What are protein shakes?
Protein shakes are a combination of protein power, water and few other ingredients – blended into a nutritious drink. They are typically consumed after workouts, often as meal replacements.
Although popular among bodybuilders, protein shakes are also consumed by various kinds of people to meet their desired fitness goals.
Including protein shakes in your lifestyle can have a very positive impact. Listed below are few facts about protein shakes to help you understand their benefits better.
Weight management
Protein satiates hunger better than the calorie-rich carbohydrates and fats. Hence, increasing the amount of protein you consume helps you feel fuller with less calorie intake.
Also, since protein powders have controlled quantities of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, it is easier to keep a measure of your consumption.
Muscle Building
Protein plays a key role in developing muscles. Exercise results in minor wear and tear of the muscles and requires adequate nutrition to recover. This is where protein shakes come in to play by facilitating the rebuilding process. Since they’re in a liquid form, the resultant uptake of protein into the bloodstream is faster.
Some clinical findings on the effect of protein shakes on muscle development are as follows:
Consuming protein shake results in-
- Increased muscle strength
- Better muscle adaption to exercises
- Improved stamina
- Increased lean mass
Convenience
Fulfilling the body’s protein requirements through solid food can require a lot of planning and effort and can be very time-consuming. Our fast-paced lives make this even more difficult. In such a scenario, protein shakes come to the rescue, offering the luxury of quality ingredients in a convenient package.
Nutrient Intake
Protein shakes are extremely versatile and allow the opportunity to add a variety of other nutrient sources in addition to it. A protein shake can include a wide range of ingredients such as berries, aloe vera gel, flaxseed oil, coconut oil, and a host of other food supplements. These delicious variants make staying healthy more enjoyable without compromising on nutrition.
A word of caution
While the benefits of protein shakes are numerous, there are a few things one must be careful about. Protein shakes being dietary supplements, they are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, and hence the quality of different products available in the market may vary greatly. Also, there is no guarantee about the end result.
It is important to remember that protein shakes are supplements and if you get enough protein by eating whole foods, consuming supplements isn’t necessary. Over-consumption of protein can increase the risk of heart and kidney problems and even cause nutritional imbalances. Some shakes are also high in sugar, so it’s important to check the ingredients before buying.
If you’re considering including protein shakes in your diet, remember to consult your doctor or a certified dietician first. This is especially important if you are drinking shakes to attain specific fitness goals.
