Real food is the best and most nutritious source of protein. But if you’re trying to build muscle mass, it’s not always easy to get enough protein from food alone. That is why ready-to-drink protein shakes are so popular among bodybuilders and other athletes. The body needs protein to synthesize muscle tissue, hormones, enzymes, and more. Protein also helps repair muscle tissue, which prevents injury and allows the body to build muscles more quickly.
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Ready-to-Drink Protein Benefits:
*Supports muscular development
*Delivers protein & other essential nutrients
*Speeds recovery
*Maintains, repairs & builds muscle
Post-Workout Benefits
The best time to consume protein is right after a workout so it can go directly to the muscle tissue to repair damage. Solid food takes a while to digest, but protein shakes can get nutrients to your muscles within half an hour after a workout. The body starts to heal right after a workout, which is why that is the best time to ingest protein. It is also a good idea to eat small, protein-rich meals in three to four hour intervals after a workout and throughout the day. Consuming slow-burning protein before bed can provide your muscles with a steady supply of protein while you sleep.
The Right Protein RTD
It’s important to find a protein supplement that meets your particular needs rather than buying whatever is popular. Biological Value (BV) is the most common criteria for measuring protein quality. It indicates the amount of nitrogen (body protein in grams) replaceable by 100 grams of protein in an adult diet. Most people agree that a higher BV means increased muscle gains, but because there are many factors involved in the muscle building process, it is not always that simple.
Whey Protein
Whey protein has a high BV and provides all the essential and non-essential amino acids. It also contains the highest content of branched-chain amino acids found in nature. Whey has a BV of about 104. Eggs have the next highest BV at 100. Keep in mind though, that BV is only one measure of a protein drink’s value. Don’t assume that the highest BV is always the best choice.
Protein Consumption
You need to consume at least 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight in order to build muscle mass. Consuming more can help speed muscle recovery. Even though there may be no such thing as too much protein, you should remember to have a balanced diet. Excess protein can deplete the body’s stores of calcium and magnesium, so you may need to supplement with these nutrients.