The Effects of Protein Powder on Performance

The Effects of Protein Powder on Performance

Proteins are very essential for the body as they keep the skin healthy, boost the immune system, speed up the body's healing process, develop and strengthen muscles. People generally take a high protein diet, as a daily intake of adequate amount of proteins is necessary to build muscles and tissues of the body. Bodybuilders who undertake lots of exercises and weightlifting activities need extra protein to strengthen muscles. So, they eat bodybuilding supplements, like protein powder, for this purpose. However, as excess of everything is bad, similarly, consuming protein powder in excess can be detrimental to one's health. Following are the protein powder side effects, but before that a little information on protein powder.

What is Protein Powder?

Protein powders that are available in the market are made from either of the four sources namely, egg, soy, whey or rice. Organic whey protein powder is widely available too. People consume protein powder after mixing it in water, milk or a fruit juice, or they may also add the protein powder to breakfast cereals, porridge, soups and a whole lot of other dishes.

Because protein is necessary for the healthy function, structure and regulation of body cells, tissues and organs, protein powders are formulated to inspire a maximum metabolic effect in the body (Karlsson, 2004, p.7). Protein powders are used aggressively by bodybuilders and athletes to improve performance and may be essential to supplement the diets of those who don't eat enough meat, chicken, fish, beef liver, soy, protein-containing vegetables, etc. - foods known to be good sources of protein. Vegans often don't get enough protein through diet.

Proteins are large molecules composed of long chain amino acids

Protein powder is a dried derivative of animal or vegetable sources of protein, each of which is produced using various processes.

Protein is needed to build muscle and maintain lean muscle in the body

Protein is essential to the healthy functioning of every body system

Protein powders target in the body:

Protein synthesis - for increased muscle mass and enhanced muscle recovery

Energy production - to boost endurance and fight fatigue

Fat utilization - reduce body fat and aid in weight management

Cell health - for immune system strength and overall wellness

The hundreds, if not thousands, of protein powders and brands on the market all contain one of more of the following five sources of protein, and all are processed in ways formulated to mix with a beverage or make a protein shake or smoothie(Candow, 2001, p.12).

Cow milk

Eggs

Soy

Hemp

Goat milk

Cow milk and goat milk proteins include whey and casein, which are separated from lactose and fat in a filtration process that leaves the proteins intact. Casein is the more prevalent protein in both cow and goat milk at roughly 80 percent. The remaining 20 percent of protein is whey.

Soy protein typically comes from dried, defatted soy flakes which are subject to either a water or alcohol extraction process (to remove carbohydrates) and are then dried and ground.

Hemp protein is made from hemp oil which ...