Protein powder is a powdery substance used to make protein shakes on the go. It can be made of whey, casein, soy, egg or even pea protein. It comes in many different flavors, including chocolate, vanilla and strawberry, and can be purchased in nutritional supplement stores or mass retailers as well. There are some benefits of using protein powders to make protein shakes, but there are also drawbacks.
Expensive
The main drawback of using protein powders is that they are generally expensive. For example, protein powders can be as cheap as $15 for 2 lbs. or as expensive as $45 for 5 lbs. Depending on how often you use the protein powder, the cost can really add up. Eating a food with protein, such as string cheese or a handful of nuts, is generally cheaper that using protein powder to make shakes.
Convenient
One benefit of using protein powders to make protein shakes is that they are very convenient. Instead of having to carry a cooler to keep foods cold, you can store a baggie of a cup of protein powder along with a protein shaker cup. You can add water to the cup and mix, making the protein shake wherever you are, whether you're at the gym, at work or even in the car.
Satisfying
Another benefit of protein powders is that they are satisfying. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, protein takes longer to digest than carbohydrates do, so foods with protein are generally filling. Drinking a protein shake may help you to stay fuller longer, which can lead to weight loss if you eat fewer calories overall. The fact that protein powders make satisfying shakes can especially lead to weight loss if used in replacement of a meal instead of in addition to the meal.
Too Much Protein
Protein powders are high in dietary protein, yet the body can only digest a certain amount of protein at a time. Therefore, a drawback of using protein powders is that some of the protein may not be digested by the body and therefore wasted. Dr. Bill Sears, a professor at UC Irvine, states that every person can digest a different amount of protein at once, depending on their height and weight. Yet protein cannot be stored in the muscles like carbohydrates, so drinking a large amount of protein at once, in a shake, may be no better than eating a moderate amount of protein in a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, for example.
Lack of Variety
While protein powders are rich in protein, using them to create shakes and replace meals can also cause you to lose out on other important nutrients. For example, instead of drinking a shake for lunch, you could be having a salad, which contains vegetables, healthy fats, protein from chicken and even a fruit on the side.
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