Comparison of various types of protein for athletes

Comparison of various types of protein for athletes

1. Serum protein: Golden standard for building muscle mass

Whey Protein (Whey Protein) is deservedly considered the gold standard in the world of sports nutrition. It is a by -product of the cheese product and is characterized by a high protein content, a full -fledged amino acid profile and rapid digestibility. These characteristics make it ideal for muscle restoration after training and stimulating their growth. There are several forms of serum protein, each of which has its own characteristics:

  • Wastein serum concentrate (WPC): This is the most common and affordable form of serum protein. It contains 70-80% protein, as well as a small amount of lactose and fats. WPC is a good choice for most athletes who are looking for an effective and economical source of protein. However, people with lactose intolerance should use it with caution. WPC production includes serum filtering to remove part of lactose and fats, but some of these components still remain. This affects the taste and consistency of the product, making it more creamy than isolate or hydrolyzate. The protein content in WPC can vary depending on the concentration, so it is important to read the label.

  • Wastein protein isolate (WPI): The isolates undergo more thorough processing than a concentrate, which allows you to remove most of the lactose and fats. The result is a product with a higher protein content (90% and higher) and lower calorie content. WPI is an excellent choice for people with lactose intolerance, as well as for those who seek the maximum purity of the product and minimize the consumption of carbohydrates and fats. The WPI production process usually includes microfiltration and ultrafiltration, which allows you to separate protein from other serum components. This makes it more expensive than concentrate, but also more pure and easily digestible.

  • Hydrolysis of serum protein (WPH): The hydrolyzate is subjected to the hydrolysis process, in which the protein chains are split into shorter peptides. This makes it the fastest type of serum protein. WPH is ideal for use immediately after training, when it is necessary to quickly deliver amino acids to the muscles for recovery and growth. However, the hydrolyzate usually has a more bitter taste than the concentrate and isolated, and is the most expensive type of serum protein. The process of hydrolysis can be enzymatic or acidic, and it affects the degree of splitting of protein chains. The higher the degree of hydrolysis, the faster the protein is absorbed.

Advantages of serum protein:

  • It is quickly absorbed: Provides the rapid flow of amino acids to the muscles after training.
  • Rich in BCAA: It contains a high concentration of amino acids with an extensive chain (BCAA), which play a key role in the restoration and growth of muscles.
  • Stimulates protein synthesis: Activates the processes of protein synthesis in the muscles, contributing to their growth and restoration.
  • Convenient to use: It is easily mixed with water or milk and can be used in various recipes.
  • Available: Widely available in various forms and tastes.

Disadvantages of serum protein:

  • Can cause digestive disorders: In some people, bloating, gases or diarrhea can cause, especially with lactose intolerance.
  • Not suitable for vegans and vegetarians: Received from dairy products.
  • Potential allergic reactions: In people with allergies to milk can cause allergic reactions.

2. Casein protein: Slow protein for night recovery

Casein Protein is also obtained from milk, but it differs from serum protein in its properties and the speed of assimilation. Casein forms a dense clot in the stomach, which slows down its digestion and release of amino acids. Thanks to this, it provides a long and uniform flow of amino acids in the blood for several hours.

Forms of casein protein:

  • Micellar casein: This is the most common and high -quality form of casein protein. It retains its natural structure, which ensures its slow digestion and maximum efficiency. Micellar casein forms a structure in the stomach that resembles curtailed milk, which ensures its prolonged release of amino acids.

  • Calcium casein: This form of casein protein is processed using alkali, which changes its structure and makes it more soluble. However, this can also reduce its biological value and the speed of assimilation in comparison with micellar casein. Calcium casein is usually used in the food industry as a thickener and emulsifier.

Advantages Caseine Protein:

  • Slow release of amino acids: It provides a long flow of amino acids to the muscles for several hours, which is especially important during sleep.
  • Prevents catabolism: It helps to prevent the destruction of muscle tissue (catabolism) during periods of starvation or long breaks between meals.
  • Improves a feeling of satiety: Slets the emptying of the stomach, which contributes to a feeling of satiety and can help in controlling appetite.
  • Rich in calcium: It is a good source of calcium, important for the health of bones and teeth.

Disadvantages of casein protein:

  • Slowly absorbed: Not suitable for use immediately after training, when it is necessary to quickly deliver amino acids to the muscles.
  • Can cause digestive disorders: In some people, bloating, gases or constipation can cause bloating.
  • Not suitable for vegans and vegetarians: Received from dairy products.
  • Texture: It can have a thicker and less pleasant texture compared to serum protein.

