Many people know of the importance of protein in your diet. Simply put protein is the main source behind muscle building/maintenance. It does not have a huge “energy yield,” like carbohydrates and good fat sources have. However protein is the main food source to keeping the muscle mass you have in tact, or to develop more lean muscle mass for your body. To better understand the types of protein. Here is a very simple break down of the protein types; and ideally when to have them.
Whey protein is a quickly digested protein, and as such it is ideal to use during workout and post-workout. During the post workout time, there is a great need for amino acids to begin muscle repair and Whey protein is excellent for this. Whey is highly bioavailable, and boasts the highest biological value of any protein source. Therefore, a whey product may be an excellent choice for those looking for a protein product that can be readily used by the body to build mass.
Casein protein is slower absorbing from the stomach and small intestine so the blood amino acid levels don’t rise quite as rapidly. The slow absorption will help sustain elevated amino acid levels over a longer period of time. Casein is extracted from the milk through ultra filtration, without the use of chemicals. This process increases the amount of bio-active milk peptides that support immune function as well as enhance muscle growth. Because this type or protein is an extremely slow digesting protein, which some people mistake for being inferior. However casein is a rich protein source that will feed the body at a steady rate, which makes it ideal as a dietary supplement during the day or as a night-time protein to feed the body while you sleep.
Casein is the only protein you should be taking before going to sleep. The reason is because your body needs to be sustained for six to eight hours during your sleep without food. Casein protein is also found in milk but works more slowly and also sticks around in the blood for longer. It also has properties that help prevent muscle depletion. Casein is best taken before bedtime when the body needs a steady supply of proteins while the muscles repair and rebuild during the night.
Egg protein is considered to be one of the best forms of natural protein. The white of eggs contains the proteins. Egg Protein Powder Egg protein is still one of the highest-quality proteins available. It is virtually devoid of carbs and fat, and it is readily digested and absorbed. Egg yolks provide healthy fats, as well as highly bio-available iron, riboflavin, folate, vitamins B12, D and E, and choline (which enhances strength and brain function). Information source- http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Mils
Obviously there are other sources of protein-beef, chicken, pork, soy and so forth. In my next blog posting, we will look at these different types of protein and how they can fit in ones’ nutritional planning.
