The Importance of Protein Supplements

It's sometimes difficult to get all the necessary nutrients in a busy day. Protein supplements are for people who have trouble getting enough protein in their diets. People undergoing cancer treatments, treatment for diabetes, those trying to drop some pounds, and those recovering from surgery especially need a bit of added protein.

Amino acids are what make protein so important and are its main components. The supplements are often used to replace meals for dieters and by athletes and bodybuilders to speed muscle recovery and encourage muscle growth after a workout.

Your body needs protein to break down into amino acids, in order to keep your muscles healthy and strong. No amount of working out will build muscle if you are not getting enough protein to provide the basic building material. It's best to have some before and after working out.

Protein supplements serve the purpose of giving your body the protein it needs when it is not getting enough through your daily diet.

What Protein Supplements Can Do For You

Liquid protein supplements have a certain advantage in that they are digested quickly and easily. They are perfect for vegetarians and anyone else who doesn't eat a great deal of meat. Protein supplements are also great for anyone who works out on a regular basis, not just bodybuilders, since they help the muscles recover after exercise.

Many foods contain healthy proteins, but many more are not as good for people in general. Unfortunately, it is often hard to find time to eat a proper meal, let alone make sure the meal is properly nutritious. This is one of the situations protein supplements are made to address. Most protein supplements are quick to prepare and easy to ingest. You could probably make a protein smoothie in less time than it would take to prepare a cup of coffee - and it is likely better for you than coffee, anyway. A protein bar can be eaten as you run out of the door or drive to work, or it could be a quick snack while you work. Liquid protein supplements can be mixed into a cup of juice while you're on a coffee break. Nutritionally, this beats the usual donut and coffee hands down.

People Who Use Protein Supplements

Dieters use liquid protein supplements to replace meals, most commonly lunch and/or breakfast. People who just have no time to eat properly can use liquid protein supplements to be sure they are getting the right amount of nutrition. Athletes are big users of protein shots or other quick supplements, which both build new muscle and keep present muscle healthy. There are many medical patients who can use protein, especially after surgery for recovery. No specific reason is necessary for someone who just wants to be as healthy as possible. Just about anyone can benefit from taking a protein supplement, even if perfectly healthy and not prone to heavy workouts.

The Benefits of Whey Protein

Whey protein is a very popular type of protein supplement. It is a derived from dairy products, but it doesn't have the usual fat, lactose sugar, and calories one would get from simply drinking a glass of milk. Whey protein's popularity comes in part from its ability to help the body produce the antioxidant glutathione.

Whey is made from milk protein and is produced as a natural by-product whenever cheese is made. When a curdling agent, rennet, is added to milk, cheese is made from the curds, and there is a liquid left behind, known as whey. It probably doesn't sound terribly appealing right now, but science has provided a way to make it palatable. This whey is processed into a virtually tasteless powder which can then be added to food or drink.

Like most proteins, whey protein is great for muscles, for recovering from workout, surgery, or injuries, and to give you energy during a workout. In general, it is a great way to help keep yourself healthy from day to day.

Whey protein is fairly easy to find when shopping for diet supplements. It can be found in protein bars, ready to eat. It can also come in power form, which can be mixed with fruit juice or fruit and ice to make a smoothie that serves as a great tasting (and very nutritious) meal replacement. Some of these powders can even be sprinkled on or mixed into a meal seamlessly to give it that added nutritional boost.

Body builders, of course, need protein supplements. They, like everyone else, need to learn about supplement before taking them. While including them is undeniably a good thing, taking too much of it can be harmful, as with anything.

Should Fat and Calories Be a Concern?

There is a rumor floating around that protein supplements can cause weight gain. In a way, it's true. But there is more than one kind of weight to gain. Muscle mass is heavier than fat and you will increase muscle mass with exercise and protein. This can be discouraging when you step on the scale and see your weight has increased. Rest assured, you are not getting fatter, just stronger.

Protein Shots

Anyone worried about the above title should know first and foremost that protein shots do not involve any needles whatsoever. They are small liquid protein supplements that fit into a purse or backpack.

