So, what’s the best protein shake. Many trainers, workout enthusiasts and dieters drink protein shakes as part of their daily routine. Why protein shakes? Do they work?
Three-quarters of the solid material in the human body is composed of protein. The body uses protein to produce all its muscles and other tissues, including organ tissue, and to generate enzymes, hormones, immune system components, nucleic acids and cellular messengers. A study published in a 2004 issue of Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise found that Marines who drank a 100-calorie recovery shake with just 40 calories (10 grams) of protein experienced enhanced deposition of muscle protein – in other words retained more protein as lean muscle mass. What’s more the study found these marines had 83% less medical visits from heat exhaustion, 37% less from joint and muscle complaints, 28% less from viral and bacterial infections and 33% less medical visits overall.
Without enough protein the body can face the following challenges:
• it can’t combine the structures necessary to compose its every organ, tissue and cell
• it can’t manufacture the biochemical components required for cardiovascular function and muscle contraction
• it can’t heal or grow as fast or as well, creating the greater potential for overworking the muscles and increasing risk of injury
Solid food sources of protein include eggs, dairy, meat and beans. Protein shakes offer an alternative – or better put, a supplement – to these sources.
What Are Protein Shakes
Protein shakes are drinks composed of protein in a powdered form mixed with water, milk or juice and possibly blended with other fruits, vegetables, dairy products or supplements. For the purposes of this examination of protein shakes, we’ll be looking at the powdered protein that forms the base of these protein shakes, independent of whatever other ingredients one may include in their shake.
How Do Protein Shakes Work (And Do They Work)
To answer the second question first – yes, protein shakes do work. They work, that is, as long as they are used properly. Many people drink protein shakes for energy before a workout, but that is not their primary purpose. Protein shakes are primarily to help the body build muscle and restore itself after exertion. For energy prior to or following exertion, carbohydrates and water are far better. It’s the carbohydrates in protein shakes, in fact, that provide the energy boost many people associate with drinking them. There is a time when it is appropriate – and even helpful – to drink protein shakes before a certain kind of workout.
Benefits of Protein Shakes
In summary, protein shakes offer several benefits, foremost among them:
• muscle repair / preventing muscle breakdown
• lean muscle mass growth
• strength building
• increased endurance
• improved immune system function
• more bioavailability of protein than from solid food
• larger protein quantity per volume than solid food
Furthermore, protein shakes can help people prevent the reverse of these benefits from occurring – muscle damage and breakdown, weakness, tiredness, excessive appetite – caused by not having enough protein in their system following a resistance training workout.
Lastly, protein shakes are convenient. It’s far easier to carry a protein shake packet around with you than a slab of meat. And if you’re short on time, drinking down a protein shake is a lot quicker and easier than eating a meal on the go.
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ViSalus products give your body what it needs to lose weight. No more counting calories or trying to balance how to get the right mix of nutrients within your calorie limit. You can define HOW you use it to meet your lifestyle, even a lifestyle that’s on the go.
Click here to order your shake: Best Protein Shakes