3. Soy protein: plant protein for vegans and vegetarians

Soy protein is a full -fledged plant protein obtained from soybeans. It contains all the necessary amino acids and is an excellent choice for vegans, vegetarians and people with lactose intolerance.

Forms of soy protein:

  • District protein isolate: This is the most pure form of soy protein containing 90% or more protein. It undergoes processing to remove most of carbohydrates and fats.

  • Soyous protein concentrate: It contains about 70% protein, as well as a small amount of carbohydrates and fats.

  • Soye flour: It contains about 50% protein and is used in the food industry to enrich products with protein.

Advantages of soy protein:

  • Full -fledged protein: Contains all the necessary amino acids.
  • Suitable for vegans and vegetarians: Plant source of protein.
  • Does not contain lactose: Suitable for people with lactose intolerance.
  • Reduces cholesterol level: Contains isoflavones that can help reduce blood cholesterol.
  • Can improve bone health: Izoflavons in soybeans can also help strengthen bones.

Disadvantages of soy protein:

  • Contains phytoestrogens: Contains isoflavons that are phytoestrogens. Some studies show that they can influence hormonal balance, although these effects are usually insignificant and require further study.
  • Can cause allergic reactions: Soya is one of the most common allergens.
  • Less effective for building muscle mass: Compared to serum protein, it can be less effective for increasing muscle mass due to lower leucine content, a key amino acid for protein synthesis.
  • Taste and texture: Some people do not like the taste and texture of soy protein.

4. Egg protein: high -quality protein with an excellent amino acid profile

Egg Protein (Egg Protein) is a high -quality protein obtained from egg protein. It contains all the necessary amino acids and has an excellent amino acid profile.

Forms of egg protein:

  • Egg protein powder: This is the most common form of egg protein. It is made by drying the egg protein and turning it into powder.

The advantages of egg protein:

  • Full -fledged protein: Contains all the necessary amino acids.
  • Does not contain lactose: Suitable for people with lactose intolerance.
  • Low content of fat and carbohydrates: A good choice for people who follow their figure.
  • Easily absorbed: Easily digested and absorbed by the body.

Egg protein deficiencies:

  • Can cause allergic reactions: Eggs are one of the most common allergens.
  • Price: It can be more expensive than some other types of protein, such as serum protein.
  • Taste: It may have a specific taste that not everyone likes.

5. Gorosov protein: plant protein with a high amino acid content

Pea protein is a plant protein obtained from yellow peas. It is a good source of protein for vegan and vegetarians and contains a high amount of amino acids, including BCAA.

Advantages of pea protein:

  • Suitable for vegans and vegetarians: Plant source of protein.
  • Does not contain gluten, lactose and soy: Suitable for people with allergies or intolerance to these substances.
  • High content of amino acids: Contains a high amount of amino acids, including BCAA.
  • Easily absorbed: Easily digested and absorbed by the body.
  • Environmentally friendly: The production of pea protein has a lower environmental effect than the production of animal protein.

Disadvantages of pea protein:

  • Not a full -fledged protein: It does not contain all the necessary amino acids in sufficient quantities (especially methionine). However, this problem can be solved by combining pea protein with other protein sources, such as rice protein.
  • Taste and texture: It can have a specific taste and texture, which not everyone likes.

6. Rice protein: plant protein with hypoallergenic properties

Rice protein is a plant protein obtained from brown rice. It is a good choice for people with allergies or intolerance to other protein sources, such as dairy products, soy or gluten.

Rice protein:

  • Suitable for vegans and vegetarians: Plant source of protein.
  • Hypoallergenic: Rarely causes allergic reactions.
  • Does not contain gluten, lactose and soy: Suitable for people with allergies or intolerance to these substances.
  • Easily absorbed: Easily digested and absorbed by the body.

Rice Protein disadvantages:

  • Not a full -fledged protein: It does not contain all the necessary amino acids in sufficient quantities (especially lysine). However, this problem can be solved by combining rice protein with other protein sources, such as pea protein.
  • Less effective for building muscle mass: Compared to serum protein, it can be less effective for increasing muscle mass due to lower leucine content.
  • Taste and texture: It can have a specific taste and texture, which not everyone likes.

7. Protein mixtures: a combined approach to protein consumption

Protein Blends is combinations of various types of protein, such as serum protein, casein protein, soy protein, egg protein and vegetable proteins. They are designed to ensure both quick and slow release of amino acids, which can be useful to maintain a constant level of amino acids in the blood during the day.