Protein supplements are easily one of the best ways to ensure that you are getting the proper amount of protein. Athletes need not be the only ones to benefit. You can use powder, protein shots, or liquid supplements, but whatever the case, you will begin to see the results soon enough, as you look and feel more fit. You'll also have more energy during the day. There's no reason not to at least give them a try!

About Protica Research

Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm specializing in the development of protein-rich, capsulized foods (dense nutrition in compact liquid and food forms). Protica manufactures Profect protein beverage, IsoMetric, Fruitasia and more than 100 other brands in its GMP-certified, 250,000 square foot facility.

You can learn more about Protica at http://www.protica.com

Copyright - Protica Research - http://www.protica.com

Protein Supplement Facts

The debate has been going on for centuries. Are there real differences between men and women? If so, what are those differences, exactly? The genetics are certainly different. Hormones, of course, are very different. Boys and girls even grow up at different rates. These differences also mean there are different nutritional needs - in some cases, very different. There are just some things that women will need more than men and vice versa. The basics are not very different, but the amounts of specific nutrients may change.

Debunking Some Misconceptions

A common misconception is that men need a lot more protein than women. Actually, this is true, to a point. Men do need more protein, but not because they are necessarily more muscular than women and need more muscle building power to function. Men just tend to be taller and heavier. The basic way to determine how much protein a person needs is mass and men just have more mass. The bigger the person, the more protein they will require. Two men who weigh the same may have different needs in protein if one just sits around watching television in his free time while the other exercises daily, but those differences will likely not be very pronounced.

Men also need just a little more protein because of the hormone testosterone, which only occurs in men and is secreted by the testes. Men also have a higher red blood cell count than any woman who isn't currently pregnant. The blood volume of a woman can increase by fifty percent during pregnancy.

Too Much of a Good Thing

Too much fat can make you fat. That's obvious. Too much protein can make you fat, too. Another of those misconceptions is that protein always turns into muscle. The thing about food - no matter what it is, it will turn into fat if you eat too much of it. Excess protein can cause other health problems as well, as with an overabundance of any nutrients. When your body has too much protein, it flushes it out of the body, along with a great deal of calcium, which your body needs to build your bones. This can lead to osteoporosis. Women are much more likely to suffer from this disease, but men can be affected as well.

Other Important Nutrients

Women who are younger than fifty should have about 1000 mg of calcium every day. They will need 200 mg more after reaching the age of fifty. Men can get by with about 800 mg per day. Taking too much calcium will increase the risk of prostate cancer. Three servings of dairy per day should be enough. There is a difference in the need for iron between men and women, at least up to a certain age. Women younger than fifty need about 18 mg of iron every day, but once a woman is fifty or older, she only needs 8 mg per day, which is the amount men of any age should take.

On the other hand, men need a great deal more fiber than women. Men younger than fifty should have about 38 grams of fiber per day, decreasing it to 30 grams after fifty. Women should have 25 grams of fiber per day when younger than fifty, and 21 grams when older.

Everyone, male or female, should have a good amount of Omega-3 fatty acids, but men need to get theirs from sea-based sources. Other types of Omega-3 fatty acids can increase the risk of prostate cancer.

Which Proteins Are the Right Proteins?

The right amount of protein is about 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight every day. Where is the best place to get that protein? There are all kinds of sources that can be looked at when it comes to daily protein intake.

Protein comes in two basic types: complete and incomplete. A complete protein comes with all eight of the essential amino acids. These are amino acids the human body cannot make by itself. They are: leucine, isoleucine, valine, threonine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, and lysine. There is another essential amino acid added for children, histidine, but adult bodies can create this without help.

The easiest complete proteins to find are animal proteins. These always contain all the essential amino acids. Unfortunately, these proteins, especially some of the meats, tend to be high in saturated fats and cholesterol, not to mention high in calories. Some of the healthier meat options include skinless turkey breast, salmon, and low fat dairy. It may be difficult to obtain in some places, but bison is a good source of low fat meat, even though it is considered a red meat.

