Whey protein powders are better than regular protein powders because of so many reasons. Whey is easily absorbed by the body. If you plan to grow muscles, to develop large and lean muscles, whey protein powders are the answer.
Another reason why whey is better is that there are fewer side effects with this protein powder. Regular protein often causes severe side effects like bloating, stomach pains and gastric irritation. Therefore the only way to make the most out of taking protein for muscle growth is to use whey protein. Here are five of the top whey protein powders popular among users online and offline.
At a Glance: Our Top 3 Best Tasting Whey Protein Powder
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard whey protein powder is 100 percent whey protein with whey isolate, concentrate, and peptides. These support the development of lean muscles which are stronger, more efficient and well-defined. This whey protein brand supports lean muscle development because aside from whey protein combination, it also has 5 grams of BCAAS to build leaner and stronger muscles quickly.
Dymatize Nutrition ISO 100 Whey Protein Powder is 100% whey protein isolate one of the most advanced and effective protein sources. With 100% whey protein isolate you will get 100% benefits compared to other protein powders. This potent protein powder is also hydrolyzed for easy absorption and improved digestion.
Jay Robb grass-fed whey protein with vanilla flavor which is one of the most popular. This contains whey protein isolate, this type of protein works quickly, therefore, you’ll get the benefits of this protein faster. Jay Robb’s formula is easier to blend or mix compared to regular whey protein and other powdered protein brands.
Reviews of the Best Whey Protein Powders
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder
The ON Gold Standard whey protein powder is made of 100% whey protein one of the most efficient, easy to absorb and better-tasting proteins. It is composed of whey isolate, concentrate, and peptides three different types of whey protein that support stronger, more efficient and well-defined lean muscles.
Together with quality whey protein combinations, you will get more results with 5 grams of BCAAS because this builds leaner and stronger muscles. ON Gold Standard is safe to use and is tested for all banned substances. It is natural since it does not contain added sugar and flavors. ON whey isolate powder is trusted by athletes, bodybuilders, and people who train these professionals. This makes this brand a good one to try for building muscle and maintaining good health.
Dymatize Nutrition ISO 100 Whey Protein
This protein powder is 100% whey protein isolate, therefore, you have an advanced and effective source of quality protein. You will get 100% of the good features of this protein powder compared to other protein powder forms. You’ll get better and faster muscle growth with whey and most of all this is also easy to absorb and thus you’ll get the most out of its nutrients faster.
Aside from its delicious taste, Dymatize Nutrition whey protein is fast acting as well, therefore, you’ll get better and faster results without overlooking the taste and the smell of the protein powder. And a plus when taking Dymatize whey powder is that it is easier to absorb compared to other protein powders. This is whey powder and is far easier to mix and absorb than other protein powders. You are also less likely to suffer from stomach upset, bloating and gas when you use this whey protein powder.
Jay –Robb Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate Powder
Jay Robb grass-fed whey protein is one of the tastiest protein powders. It has a vanilla flavor which is one of the most popular. This may be taken hot or cold and may be added to different kinds of foods and beverages. This may be the best option for you if you want to grow muscles quicker because it is easier and quicker to absorb.
Because this contains whey protein isolate, this type of protein works faster and thus you’ll get the benefits of this protein faster as well. More users agree that they are able to absorb and digest whey isolates better than regular whey protein. Another good thing about Jay Robb’s formula that it’s easier to blend or mix compared to regular whey protein and other powdered protein brands. You can drink this warm, hot or cold and still it’s easy to mix. The Jay Robb whey protein isolate powder was made by a professional, Jay Robb. He has authored several books regarding weight loss and fitness
Levels Nutrition 100% Grass Fed Whey Protein
Levels Nutrition is a protein powder product that will give you more value for your money. While some whey protein powders only have moderate amounts of protein, this has 24 grams of whey protein and 5.4 grams of BCAAs. You will be able to build larger muscles with better form and strength with Levels Nutrition.
There are no fillers or artificial components in this whey protein brand. It is made from grass-fed cows which eat a variety of grass. This whey protein powder is pure and has been tested for purity and safety. And compared to some powder whey protein products, Levels Nutrition is lightly-sweetened coming from its natural 100% cacao flavor. This might be the whey protein powder that’s right for your needs.
Dream Protein Whey Protein Powder
Dream Protein will help you build lean muscles faster. The secret is meadow-fed cows whose diet is grass that grows naturally all over the meadow where they graze. These cows are fed with no antibiotics, hormones or any other artificial ingredients which can be harmful to human health.
