Protein drinks vary from commercially produced protein powders mixed with milk or water, to commercially produced liquid protein drinks, to homemade protein smoothies. Bodybuilders, fitness enthusiasts and people fighting disease all consume protein drinks. The body requires protein for proper growth, development and overall health. The Recommended Daily Allowance of protein for adults is 0.8 to 1.7 grams per kilogram of body weight, depending on activity level. Different people have different reasons for drinking protein drinks, but they all fall into a few categories.
Convenience
Protein drinks are portable, easy to prepare and fast to consume. Therefore, many people drink protein drinks in place of other foods for snacks or meals based on their convenience and ease of use.
To Build Muscle or Gain Weight
Athletes, fitness enthusiasts, bodybuilders and people with certain diseases drink protein drinks to help them acquire enough amino acids to add muscle and tissue to their frame. Proteins are referred to as the building blocks of the body, because they are the main component in cell growth and maintenance. Muscle size is increased by the synthesis of amino acids acquired through the diet into actin and myosin. Actin and myosin are the protein molecules that compose the muscle fibers.
Fast Absorption
Many people believe that protein drinks absorb into the body faster than whole food proteins. Further studies are needed to validate this claim. However, according to John Ivy Ph.D. and Robert Portman Ph.D., authors of "Nutrient Timing," the protein powders composed of whey, casein and soy score higher than egg protein on most protein quality scores.
Weight Loss
Many protein drinks are touted as weight loss drinks. People consume them in place of a meal. These meal replacement protein drinks generally contain vitamins, minerals, protein and some carbohydrates. The purpose of them is to limit the amount of calories consumed while still providing required nutrients, thus increasing calorie deficit, which leads to weight loss.
References
- Understanding Nutrition; Ellie Whitney and Sharon Rady Rolfes; 2005
- Nutrient Timing; John Ivy Ph. D. and Robert Portman Ph.D.; 2004.
- Essentials of Strength and Conidtioning: Thomas Baechle and Roger Earle;2000.
Member Comments