The Different Protein Powders And What To Choose?

There is a lot of conversation around the importance of protein powders and the importance of its consumption. There is no dearth in the market of protein powders to buy, but how does one choose. Before you make the choice, it’s important to understand the different kinds of protein powders available in the market. 

The widest categorization of protein powders can be done on the basis of source i.e Protein derived from whey, protein derived from casein and plant protein. Let’s discuss each in detail and find out which is the best type of protein powder that you should go for. 

Whey

Known as the ‘fast protein’, whey gets digested easily and forms amino acids. It helps repair the wear and tear of muscle tissues after a heavy workout. If you’re someone who works out daily, you should include whey protein in your diet. The best way to consume it is by mixing a whey protein powder in cold water or milk and having the shake within 30 minutes after a workout session.

Casein

Unlike whey, casein takes more time to get digested. However, this doesn’t mean that it is a poor choice of protein supplement. As this protein does its job at a steady rate, the best time to consume it is before bedtime. It is a good option for those who are mostly into endurance activities and require prolonged recovery. As you sleep, the protein slowly gets digested throughout the night and recovers the damaged muscles steadily.

Plant Protein

Plant-based proteins are highly accepted today because of the wide range of benefits they offer. They are obtained from various plants, including pumpkin, pea, chia seeds, quinoa, brown rice and more. They are rich in micronutrients and get digested with ease. 

Which protein powder should I choose?

If you’re looking for a protein powder that gets digested easily, then you should opt for either whey protein or plant protein. If you’re a vegan, or lactose-intolerant, then plant-based proteins should be your choice. While buying any protein powder, ensure that it does not contain added sugar, artificial preservatives, flavouring or colouring agents, as this can lead to long term harm.