About protein supplements

Popular brands of protein supplements: Optimum Gold Standard, Gaspari Myofusion, MusclePharm Combat and Balance Whey Protein.

If you are working out regularly and want to build muscle and mass, and recover quicker then you will probably require extra supplementation of protein.

Protein is a common supplement used by bodybuilders to help build muscle and comes in several different forms.

• Whey protein concentrate
• Whey protein isolate
• Egg Albumen
• Soy protein
• Casein protein
• Milk protein isolate

Whey protein is probably the most common form of protein used in creating bodybuilding supplements.  Whey protein is derived from the process of making cheese from milk and contains high levels of all the essential amino acids and branched chain amino acids the body requires.

Whey protein comes in three major forms:

• Concentrate
• Isolate
• Hydrolysate

More commonly, a combination of whey protein concentrates and isolates are used in the production of body building supplements, such as protein powders.  The combination of fast and slow release proteins ensures people are getting protein delivered to their muscles over an extended period of time.

Studies in to the effects of whey protein supplementation on muscle growth have demonstrated some increase in lean body mass and strength.  Protein supplementation after working out also helps to repair muscles torn during work outs, helping people recover faster.

Protein comes in powder and bar form.  The more popular method of protein supplementation is through protein shakes created using protein powder mixed with water or milk.  Protein powder is generally consumed immediately before and after exercising (whey protein), or in replacement of a meal.  Some proteins, like casein protein, are taken before going to bed, ensuring the body is being delivered protein throughout the night.

Protein powder is commonly mixed using a shaker bottle which is designed with a special mesh layer to break up lumps of protein to produce a consistently smooth protein shake.

Protein bars are used for providing protein supplementation on the go and are a practical option for people looking for something sweet to eat.

The amount of protein required per day depends on a number of factors including age, weight, and general health and fitness goals.

While many foods contain protein, this is usually in small quantities, hence why supplementation through protein powder is important for people wanting to build and gain muscle and size.

Shop online for protein

Order your protein powder, protein bars and supplements online from the retailers below.

www.nzmuscle.co.nz

www.nutritionexpress.co.nz

www.aussiemuscle.com