Protein is critical to your body's functioning. It plays a role in muscle contractions, chemical reactions and hormones. A protein is made up of building blocks called amino acids that are linked together by special bonds. There are a total of 20 amino acids, but your body cannot synthesize eight of these so you must get them from your diet. Protein powder is essentially protein in powder form. The most common protein powders are whey and casein.
Features
Whey protein is the liquid that remains after milk has been curdled and strained. It contains all of the essential amino acids, but the molecular structure is also important: Whey is a source of branched-chain amino acids, which stimulate protein synthesis. Casein is very similar to whey. It's a vital protein in cow's milk. In addition, protein powder can be made from eggs and rice.
Nutritional Values
A single serving of concentrated and pure protein powder contains much less carbohydrates and subsequently sugar than milk---only a few grams of each---in addition to very little fat. But it contains a lot of protein---typically at least 20 grams---and only about 100 total calories without extra ingredients added. The concentration of the protein in the powder is usually more than 35 percent and can be above 90 percent.
Benefits
The protein present in powder provides just about all of the nutritional benefits of protein in any other kind of food. According to the Whey Protein Institute, it improves the immune system function, repairs cells, heals tissue, maintains healthy skin, provides energy and fosters muscle strength and development. Athletic and active individuals use protein powder to promote the long-term viability and convalescence of the muscles after strenuous exercise.
Types of Protein
As long as powder is not denatured---meaning that the amino acids are degraded through the concentration process---it contains a number of other beneficial proteins. In whey protein, beta lactoglobulin makes up about 50 percent to 55 percent of the powder and binds vitamins to make them available to the body. Alpha-lactalbumin constitutes 20 percent to 25 percent; it binds to calcium and contains important amino acids. Glycomacropeptides are biologically active proteins that are adept at antiviral activity, and they also improve calcium absorption during the digestive process. Lactoferrin has antiviral and antimicrobial effects. Immunoglobins are antibodies that boost immune function.
Fortified Vitamins
Some protein powder is fortified with certain vitamins. They can include much of the vitamin B complex such as vitamin B1, or thiamine, and vitamin B6. These vitamins help metabolize fatty acids, glucose, amino acids and protein. They can also aid hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to tissues, and the nervous system. In addition, fortified powder can contain calcium, which plays a role in muscle contraction.
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