How to Choose the Right Protein?
Proteins are essential for growth, regeneration, and the maintenance of muscle mass. Adequate protein intake is important for the entire population; however, for athletes, it is especially crucial for performance and the replenishment of essential amino acids. Protein supplements represent a practical way to supply high-quality proteins at any time during the day as well as after training.
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Proteins are the building blocks of our muscles, tendons, and bones. Proteins make up our entire organism, and if we want to support our healthy lifestyle, we should understand why protein supplements are useful for us and how to navigate among them. Protein dietary supplements are natural concentrated sources of protein, and their supplementation can help us with muscle gain and maintenance. Additionally, adequate supplementation is also suitable for weight loss regimes, thanks to the satiating properties of proteins.
For most strength-focused athletes, the problem is consuming enough protein in a regular diet (about 1.5–2 g of protein per 1 kg of optimal body weight), which is why protein products are a great source for them. Some types of protein supplements are more suitable as snacks, while others are excellent sources of protein right after training. So how to choose the right one among them?
Whey Proteins
This is the best-selling group of protein supplements. These proteins, referred to as Whey, are the most suitable source for protein shakes.
Whey protein is quickly digested and absorbed, making it suitable for both bulking preparations for muscle gain and for cutting diets. The individual subtypes of whey supplements vary slightly depending on what we are looking for.
WPC Protein
These are whey protein concentrates with 70–80% protein content, which can be supplemented with additional ingredients. These products are suitable for both cutting diets and bulking phases.
- Our Tip: 100% Whey Protein
WPI Protein
Whey protein isolates with a higher degree of processing containing 80–90% protein in dry matter. These products are particularly suitable due to their faster digestibility after training or in cutting diets due to their negligible sugar and fat content.
- Our Tip: Iso Whey Prozero
HYDRO Protein
Although whey proteins are well digested and quickly absorbed, hydrolyzed proteins rank among the top in absorption speed due to their high degree of hydrolysis. This protein can be used as a quick snack less than an hour before training and also as a quick source of protein after training.
- Our Tip: Hydro Whey
Casein Protein
Unlike whey proteins, casein proteins have a very slow absorption rate. These protein products are suitable as snacks in cutting regimes or in the evening, as casein protein is absorbed over 6 hours.
- Our Tip: Micellar Casein
Beef Protein
Proteins containing beef protein are suitable as a snack or as an alternative in the form of a protein shake instead of whey protein if you have an allergy to dairy protein or lactose. These proteins also contain a higher amount of collagen.
- Our Tip: 100% Beef Protein
Plant Protein
These products are primarily suitable for vegans and for those who, for some reason, cannot use whey protein sources. It is very beneficial for plant proteins to contain multiple plant sources, as single-source products do not contain a complete amino acid profile. These types of proteins can very well supplement our daily protein intake and are also more environmentally friendly.
- Our Tip: Delicious Vegan Protein
Protein with Carbohydrates
For muscles to grow after strenuous training, it is necessary to end the catabolic reaction caused by physical activity by replenishing glycogen. These products will ensure the delivery of essential quickly absorbable sugars and proteins immediately after physical exertion.
- Our Tip: After Training Protein
Gain Supplements
These are carbohydrate-protein products for those who really struggle with gaining weight or for those who need to cover a high caloric deficit after training. The high carbohydrate content along with quality proteins can help individuals primarily gain muscle mass and with recovery.
- Our Tip: Mass Gain
Protein Porridge and Pancake
If you are looking for a ready-made tasty meal with a good protein content, complex carbohydrates, and fiber, you can reach for the protein, gluten-free oatmeal Protein Porridge. Or are you in the mood for fluffy pancakes with a high protein content? Protein Pancake just needs to be mixed with water, poured onto a pan, and you’re all set!