This whey protein powder may be combined with Greens First and their Omega-3 products to create a healthy living protein shake. It can be used for weight loss to replace protein found in regular meals. It will help you lose weight safely without starving or over-exercising or overexerting. And finally, this whey protein powder is not just available in vanilla. If you are new to drinking protein powders, Dream Protein may be the best first-time whey protein brand to try.
How and when to use whey protein powder drinks?
Whey protein is known as the most popular type of protein. If you use weights or perform cardio routines or both, you may be fixing yourself protein-rich meals including a protein shake. But there is one way to increase your protein intake and that is to take a protein shake, preferably made from whey powder.
Experts recommend whey protein powder because these can make your muscles bigger and stronger plus will give you a leaner physique that you may have only dreamed of.
What is whey?
Whey is the product of making cheese. This is the liquid left after the milk has been curdled and then removed. After the whey has been made into powder form, it becomes easier to use and easy to tolerate.
Whey protein is the most preferred by nutritionists and sports trainers and personalities because of its availability, low cost, and effectiveness. After you have consumed whey protein, it is quickly digested and then absorbed by the digestive system. Whey is absorbed to the bloodstream and then to the muscle fibers to begin the recovery process.
Whey is available in four forms and all of these forms are known as branched-chain amino acids or BCAAs. These are very important in the repair of damage due to working out and even overworking as well.
You need whey protein when you are into an exercise program. This could be a program based on weights, cardio training or endurance training. This is so because whey is quickly absorbed therefore it is easy to follow your recommended daily intake. If you are training intensely and you don’t have time to prepare your meals, whey protein shakes can take a full meal. But keep in mind that supplements vary and can never replace a meal. The best way to get your daily recommended amount of protein is to consume protein-rich foods like white meat and fresh fish.
The different forms of whey protein
Whey protein comes in four different forms: Whey concentrate, whey isolate, whey hydrolysate, and whey native. Whey concentrates have lower fat content compared to other forms. Concentrates have higher amounts of carbohydrates coming from lactose which is the sugar in milk and from different bioactive compounds. Protein in this form can be from 30 to 90 percent.
Whey isolate is a processed whey protein product where fat and lactose were removed. Isolates have lower bioactive compound content and protein content is up to 90 percent. Isolates have the highest amounts of protein therefore many people choose this type of whey protein.
Whey hydrolysate is a type of whey protein that is pre-digested and partially hydrolyzed. In this form, water is added during the manufacturing process to partial breakdown the protein components to make these easier to digest. And because of the way this type of whey protein is processed, it is more expensive than other forms. Despite the costs, this type of protein is used for developing larger and leaner muscles the quickest.
Meanwhile, native whey protein is the purest form of whey protein. This is extracted from skimmed milk and is not processed in any way. It is not a by-product of cheese manufacturing processes like whey concentrates and isolates. This type is very low in fat and has a higher protein content at 95%.
From the four forms of whey protein, which one is right for you? Each type of whey protein has its advantages and disadvantages so there’s no wrong or right type. It may all depend on your needs. Because whey concentrates have lower fat, it is best for people who want to lose weight. However, it has higher sugar amounts, therefore, those who need to monitor their sugar levels may not benefit from this type.
Isolates have high protein but have low levels of bioactive compounds. Hydrolysate whey is easier to digest because it has water added to its composition however, this lessens the concentration of protein. Meanwhile, native protein has the highest amount of protein and the purest but is low in bioactive components and may contain impurities.
So, how much whey protein do you need?
Most whey protein servings are around 30 grams because this is the best amount of protein needed for muscle repair. Muscle fibers may damage due to training and damage can start muscle protein synthesis which is a process that tears down new muscle tissues.
Experts also agree that a diet with high amounts of protein can help reduce fat levels in the body. Therefore, people who consume more protein are not just bigger and stronger but are also leaner and fitter.
More advantages of a high protein diet
Protein is not just for increasing muscle size and strength. Even if you are not doing any weight training routine or exercise regimen, increasing protein intake can help you reduce weight. Protein is a food group that provides essential amino acids needed to develop muscle tissue. When you don’t get enough intake of essential amino acids, you can develop muscle wasting and soon, malnutrition.
The amount of protein you need to consume each day depends on the type of activity you need to do and your weight. Based on experts’ recommendations, sedentary people should eat around 0.8 to 1 gram of protein per kg. of body weight daily. For people who exercise and who indulge in weight training routines, a protein intake of 1 to 1.5 grams per kg. of body weight per day is the best amount.
