If you're starting out with a workout routine and your goal is to build up some muscle then inevitably you'll want to know about Protein Powder and whether or not it helps. You probably want to know if you really need protein powder, does it really work, what kind of powder is the best and how much should you be taking in the first place. This article will give you some straight answers.
Do you really need protein powder?
Protein Powder Whey
The amount of muscle mass you gain is directly related to the amount of protein you take into your system. The average daily intake should be around 400 grams of protein a day if your goal is to build substantial muscle mass. No matter what food you eat, you will be very hard pressed to be able to take in that many grams with food alone. 125 - 157 grams is about the average that you can get through food and still eat healthy. So it makes sense to supplement your diet with protein powder.
Yes, protein powder is a supplement and should be used as one. That means that you use it to compliment and supplement your diet and not replace it. Protein powder is also more cheaper that a meal that has the same amount of grams per serving. Also powder cannot give you other nutrients that whole food can, so make sure you use the power as pure supplement. The bulk of your dietary protein should in from fish, meats, chicken and eggs.
Does it really work?
Yes it does. Protein has amino acids that are important to building and maintaining muscles if you combine it with a diet and exercise plan. It also helps the production of red blood cells and boosts your immune system and gives you strong hair and healthy skin.
Be carefully when choosing protein powder though because some powder will have bad ingredients like aspartame, fructose and artificial colors. Chose one that has natural ingredients and not artificially sweetened. Make sure you do your research before you buy any powders and make sure that the brand is trusted and other people are using it etc.
How much pure protein do you need?
It's generally said to be 1.5 grams of protein per pound of lean body mass. Lets say you're 175lbs and have 10% body fat. This means that 175 x (10/100) = 157.5lbs. That's your lean body mass. So your daily requirement of protein is between 135 to 200 grams of fat per day. If you can get that amount with food alone, that's great but it's more economical and practical use powder to get to that level.
What kind of protein powder should you use?
That's a good question. There a different kinds but the following are the most well known:
Whey Protein has a good amino profile and makes up about 25% of milk proteins. Take this type of powder when your body most needs it like before, during or after your workout because it is absorbed immediately.
Casein Protein is good but is more slower to be absorbed by your body so don't take it before or during your workout. Take it when your body has enough time to absorb it like in the morning with your breakfast etc.
Soy protein have had some controversy associated with it because some people think that it doesn't do your body much good and that it can sometimes be harmful. Either way it's safer to stick with the first two types since those types have been used the most.
Protein Powder is a good supplement to your diet and make sure that you use them wisely. But remember that protein alone is not going to help you build muscle and that killer body you dream of. You need proven workout and exercises along with a healthy diet.
Cyber Monday Optimum Nutrition Creatine Powder, Unflavored, 600g 2011 Deals
Nov 30, 2011 18:48:14
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Cyber Monday Optimum Nutrition Creatine Powder, Unflavored, 600g Feature
- Made with CreaPure Creatine
- Increases muscle strength and power
- Improves performance in high-intensity exercise
- Increase energy levels and speed up recovery rates
- Enhance energy reserves in muscles while minimizing protein breakdown
Cyber Monday Optimum Nutrition Creatine Powder, Unflavored, 600g Overview
Dietary Supplement. Each serving (one teaspoon) of Optimum Nutrition's Creatine Powder supplies 5 grams (5000 mg) of Pure Creatine Monohydrate. The patented production method used to produce this Creatine yields a tasteless, odorless powder that mixes easily into water or juice and does not readily settle to the bottom. As a result, the gritty taste or texture you may have experienced with other Creatine powders is not associated with this product. Optimum Nutrition's Creatine Powder is produced and packaged in our own state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in accordance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs).Cyber Monday Optimum Nutrition Creatine Powder, Unflavored, 600g Specifications
 | MICRONIZED CREATINE POWDER |
 Nutrition Information |
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Quality Counts: GMP Certified Products
Optimum Nutrition's commitment to quality is evident throughout the entire product development process. As a continued measure of quality, all vendors must provide a Certificate of Analysis for each raw material supplied. The certified analyses are also verified through random in-house and independent laboratory testing. To further diminish any chance of physical, chemical, and microbiological contaminants, ON has established and implemented a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) program. Quality assurance professionals make routine checks on all storage, blending, and production areas and conduct daily inspections.
ON is proud that NSF International, The Public Health and Safety Company, has certified the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Registration of its in-house manufacturing operation. Together, these practices and procedures allow ON to consistently deliver first-rate sports nutrition supplements under the strictest quality control standards.
About Optimum Nutrition: True Strength
Since 1986, Optimum Nutrition has been supporting the nutrition goals of elite athletes and goal-driven individuals around the world. Building on a foundation of company owned and operated production facilities, unparalleled manufacturing expertise, and uncompromising quality standards, ON continually strives to bring athletes and active individuals sports nutrition solutions designed to make a real difference in performance. Whether your goals involve strength, speed, power, endurance - or any combination - ON supplements work as hard as you do. Realize your True Strength with the quality and innovation leader.
What's in the Box
Optimum Nutrition Creatine Powder, 600 grams.
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ON is proud that NSF International, The Public Health and Safety Company, has certified the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Registration of its in-house manufacturing operation. Together, these practices and procedures allow ON to consistently deliver first-rate sports nutrition supplements under the strictest quality control standards.
About Optimum Nutrition: True Strength