Whey Protein is one of the most commonly consumed Protein supplements. It is a must-have for individuals who wish to achieve their daily protein goals and bodybuilders who require extra protein. To the layperson, however, it might be difficult to understand what kind of protein powder might be the best suited for their needs. Understanding the ingredients commonly present in these supplements and their usage can go a long way to help you decide your ideal product.
We mention some of the common Whey Protein ingredients below for your understanding –
- Whey Concentrate
Whey Protein concentrate is a filtered form of whey that contains a higher amount of protein and limited carbohydrates and fat. Most protein powders typically contain Whey Concentrate, which can provide up to 80% of protein in each serving.
- Whey Isolate
Whey Isolate is an ultra-filtered form of whey which contains an almost pure form of protein. It is very low in carbs and fats and is ideal for individuals who wish to lose weight and/or achieve lean muscle mass.
- Hydrolyzed whey
Hydrolyzed Whey contains the proteins broken down into smaller particles so that it is easily digested and dispersed into the blood stream.
- Casein
Casein is also a protein derived from dairy that is sometimes added to Whey Protein powders. Casein is a slow digesting protein that releases amino acids slowly. Because of this, it offers a sustained supply of nutrition to muscles. It provides the necessary amino acids continuously and boosts muscle growth even when you are not exercising.
- Soy lecithin
Lecithin is generally found in soybeans or eggs. Soy Lecithin is a component added to most protein powders to enhance its mixability. A protein powder with Soy Lecithin will make very creamy shakes easily even without a blender or shaker.
- Cocoa
Cocoa is usually added to flavoured Protein powder to enhance its taste. Cocoa also has many other benefits for your skin and hair.
- BCAA’s
Some Protein powders are fortified with extra BCAA’s to provide an additional nutrition boost to your body. These help the body recover from fatigue and gain lean muscle mass.
Top Products on Guardian GNC website (www.guardian.in)
Guardian GNC, GNC® India Official Site
ensures to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed choice. All the products listed on Guardian are clearly labelled with all information on the product listing. Below are some top protein powders that contain some or more of the ingredients as mentioned above.
- GNC Pro Performance 100% Whey Protein
GNC provides you with a perfect blend of whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate to fulfill your daily protein requirements. This advanced formula helps to deliver 24g of protein per 36g serving. GNC Pro Performance Whey Protein also comes packed with 5.5g of Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) per serving which helps in quick muscle recovery post strenuous workout sessions.
- Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100 Whey Protein
This Protein powder is packed with a balanced blend of Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Concentrate and Whey Peptides. The powder also contains cocoa for added flavour, lecithin to improve the liability and creaminess of the shake, Sucralose for added sweetness and Lactase for enhanced digestion.
- Ultimate Nutrition Iso 93
This protein powder contains high quality Whey Protein Isolate, providing a high protein dose with a low carb formula. The protein powder also contains added Glutamine complex, which provides essential amino acids for boosting immunity. The Whey Protein also contains Soy lecithin to ensure that you get a creamy lump-free shake every time.
- GNC AMP Gold Series 100% Whey Protein Advanced
This Whey Protein powder is a blend of premium Whey Concentrate, Hydrolysed Whey and Whey Isolate. This formula provides fast absorption of nutrients into the blood stream. GNC AMP Gold Series Whey Protein Advanced delivers 100mg of Digestive Enzymes including protease and lactase per serving for enhanced nutrient breakdown.
- ProBurst Raw Whey
The Proburst Raw Whey contains the best quality pure Whey Protein Concentrate. This Whey Protein concentrate is the least filtered version of Whey Protein. Being as close as possible to the natural source, you can be satisfied of it remaining a Pure organic source.
How much Protein powder do you need?
Whey Protein is one of the most popular high protein supplements. The serving size for Whey Protein powders can range between 25-35 g depending on the type and brand of the Whey Protein product. Each serving can provide between 20-25 g of Pure Protein.
It is recommended to have at least 2 servings of the protein powder everyday so that you achieve your fitness goals. The supplements can be had before, after, or during workouts. You can also have them in between two main meals or create a recipe to add them to your meals. The amount of protein required can, however, differ with different individuals and their training cycles. For this reason, it is best to consult a profession before consuming the product.