Basically, if you eat more calories than you burn, you are never going to lose weight no matter where you get your daily calories from. But the body deals with each kind of food group differently. The body’s way of processing and absorbing protein is different than fats and carbohydrates.
Protein-rich foods almost have the same amount of calories as carbohydrate-rich foods but protein have the tendency to stay in your stomach longer than carbs, therefore, you will feel fuller and are less likely to eat. Protein-rich foods such as meats, dairy, poultry, fish, nuts, and some vegetables take the longest to digest. It can take up to four hours before these kinds of food leave your stomach, therefore, you will feel fuller longer.
Also, the body’s metabolic rate increases after you eat protein foods compared to after you eat fats or carbohydrates. This also contributes to weight loss.
How Do You Choose the Best Whey Protein Powder?
Whey protein powders are available in different brands but how do you know which one is the best one to buy? Here are a few hints to follow:
- More whey protein per serving
You need to check the amount of whey protein per serving. This is very important since it tells you how much protein you are getting if the brand offers good value or not. High whey protein per serving will help you develop leaner, better and stronger muscles. More whey protein, more amino acids that can be absorbp0ed better which will improve strength, develop muscle and remove body fat.
How to find out the amount of whey in a protein powder brand? Check the nutritional information at the back. Here you’ll find a list of all the nutrients especially the amount of protein per serving. For instance, Levels Nutrition has 24 grams of protein per serving while ON has 100% pure whey content.
- Amount of BCAAs
BCAA is effective in developing lean muscle mass. This supplement will reduce fatigue and weakness. This can improve sleep quality, reduce cramping and can reduce water retention.
Whey protein powers should have moderate amounts of BCAAs to help promote lean muscle growth and to take advantage of its many benefits to health and wellness.
- The flavor that you like
Whey proteins come in different flavors, the most popular is chocolate but still, this flavor has different variants including rich chocolate, premium chocolate and more. Chocolate whey protein powders vary in sweetness as well. Some are not too sweet while some have additional sweeteners like Stevia.
You will be surprised as to the many different flavors you can choose from. There are vanilla, strawberry, banana and blueberry flavors. Optimum Nutrition has a wide variety of flavors to choose from and usually, not all these are available online or from a local fitness shop.
- Whey protein mixability
Mixability is the ability of a powder to be mixed evenly. Protein shakes are the hardest to mix with some people claiming that some protein powders are unable to mix well even with hot or warm water.
Cold mixing is the usually preferred option for most protein shake drinkers because it’s cool and can reduce fatigue as well. Because of this, protein powder manufacturers usually provide shaking bottles/tumblers that you can use to mix the powder and water really well. Still, there are people who use a blender to mix protein powders with ice, fruits, and other delicious ingredients.
So how do you know if a whey protein powder is mixable or has a high mixability rate? You won’t find this from the label; the only way to find out is to ask people who have tried the protein powder. Look for positive reviews online or you may ask around. Usually, this is stated in reviews; if more users report low mixability then check other brands.
- Any side effects
The most common disadvantages of some protein powders include gastric problems like stomach aches, gas and bloating. Some also report an unpleasant taste and smell which may also be classified as a disadvantage after all, how do you drink something that just tastes and smells very bad?
Just some of the disadvantages that people experience with whey protein powders are:
- A strong aftertaste
- Bloating
- Gas
- Stomach upset
- Allergies
There are lots of whey protein powder flavors you can choose from to avoid having a strong taste and aftertaste. You may also mix your protein powder with food or with a beverage. Try rich chocolate and a blueberry milkshake or how about a ripe mango and a vanilla smoothie? There are so many recipes you can try online.
Bloating and gas may be reduced or completely avoided by taking protein powders with food or beverage. But if symptoms persist, consider taking half of the dose or drink these hours apart. If you consumed a glass in the morning, your next dose would be in the evening to allow the protein to be completely absorbed by the body.
Conclusion
Of the five whey protein powder products, ON Gold Standard whey protein powder is the best choice. This is because it is made of 100% whey protein in three different forms plus 5 grams of BCAAS. These build leaner and stronger muscles better and quicker.
ON Gold Standard is safe to use and is tested for all banned substances. It is natural and is trusted by athletes, bodybuilders, and people who train professionals. This makes this brand a good one to try for building muscle and maintaining good health.
We recommend Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard whey protein and if you think that this is your kind of whey powder, check this link out.
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