Protein shakes are they good for you

min read

Collagen is essential for joints, bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, skin, hair and nails.2 It is one of the primary structural proteins of connective tissue and plays a crucial role in the body by cushioning, strengthening, hydrating, binding, and connecting tissues together.3 Connective tissues are able to provide physical and mechanical support through the collagen, elastic and reticular ﬁbres

Are protein shakes right for you? What's in them, and what should you look for if you're trying to choose one?

Almost everyone can get enough protein from foods. Healthy adults should get about 45 to 56 grams of protein a day.

If you exercise regularly, you may need more calories and protein -- from any source.

Protein shakes are used mainly by athletes who need nourishment right after their workouts, says Jose Antonio, chief executive officer and co-founder of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN).

Protein shakes can range in their protein content, but all contain some carbohydrates and maybe a little fat. They come a variety flavors in powder form or in ready-to-drink packages, such as cans or foil packs.

Choosing a Protein Shake

Read the label.

Protein shakes vary in protein content. "If you're a body builder, you're going to shift to the drinks that have a bit more protein," Antonio says.

If you're an endurance athlete, like a marathoner, you may favor drinks with more carbs, Antonio says. But the most important thing is simply to drink something after your workout.

If your goal is to lose body fat, change to a protein shake that's high in protein, has fewer carbohydrates, and only a little bit of fat. Chocolate milk is an excellent post-workout recovery drink.

What are the Different Types of Protein in Protein Shakes?

Protein shakes use different types of protein in varying amounts. They may include:

Milk
Whey
Casein
Egg
Soy
Rice

The source of the protein and how it's purified during manufacturing may affect how well your body can use it.

Although it's best to get protein through your diet, supplementing it with a combination of whey and casein is a good choice, as long as you tolerate dairy well, because both come from milk.

Soy protein is another option. It's a plant-based protein. It's as effective as most animal sources of protein, Antonio says. Soy is also rich in nutrients.

Show Sources

SOURCES:

Jose Antonio, PhD, FACSM, FNSCA, CSCS, chief executive officer and co-founder, International Society of Sports Nutrition.

Campbell, B. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, Sept. 26, 2007.

Iowa State University Extension: "Supplements."

Kreider, R. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, Nov. 12, 2007.

President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Research Digest: "Nutrition and Physical Activity: Fueling the Active Individual."

Protein is a mighty macronutrient famous for its help in muscle building. Amino acids are small parts that make up protein. Protein is essential and has special functions all over the body, including fluid balance, hormone regulation, and sustaining good health.

The hair on your head, the skin that covers you, and the muscles you move each day are just a few parts of you supported by protein.

Many health-conscious people have concerns about getting enough protein. The most popular way to stay on top of getting enough protein is by taking protein supplements. In 2018, there were $4.14 billion in sales of protein powders.

Is protein powder healthy? Keep reading to find out.

What is protein powder?

Protein powder is popular amongst athletes and fitness gurus for helping build muscle and boost physical performance. But, protein powder isn't only for exercise and sports. Many rely on protein powder to help meet daily protein needs, gain or lose weight, or recover from injury or surgery. Protein powder is a dietary supplement made from extracting animal and plant foods.

Animal-based protein

The most common type of protein powder is whey protein which is water-soluble and makes up 20% of the proteins found in cow's milk. Whey protein is rich in essential amino acids, leucine, and quickly digestible. Other animal-based protein powders come from casein, making up 80% of cow's milk protein, egg, and collagen.

Plant-based protein

The ever-increasing trend of plant-based food products has created a demand for plant-based protein powders. You can find many plant-based protein supplements today, including pea, hemp, pumpkin soy, algae, and rice protein powders. These products are great for those with dairy allergies.

A hand holding a container full of protein powder ready to go into a protein shake. in the background is a shake bottle and a woman in workout clothes

Credit: Getty Images / nortonrsx

Pros of protein powders

It helps with weight management

When working with clients, I recommend clients including a source of protein with all meals to help with fullness. This can be challenging at breakfast time but can greatly impact how you feel and eat for the rest of the day. Protein can help you get to a healthy weight or keep a healthy weight by making you more satisfied after eating.

A review of research studies found reductions in body weight and fat mass in adults taking whey protein supplements. Some studies recommend having 30 grams of protein at meals to help with appetite control, fullness, and weight management. A 2018 study of 24 college students regularly taking 48 grams of protein powder increased their muscle mass and decreased fat mass.

Protein powder also plays a role in weight gain. You can boost calorie intake by adding protein powder to foods that may help you to put on some extra pounds if you are underweight. Excess protein intake can lead to weight gain as the protein our body can't use goes to fat stores.

