Protein is one of the most essential nutrients. It is made up of amino acids and has several benefits, including building muscles and bodily tissues. It is recommended that bodybuilders who lift weights consume 1.6 to 2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, but the amount of protein taken in depends on a number of variables, such as activity habits, age, and general health. So, what types of protein for bodybuilding?
Types of protein for bodybuilding
Below, we explain some types of protein powder for bodybuilding:
Whey protein for bodybuilding
Studies have suggested that athletes who consume whey protein could help build muscle and increase strength in response to lifting weights, as whey protein is derived from milk and is high in protein but also has lactose.
Casein protein for bodybuilding
Because casein is digested and absorbed more slowly than whey protein, it may therefore reduce muscle protein breakdown.
Research indicates that taking casein may be more beneficial for muscle growth than other types of protein.
Pea protein for bodybuilding
When associated with exercise, pea protein, which is high in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and essential amino acids, can improve physique, strength, and endurance.
Soy protein for bodybuilding
For people who don’t consume dairy products, soy protein is a great substitute for other proteins like whey or casein.
Hemp protein for bodybuilding
Essential fatty acids are also present in hemp seeds, which are full of complete proteins. Because of this, hemp is an ideal substitute for those who are vegetarians or who are allergic to dairy or soy.
Benefits of protein for bodybuilders
Here are some advantages to protein consumption for bodybuilding:
Muscular hypertrophy
The incorporation of protein in the diet is important, especially for athletes who practice weightlifting workouts, since protein is the fundamental component of muscles and helps to gain strength and mass.
Research suggests that increased dietary protein has a positive impact on the development of muscle and strength during resistance training.
Recovery after a workout
Studies show that taking protein and amino acid supplements can help people who exercise anaerobically or who lift weights recover more quickly and have better immune systems. And the reason for this is that intense or sustained physical activity increases the breakdown of muscle protein.
Increase performance
Despite the fact that protein for bodybuilding enhances gain muscle, research has found that eating protein after exercise may increase resistance training performance.
The advantages of pre- or post-workout nutrition depend on a number of factors, including training status, activity duration, and training intervals.
Protein-rich foods
Here are some foods that contain a high amount of protein, including:
- Chicken breast: 85 g of chicken breasts with no skin provide 27 g of protein.
- Salmon: 85 g of salmon has 19 g of protein.
- Egg: 6 g of protein are present in one big egg.
- Peanut butter: 7 g of protein are included in two tablespoons of peanut butter.
- Lentils: 18 g of protein are present in 1 cup of cooked lentils.
- Cottage cheese: Low-fat cottage cheese has 12 g of protein per 1/2 cup.
- Hemp seeds: 3 tablespoons of hemp seeds provide 9 g of protein.
- Wheat crackers: 1 cup of wheat crackers provides 4 g of protein.
- Mixed nuts: 50 g of mixed nuts provide 10 g of protein.
Consequences of consuming a lot of protein
A high-protein diet for bodybuilding may result in a variety of health issues, such as:
- Could be preserved as additional body fat.
- Can raise the risk of dehydration.
- May result in calcium loss.
- May cause the kidneys to work harder.
Although it’s essential to strength training bodybuilders to consume protein, protein is also necessary for an effective immune system and for the health of organs like the heart.
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References:
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/310118
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-scoop-on-protein-powder-2020030918986
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-protein-powder#2.-Casein-protein
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323093#types
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-reasons-to-eat-more-protein#TOC_TITLE_HDR_3
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3518828/#__ffn_sectitle
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20048505/
- https://www.clifbar.co.uk/stories/5-facts-about-protein-recovery-after-workout
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6142015/
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/high-protein-foods-7496700
- https://www.eatingwell.com/article/7938628/high-protein-foods-list-according-to-a-dietitian/
- https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002458.htm