Why You Should Be Drinking Protein Shakes
If you're working out, it's no secret that protein shakes are a quick and easy way to consume high-quality, readily available protein. People turn to protein shakes for things like muscle gain or weight loss, but many people have questions about the other benefits of protein shakes.
What do protein shakes do? They're commonly used by those interested in building muscle quickly or reducing recovery time between workouts. But what kind of protein shake is best?
What Is a Protein Shake, Exactly?
Protein shakes are dietary supplements that provide protein and amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. Called BCAAs, or branched-chain amino acids, they help your body create protein as muscle mass and help reduce muscle loss or breakdown.
They can be made from various protein sources, including animal, dairy, and vegetable-based proteins. Each has different advantages and macro information.
Reasons for Drinking Protein Shakes
Protein shakes provide a handy way to increase protein consumption without adding extra calories and without the complication of having to prepare high-protein meals. They're convenient and oftentimes, delicious while being low calorie.
Using protein shakes as a meal replacement may help athletes or other active people, and it can also help anyone interested in weight loss. Protein powders and shakes can help you feel full and satisfied, even if you're skipping meals or limiting your caloric intake.
Different Types of Protein Shakes
There are many different variations of protein shakes available. Whey protein made from cow's milk is the most prevalent protein shake, for good reason. It has higher amino acid content than other protein types, is quickly absorbed by the body, and is the highest-quality protein source for protein shakes or protein powders.
Other types of protein powders include casein protein or plant proteins. This dairy-derived protein is digested more slowly and keeps you feeling full, longer. Plant-based protein powders are usually made from soy, hemp, or rice proteins. Though good for those with lactose intolerance or dietary restrictions, these shakes can sometimes contain other ingredients like vitamins and minerals for additional health benefits.
Surprising Benefits of Protein Shakes
Protein shakes can help you build lean muscle and help you hit your daily protein goals. A high-protein diet can help curb your appetite, increase feelings of fullness and satiation, and boost your metabolism.
Your body burns more calories by metabolizing proteins over fats or carbohydrates, and a high-protein diet may help you reduce belly fat through fat oxidation.
Legacy FRESH Whey Protein
If you're looking for a well rounded whey protein, Legacy's FRESH Whey Protein powder is an excellent option for helping you meet your fitness goals. Each scoop of Legacy FRESH Whey protein contains 26 grams of protein from pasture-fed whey isolate—the best available whey protein and the most easily absorbed and digested by your body.
It contains high amounts of the beneficial BCAAs mentioned above, comes in six flavors, and is an excellent choice for supplementing your protein intake as part of a healthy diet and fitness regimen.