How to buy protein powder part 1! (Whey)

Over the next couple of days I'll share discuss facts and theories about various protein sources to aid you in your decision at the Health Food store. Firstly, not all proteins are the same although most are beneficial don't be fooled at thinking you can just go grab anything at Wal Mart or Shoppers Drug Mart.

Today we'll look at Whey Protein!

Now, let's start off with some basics that are vital in your decision making process.

Oh, we all know how important protein is right?

No, shame on you, well let me reinforce why you need protein in your body and why it's so important for weight loss and certain metabolic functions.

The Roles of protein!

• Protein stabilizes blood sugar


• Builds and repairs: muscles, skin, teeth, bones and sperm cells


• Aids in blood coagulation


• Helps maintain cell hydration


• Acts as a buffer to maintain acid-base balance


• Transports oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood


• As a last resort fuel source (4 cal per gram)


• As a carrier of various molecules for lipoproteins

The amount of protein needed really depends on various factors like the amount of lean tissue, level of physical activity, age and health but in general we say 1-2 grams of protein per kg of body weight.

Excess protein is not needed because the body cannot store amino acids or protein, however this is usually not a problem because most people don't get enough.

Some things to look out for when buying proteins are:

No artificial flavours or preservatives

No artificial sweeteners

Not loaded with sugar or under 10 grams per scoop

Not loaded with fat or under 3 grams per scoop (the lower the better)

Not loaded with additional carbohydrates unless you're a competitive body builder and are looking to add mass and need additional calories. These protein formulas are called mass builders.

Now, we also need to make sure that the protein we intend to buy has all the essential amino acids.

Amino acids are basically what proteins are, broken down into smaller forms.

Now, there are 10 essential amino acids and 10 non essential amino acids.

In order for our proteins to be complete or beneficial to us we need to have all the essential amino acids. Well it's really 9 essential amino acids that are required out of the 10 but for simplicity sake just look for the following 10 essential amino acids below:

1. Arginine


2. Histidine


3. Isoleucine


4. Leucine


5. Lysine


6. Methionine


7. Phenylalanine


8. Threonine


9. Valine


10. Tryptophan

Now, the non essential still have value and be looked upon as added value or bonus to your protein powder. They are listed below:

1. Alanine


2. Aspartic acid


3. Glutamic acid


4. Asparagine


5. Cysteine


6. Glutamine


7. Glycine


8. Proline


9. Serine


10. Tyrosine

Now, let's look at some facts about Whey protein.

• Whey is a protein extracted from milk being marketed as the best protein for building muscles.


• Whey unlike whole milk does not contain lactose or fat.


• Research has shown Whey can enhance immune function in animals.


• Whey can raise blood levels of glutathione (body’s primary antioxidant)


• Whey does not add muscle but assists in building muscle accompanied by exercise.


• Research has shown that Whey protein can extend life, based on a study done on hamsters.


• Whey is a good source of protein.

More on protein tomorrow!

Thanks for reading!

Chat in a bit!

Chris Walker, The why can't I lose weight expert!

http://www.chriswalkersfitness.com/