Advantages of protein mixtures:

  • Provide the rapid and slow release of amino acids: Support the constant level of blood amino acids during the day.
  • Full amino acid profile: The combination of various sources of protein provides a more complete amino acid profile.
  • Convenience: Allow you to get all the necessary amino acids from one product.

Disadvantages of protein mixtures:

  • Price: It can be more expensive than certain types of protein.
  • Composition: It is important to carefully study the composition in order to make sure that the mixture contains the types of protein in the right proportions.
  • Possible allergic reactions: A combination of various types of protein can increase the risk of allergic reactions.

8. Collagen protein: protein for joint health and skin

Collagen protein is a protein that forms the basis of connective tissue in the body, including skin, joints, bones and ligaments. It differs from other types of protein with its amino acid profile, which is rich in glycine, a prolit and hydroxyproline.

Advantages of collagen protein:

  • Supports joint health: It can help reduce joint pain and improve their mobility.
  • Improves skin health: It can help improve the elasticity and moisture of the skin.
  • Strengthens the bones: It can help strengthen the bones and prevent osteoporosis.
  • Easily absorbed: Easily digested and absorbed by the body.

Disadvantages of collagen protein:

  • Not a full -fledged protein: Does not contain all the necessary amino acids.
  • Not effective for building muscle mass: Due to its amino acid profile, it is not so effective for increasing muscle mass as serum protein or other full-fledged sources of protein.
  • Taste: It may have a specific taste that not everyone likes.

9. Protein bars and drinks: a convenient way to get protein on the go

Protein bars and drinks are a convenient way to get protein on the go when it is not possible to prepare a full meal. They can be useful for athletes who need to increase protein consumption, as well as for people who follow their figure.

Advantages of protein bars and drinks:

  • Convenience: It is easy to carry with you and use anywhere.
  • Quick protein source: Provide the rapid intake of protein into the body.
  • A variety of tastes: Available in a wide range of tastes.

Disadvantages of protein bars and drinks:

  • Sugar and fat content: Some protein bars and drinks may contain a large amount of sugar and fats.
  • Artificial additives: May contain artificial sweeteners, dyes and flavors.
  • Price: It can be more expensive than other sources of protein.
  • Protein quality: Protein quality can vary depending on the manufacturer and ingredients.

10. Protein selection criteria for athletes

The choice of a suitable type of protein for athletes depends on many factors, including:

  • Training goals: If your goal is the increase in muscle mass, then serum protein, especially isolate or hydrolyzate, will be the best choice. If your goal is to prevent catabolism and long -term recovery, then casein protein will be more preferable.
  • Individual needs and preferences: Consider your dietary restrictions, allergies and intolerance. Vegans and vegetarians should choose plant sources of protein, such as soy, pea or rice protein.
  • Budget: The price of protein can vary significantly depending on its type and quality.
  • Reception time: Wastein protein is best consumed after training, and casein – before going to bed.
  • Quality product: Choose protein from trusted manufacturers with a good reputation. Pay attention to the composition, protein content and the presence of artificial additives.
  • Taste and texture: Choose a protein that you like and has a pleasant texture to make it easier for you to use it.
  • Amino acid profile: Pay attention to the amino acid profile of protein, especially to the BCAA and Leucine content.

11. Additional tips for the use of protein

  • Calculate your need for protein: Athletes are recommended to consume from 1.6 to 2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day.
  • Divide the intake of protein into several meals: This will help maintain a constant level of blood amino acids and improve protein absorption.
  • Use protein after training: This will help restore muscles and stimulate their growth.
  • Combine various sources of protein: This will provide a more complete amino acid profile.
  • Drink enough water: Protein requires water for absorption, so it is important to drink enough water during the day.
  • Consult a doctor or nutritionist: If you have any diseases or doubts, consult a doctor or nutritionist to get individual recommendations for the use of protein.
  • Read the labels carefully: Before buying protein, carefully read the labels to make sure that it corresponds to your needs and preferences. Pay attention to the composition, protein content, calorie content, the presence of artificial additives and allergens.
  • Do not abuse protein: Excessive protein consumption can lead to digestive problems and other side effects.
  • Do not replace good nutrition with protein: Protein should be an addition to a balanced diet, and not its replacement. It is important to use a sufficient amount of fruits, vegetables, cereals and healthy fats.
  • Experiment with various types of protein: Try different types of protein to find the one that is best suited for you.
  • Listen to your body: Pay attention to how your body reacts to various types of protein. If you experience any side effects, stop using protein and consult your doctor.

Following these tips, you can choose the right type of protein and effectively use it to achieve your sports goals.

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