Body builders and dieters alike are looking for the best protein supplement to ensure muscle mass is enhanced, while body fat is diminished. Protein supplements are usually available in the form of a powder that is mixed into some sort of shake and taken in addition to meals or as a meal replacement. The proteins used in these substances are either plant or animal based, but provide a wide variety of amino acids, necessary for muscle repair after workout and muscle bulk replacement.
Types Of Proteins
There is much debate concerning the best protein supplement to build muscle. Most experts will agree that the protein derived from animal sources such as lean meats, chicken, and fish are the best for your body, but there may be many instances in which a supplement of plant-based protein is preferred. There are many kinds of proteins used in supplementation, including whey, casein, soy, wheat, and milk proteins. Whey protein is derived from cheese and is the most easily digested and absorbed of all the supplements. Casein is a milk derivative, whereas milk protein has both casein and whey but benefit of additional vitamins and minerals. Soy protein, derived from soybeans and wheat proteins are incomplete proteins because they are derived from plant sources but can be supplemented with additional amino acids and have value for many people.
The Best Rated Supplements
So which is the best protein powder? It depends on your weight loss or muscle building goals, your other dietary intake of protein, any intolerance you may have to gluten, lactose, or other substances, and your personal preferences. Whey proteins are thought of as the most complete natural protein supplements and are most widely used in bodybuilding and weight loss protein shakes.
So what are the best protein supplements? Taking a look at the customer ratings of some of the most popular products on the market may give us a clue. By far the highest rated protein supplement is the Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard Double Rich Chocolate Shake. It rated 4 ½ out of 5 stars for taste, price, and ingredients. This product was rated over 700 times. The only down side to this shake that is of any concern to customers is the use of artificial sweeteners.
The BSN Syntha-6 Protein Powder and CytoSport Muscle Milk both rate 4 ½ stars by over 200 customers each. The Syntha-6 is a combination of protein sources including eggs, milk, casein, and whey and customers feel great results. It is rated high for flavors, but some concern exists, as it has a higher fat and sugar content and is more expensive than the Optimum Nutrition product. The CytoSport brand customers find that ther
e is a higher fat content in this shake as opposed to others so they don’t recommend it for weight loss but claim it is very good for bulking up and muscle gain. The flavor is great and price is consistent with Syntha-6. The only concerns on this one are the calories and fat content.
EAS AdvantEdge 100% Whey Protein and NOW Foods Whey Protein Isolate Pure both have 4 ½ stars but by have been rated by less than 100 users. Both products appear to be competitively priced with the above, and they are both based on whey proteins. The AdvantEdge reportedly tastes good, but it is sweetened with Splenda and some are concerned about the fat content, as opposed to the NOW product, which is only the whey proteins without any added sugars or fats. This makes the taste pretty bland but many prefer this less enhanced type of shake.
Summary
Therefore, in short, the best protein supplement is dependent upon your needs and preferences. Buy a sample first to see if you like the taste and it agrees with your digestive system. There are many different brands and varieties of protein supplements on the market and by a careful examination of the ingredients combined with taste testing; you will find the one that suits your needs and tastes.