It promotes muscle growth

Weight lifters widely use protein shakes and supplements to help with muscle gaining. Protein powder stimulates muscle growth in active individuals. In a review of 49 studies, 1863 weight training adults took protein supplements and experienced significant increases in strength and muscle size in just six weeks.

Prevents muscle loss in older adults

Older adults have increased protein needs. Because of aging, older adults may experience reduced intake of foods, reduced physical activity, and muscle loss. Muscle loss can create risks of injury. A review of 35 research studies suggests whey protein prevents fall risks and muscle loss in the elderly.

It's convenient

Protein powder is available in many flavors, from fruity to flavorless, making it versatile and easy to mix into a myriad of foods. It goes well in smoothies, soups, beverages, cookies, granola bars, hot cereals, and pancake batter.

The most popular way to use protein powder is to blend it in a shake or a smoothie. This makes it easy to eat on the go.

It's fit for every health goal

The numerous special diets and food allergies today have increased the demand for diet-friendly foods. You might follow a vegan lifestyle and need a vegan protein powder. You could be wanting to control your carbohydrate intake and need a low-carbohydrate protein powder. Do you need to enhance your skin health? Maybe a collagen protein powder is for you. Whether you follow a low-carb, plant-based or gluten-free diet, there is a protein powder available to help you reach your health goals.

The cons of protein powder

It could have potential contaminants

A non-profit organization called The Clean Label Project investigated the contents of 134 high-selling protein powders. The results showed that 75% of protein powders had lead levels, and 55% tested for BPA. The study also detected levels of mercury, arsenic, and cadmium.

It could lead to excessive protein intake

Eating high amounts of protein for extended periods greater than 2grams per kg body weight can lead to digestion issues, liver dysfunction, poor bone health, and kidney problems. For someone weighing 175lbs, that is consuming 159 grams of protein or more daily long-term.

It is expensive

High-quality protein powders may be more expensive to purchase compared to whole-food proteins. You could pay anywhere between $0.42-$2.90 per ounce for protein powder. You can find protein-rich tofu at a grocery store for $0.18 per ounce.

What to look for in protein powder

Third-party tested

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't analyze the content of protein powders.

It's best to choose protein powders that have gone through third-party testing to ensure the product is what the manufacturer says it is.

Choose protein powders that are National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certified. The NSF is an organization that provides third-party testing for dietary supplements like protein powders to ensure their safety, quality, and contents are up to a certain level of standards.

You can figure out if a protein powder is NSF certified by looking for the logo on the product packaging.

Type of protein

To choose the best type of protein, consider your goals. You may want whey protein because you're looking to bulk up at the gym. You could be interested in hemp protein powder because you need something that also has a lot of fiber.

Type of sweetener

You can find protein powders made with a variety of ingredients used to sweeten their flavor. Some are sweetened with sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners.

It's best to choose a protein powder with no added sugar or one that uses a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.

Other ingredients

Do your research to avoid harmful additives in protein powders. Check out consumer reports and websites like the Clean Label project to help you choose safe options.

High-Protein Foods List

For healthy individuals ages 19 and up, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends 46 grams of protein for women and 56 grams for men. Protein recommendations may change based on activity level, health goals, and aging. Depending on your individual needs and health goals, you may or may not need protein powder supplements.

The first-line approach to good nutrition is to attain optimal health through whole foods. Many high-protein foods can help you meet your protein needs. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the following foods have this much protein in each serving:

3 oz Chicken: 24 grams
3 oz pork tenderloin: 23 grams
3 oz canned tuna in water: 16 grams
1 cup black beans: 15 grams
1 cup lentils: 16 grams
1 cup split peas: 15 grams
1 cup edamame: 19 grams
½ cup plain greek yogurt: 12.5 grams
4 tablespoons hemp seeds: 12 grams
1/2 cup almonds: 16 grams

Bottom Line

So, is protein powder healthy? Yes, if it is a good quality third-party tested product with minimal sugar and void of harmful additives. Protein powders can fit into most eating patterns and help you meet your health goals. Remember, protein powder is a dietary supplement. This means it enhances your diet. Be sure to be eating whole food proteins as a part of a healthy diet first.

Is it healthy to drink protein shakes?

Some studies find that consuming a higher than usual amount of protein in your diet may offer benefits. For example, eating or drinking products that are high in protein may help you lower body fat, keep lean muscle, feel full and lose weight.

Is it OK to drink protein shake everyday?

It is safe to drink protein shakes every day, but be sure to obtain the majority of your protein and other foods from whole food sources. Without whole food sources, you'll be missing out on other valuable nutrients that are vital for health and supporting your workout performance and recovery.