Protein Supplements

"Protein supplements in the form of whey protein are an essential requirement for any bodybuilder hoping to make serious muscle gains."


The information presented below seeks to summarize the most important facts relating to whey protein supplements and should arm you with sufficient knowledge to decide whether you need to use it.

To access in-depth information about this essential supplement and to enjoy the generous savings available on a huge range of whey protein products, please visit the Bodybuilding.com cyberstore.

What is it?

Whey protein comes from milk during the process of turning milk into cheese. Although protein is found naturally in dairy products, eggs, soy and vegetable protein, none of these compares in quality or ease of use to whey protein powder. It also has the highest value in providing branched chain amino acids (BCAA's) which contribute to building and retaining muscle.

It is not the only form of protein supplementation available to bodybuilders, but it is widely acknowledged to be the best. For those of you wishing to find out more about alternative sources,please visit egg protein for details of the traditional high protein source, or soy protein for details of a form that is very low in fat, cholesterol and lactose.

What does it do?

Whey protein supplements provide the body with the necessary building blocks to produce amino acids that are used for building muscle tissue. Studies have shown that whey protein contains the perfect combination of amino acids, in just the right concentrations for optimal performance in the body.

Hormonal and cellular responses are greatly enhanced by whey protein and it is thought to have a role as an antioxidant and immune system builder.

Who needs it?

Whey protein is needed by just about every bodybuilder and athlete. Intensive physical activity depletes protein levels, therefore supplementation helps the muscles to recover and grow faster by increasing the levels of protein.

Dieters may also benefit from taking whey protein supplements due to the positive effect on maintaining balanced blood sugar levels. This helps dieters maintain energy, reduce overeating and accelerate fat loss.

How is it taken?

Whey protein is best taken in powder form mixed with your favorite drink, but preferably milk. Its consumption should be spread throughout the day to maintain a positive nitrogen balance.

Training athletes may consume up to 25 grams of whey protein per day while bodybuilders seeking serious gains (and burning serious calories) may consume up to 150 grams per day. The formula is quite simple - take your weight in pounds and multiple it by 1 or 1.5.

For example, a 200 pound bodybuilder would consume 200 - 300 grams of protein per day. Work out how much protein is taken in the form of food and other sources, then spread the remaining daily whey protein target over the number of meals per day.

Is it safe?

Extremely high individual doses of whey protein supplements are not recommended as this could overload the liver. You will get bigger benefits if you spread your intake throughout the day.

Start off with approximately 1 gram per pound of bodyweight each day and consume no more than 30 grams of protein at one sitting.

Does scientific evidence support its use?

The benefits to be gained have been well documented in many scientific studies. In addition to the general health, recovery and immunity building gains provided by whey protein supplements, there is clear proof that consistent intake coupled with consistent exercise will result in consistent muscle building.

Recommended Whey Protein Products

There is a huge range of whey protein supplements on the market, some containing only pure whey protein and others delivering a blend of muscle building supplements. It's really a question of choosing the one that best fits your objectives and pocket.

Clicking here will present you with five of the most effective and popular whey protein supplements currently available.



Don't forget to check out this week's recommended bodybuilding article entitled What causes muscle growth?

1. Stimulus - exercise is needed to make the muscles work, use energy and cause microscopic damage to the fibers.

2. Nutrition - after intense exercise the muscles need to replenish their stores of fuel.

3. Rest - it is during the rest or recovery phase that the muscles repair the microscopic damage and grow.

Muscle size increases due to hypertrophic adaptation and an increase in the cross section area of individual muscle fibers. Intensive exercise impacts more on the strength influencing fast twitch type II fibers, therefore the increase in muscle size is accompanied by greater strength. . . .

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