Benefits of Protein Powder

Popular among bodybuilders, protein powder is not just for athletes. A convenient way to increase protein intake, protein powder has many benefits.

Most often used by fitness enthusiasts, especially bodybuilders, endurance athletes or those who strength train, protein powder is a convenient way to easily add more protein to the diet. In addition to being quick and easy to prepare, protein powder offers many other benefits.
Benefits of Protein Powder

Besides being easy to digest and easily absorbed by the body, protein powder can provide some of the same benefits as eating foods high in protein. The benefits of protein powder include:

* helps the body to recover from intense workouts;
* repairs damage to muscles and reduces muscle soreness that can occur from strength training;
* when used before exercise, provides the body with energy to power through a workout ;
* helps maintain lean body mass;
* boosts immunity;
* provides a low-calorie and nutrient rich snack between meals or before bed;
* helps stabilize blood sugar levels;
* increases energy;
* helps those who are underweight or who have a speedy metabolism to gain weight;
* may aid weight loss; and
* Protein powder used as an ingredient in a morning smoothie is a nutritious breakfast for those who cannot tolerate solid foods in the morning but realize the importance of consuming a healthy breakfast.

Protein-Rich Foods vs. Protein Supplementation

Even though protein powder is a convenient product and an excellent source of protein, the best source of protein are foods that are high in protein, especially lean meats, eggs and poultry, since protein-rich foods not only offer protein, but many essential vitamins and minerals. While protein deficiency is rare, dietary choices or restrictions may make getting enough protein difficult. For vegetarians or those with certain health conditions, such as being unable to digest animal proteins, protein supplementation can be a healthy option for meeting daily protein recommendations.
How to Use Protein Powder

For a low-calorie snack, one serving of protein powder can be mixed with eight ounces of water or skim milk. Protein powder can also be added to fruit smoothies. In addition, protein powders can be:

* mixed with cottage cheese, orange juice or yogurt;
* sprinkled on hot or cold cereals;
* as an ingredient in muffins, other baked goods or to make homemade protein bars; and
* stirred in stews and soups


Read more at Suite101: Benefits of Protein Powder http://nutrition.suite101.com/article.cfm/benefits-of-protein-powder#ixzz0tUK9v1nE