2. Hard-boiled eggs

3. Greek yogurt and fruits

4. Chocolate milk

5. Overnight oats

Conclusion:

From the above discussion it can be concluded that the intake of protein shakes made in a protein shaker is not unhealthy at all but an essential need for everyone out there who wants to get himself in a better physique. However, if we misuse it or use it more than the prescribed amount then it would bring repercussions. Therefore, using it in a confined way can have many potential advantages in our lives.