Protein powder primer; the number one body building supplement

Protein is undeniably the number one body building supplement of all time. It accelerates muscle development and aids in muscle recovery. Body builders and other athletes use the powdered form of this supplement, immediately before and after exercising as it makes up the essential building blocks for muscle growth.

Rich in Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs), whey protein comprises a specific quantity of essential acids which cannot be manufactured by the body. These BCAAs could boost insulin, essential after working out, and may effectively stimulate muscle growth when nutrients, including glucose and creatine, are absorbed into muscle cells. Shawn Talbott, Ph.D., Wicked Fast Sports Nutrition advises that in a recent study "BCAAs are extremely effective both in enhancing post-exercise recovery and reducing the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections (following marathons and triathlons and cycling). The same effect would be seen in weight lifters."

According to David Galanis of BodyBuilding.com, “the release of BCAA's is generally recognized as the signal to the body to stop protein syntheses in the muscles, especially during times of stress. Providing the Branch Chain Amino Acids, especially during those times of stress, may profoundly affect this signal and allow protein synthesis to continue onward.” David has a clever "protein powder finder" on his site. You can search by price, and grams.

Whey protein typically comes in three major forms: concentrate, hydrolysate and isolate, the latter being the most pure and as a result, most expensive. Whey protein isolate is derived from milk (but contains less lactose than concentrate) and although “more expensive” is often misused synonymously with “superior,” the purity in whey protein isolate does not automatically guarantee a rapid increase in muscle size. According to Dr. Lawrence Sosna in his paper, "Whey Protein Facts and Applications," "the various commercial methods of processing whey do not improve or even maintain the fragile immune modulating and regenerative components or the biological activity that was originally in the milk."

Studies have shown that a regular supplementation of whey protein has immune system boosting capabilities as it can increase the levels of glutathione (an anti-oxidant required for a healthy immune system) in the body. “Without glutathione, other important antioxidants such as vitamins C and E cannot do their job adequately to protect your body against disease,” wrote Dr. Allan Somersall, Ph.D., and Dr. Gustavo Bounous in “Breakthrough in Cell Defense.”

Protein supplements are an ideal choice for maintaing an overall healthy diet and for promoting weight loss. According to Will Brink, Life Extension Magazine "whey consumption promotes feelings of satisfaction and fullness that lead to reduced appetite and decreased food intake. Whey may thus provide valuable assistance for those seeking to lose weight by helping to limit their caloric intake." See how readers use whey protein in "Readers whey-in: Creative ways to use protein powder."

As with all supplements, consult your doctor before beginning any weight loss or diet change regimen. “Athletes need more protein in their diet, often as much as twice the recommended daily allowance. The protein they choose makes a difference,” - Whey Protein Institute.

"The key point in regard to the quality and effectiveness of whey is that the full range of biological activity and proportion of the fragile protein components be preserved in their original native form as nature provided," says Sosna.

Stefan Pinto recommends:
	ABB Pure PRO Protein Content: 35G Rich, creamy, and delicious, you’ll almost forget that you’re drinking a protein shake. Made with the finest milk and whey proteins, packed with branched chain amino acids, light on carbs, fat, and sugar.
	BioChem Hemp & Whey Protein Content: 20G 100% pure whey protein isolate without fat, lactose, casein and cholesterol. Contains certified organic hemp seed protein, important essential fatty acids, Omegas, dietary fiber for digestive support.
	Rainbow Light Protein Energizer Whey Protein Content: 20G Branched chain amino acids and adaptogenic herbs, low-fat, low-carb protein.
	BiPro Protein Content: 20G Pure whey protein isolate with no artificial flavors, no fillers and no bulking agents. Rich source of essential and branched chain amino acids (BCAAs). Pure protein without carbohydrates, fat, gluten and sugar.
	Manitoba Harvest Organic Protein Content: 15G Socially responsible dairy milk alternative, rich in whole food nutrition including all Essential Amino Acids (Protein), Omega-3 and Omega-6 Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs), and both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber.
	Vega Whole Food Protein Content: 26G Complete protein, essential fatty acids, probiotics, fiber, enzymes, antioxidants, chlorella, and maca, while maintaining a slightly alkaline pH level in the body. A whole-food powder that can be mixed with water to supply complete nutrition anytime, anywhere.
	Vital Whey Protein Content: 15G Maintains the full range of the fragile immune-modulating and regenerative components naturally present in raw milk. Hormone-treatment-free, and undergoes minimal processing.