What are the pros/cons of taking Protein Powder? Is it safe to take?
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talk to your doctor
Do a search in this forum and you will find all kinds of information on the subject. A lot depends on how old you are and what type of workouts your are doing.
It is safe and no you don't need to talk to a Dr about it, but taking protein for the sake of taking it will do nothing for you.
It is safe and no you don't need to talk to a Dr about it, but taking protein for the sake of taking it will do nothing for you.
quote:Originally posted by trw5:
What are the pros/cons of taking Protein Powder? Is it safe to take?
It's fine. No different than food.
If you work out you'll get stronger.
If you take protein you'll have really expensive urine.
If you take protein you'll have really expensive urine.
Not exactly correct Trojan. Protein helps if you take it at the right times and in the right quantities. It is well researched and proven. But it only helps if you do a serious lifting routine. If you aren't lifting seriously, then it just gets you fat, and makes your urine expensive.
Mostly, protein powders are only needed if you have a hard time eating enough to put on muscle or keep your new muscle on. That means, it is mostly helpful for guys who have been lifting a while and have a good amount of muscle already. If you are new to lifting, it'll take a few months of serious lifting before you really need to entertain the idea. It's also helpful to add to your diet if you need extra protein but not all of the unnecessary fat or carb calories that can come with getting protein from food sources.
A high quality whey protein is good as a supplement. Mix it with milk and fruit and it makes a fast and easy breakfast. Just don't over do it. Eating meat is your best source--eggs provide the highest quality protein. Vegetable protein is the worst by far--it's virtually useless for lifters.
Roughly, 1.5grams of Protein x your lean body weight is the ratio of protein you want in order to add muscle while you are lifting. Your body generally won't digest more than 40g's of protein in one sitting. The rest will go to urine or more likely-fat. Although, steak takes quite a while to digest so even though you may have well more than 40g's in a sitting. E.g.you might digest 60g's or more successfully from a steak.
Most research says take simple carbs during the 1hr following a lift. Then after that hour you can take protein. 24 hrs out from the lift your body requires the most protein.
Mostly, protein powders are only needed if you have a hard time eating enough to put on muscle or keep your new muscle on. That means, it is mostly helpful for guys who have been lifting a while and have a good amount of muscle already. If you are new to lifting, it'll take a few months of serious lifting before you really need to entertain the idea. It's also helpful to add to your diet if you need extra protein but not all of the unnecessary fat or carb calories that can come with getting protein from food sources.
A high quality whey protein is good as a supplement. Mix it with milk and fruit and it makes a fast and easy breakfast. Just don't over do it. Eating meat is your best source--eggs provide the highest quality protein. Vegetable protein is the worst by far--it's virtually useless for lifters.
Roughly, 1.5grams of Protein x your lean body weight is the ratio of protein you want in order to add muscle while you are lifting. Your body generally won't digest more than 40g's of protein in one sitting. The rest will go to urine or more likely-fat. Although, steak takes quite a while to digest so even though you may have well more than 40g's in a sitting. E.g.you might digest 60g's or more successfully from a steak.
Most research says take simple carbs during the 1hr following a lift. Then after that hour you can take protein. 24 hrs out from the lift your body requires the most protein.
I agree Jonesy.. I meant to say if you just take protein.
I have trained a lot of folks for a lot of years, (and no, I am not a nutritionist) but I am just not convinced that folks need a protein supplement. Otherwise, as was humorously suggested above, you will just have expensive urine.
Really, if your diet (and willpower) is so poor that you do need one, you probably need to reevaluate your athletic goals. A diet that features dairy products, eggs and relatively lean cuts of meat, and carbs and fats that are relatively unprocessed will provide all the nutrition one needs for the VAST majority of athletes.
If you are just dying to spend your money at the GNC, however, consider supplementing a high end fish oil and vitamin C. Studies on fish oil suggest that it aids nerve function, reduces inflammation and provides a host of positive benefits; all of which benefit athletes. Vitamin C is a water-based vitamin (you can't store it) that aids in recuperation.
Really, if your diet (and willpower) is so poor that you do need one, you probably need to reevaluate your athletic goals. A diet that features dairy products, eggs and relatively lean cuts of meat, and carbs and fats that are relatively unprocessed will provide all the nutrition one needs for the VAST majority of athletes.
If you are just dying to spend your money at the GNC, however, consider supplementing a high end fish oil and vitamin C. Studies on fish oil suggest that it aids nerve function, reduces inflammation and provides a host of positive benefits; all of which benefit athletes. Vitamin C is a water-based vitamin (you can't store it) that aids in recuperation.
I like a protein shake in the morning. It's quick and healthy. I only use one scoop and it's low calorie; I mix it with water. Elite protein for me is the way to go. It is a much healthier option than most people have for their breakfast.