Plant proteins are virtually all incomplete, but for one exception: soy. Every other plant protein lacks at least one of the essential amino acids. Grains, nuts, and seeds, for instance, are too low in isoleucine and lysine, while legumes do not have enough tryptophan and methionine. Some plant sources of protein can be combined to make up for the deficiencies. Vegans and vegetarians especially need to follow a diet with lots of variation to ensure they get the proper amount of protein.

Using Protein Supplements

Many men hit the floor in the morning and keep going until they come home from work again. Many men habitually work through lunch or just grab fast food between stops. Unfortunately, that is too many calories and too little actual nutrition.

A protein supplement is better than fast food. Not only is it actually faster, it's much healthier, as well. Protein has the added benefits of giving an energy boost and controlling hunger. There are many ways to get a protein supplement, including liquid protein shots, protein shakes, protein powders, and the popular protein bars. Just check the labels before getting these to make sure they have nutritional value and aren't just candy bars with a healthy-looking logo or name. Many of these have far too much in the way of fat and sugar.

About Protica Research

Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm specializing in the development of protein-rich, capsulized foods (dense nutrition in compact liquid and food forms). Protica manufactures Profect protein beverage, IsoMetric, Fruitasia and more than 100 other brands in its GMP-certified, 250,000 square foot facility.

You can learn more about Protica at http://www.protica.com.

Copyright - Protica Research - http://www.protica.com.

Whey Protein - Core Benefits of Taking This Supplement That You Should Be Aware Of

There is no better source of all the essential amino acids that your body needs than consuming whey protein, preferable in powder form. The key to its effectiveness lies in the fact that it is a natural protein and in its pure un-altered form it contains the most amino acids than any other protein source available. This has made it the first and foremost choice for individuals of any age group (from teens through to the elderly) as a way of getting the needed protein that their eating habits fail to provide them.

It has a variety of uses from bodybuilding and strengthening of the body, to assisting the body in metabolism regulation and appetite suppressant. This protein succeeds in each situation to become one of the most popular proteins chosen for supplementation (others choices of protein include casein and soy protein).

The Core Benefits Of Whey Protein:

The first core benefit from whey protein comes from the essential amino acids. As noted before this natural protein is the best known source for all the essential amino acids, which are needed for a variety of reasons. Amino acids are the building blocks for good skin, nails, muscles and overall good health. With the use of this protein supplement you can improve all of these substantially. This has lead to an marked growth in consumers of this protein as a product other than just muscle growth. The fact that its so popular indicates that its working, regular customers who have used it time after time now swear by it and often keep it as their little secret to successful health.

Adequate protein consumption is the core requirement of a quality, lean and well-built physique and whey protein is the choice of the majority of the bodybuilding community. It is also known that athletes can use up to twice as much of whey protein compared to the normal person to sustain their build and fitness. This protein supplement creates these types of benefits and has proven to be successful after many years of research and consumer use. It promotes muscle regrowth after extensive gym sessions allowing you to return to the gym sooner as well as build muscle faster. It is well known that this protein is core to any fitness and toning regime that may be carried out in the gym.

What most people feel to realize is that unless they are really trying, their diets normally are severely lacking in the needed protein levels for not only normal bodily functions, but also for the added protein needed to properly build muscle mass. Most diets are unbalanced, and contain an excessive high percentage of carbohydrates and fats, with healthy protein more of an afterthought. This is the reason why protein supplementation can be beneficial to all individuals, not just athletes.

In summary, whey protein is the best source of dietary protein, mainly due to it being natural and containing the largest amount of all essential amino acids. If you value your physique or are planning on improving it, your first consideration when it comes to any protein supplement should be whey protein.

For more information on protein supplements, and to buy whey protein, please visit http://www.bulksupplementsdirect.co.uk.

Understanding Protein Supplements

There is a lot of hype these days about "revolutionary" dietary supplements that are guaranteed to help you lose weight. Don't believe the hype. If you are really interested in learning about dietary supplements, what you need to research is protein supplements. These aren't just for athletes and body builders any more. Everyone can benefit from using protein supplements, whether in liquid, powder or bars form.

Types of Protein Supplements

There are different types of protein supplements available, made from different ingredients, and people with allergies or lactose intolerance need to be careful when choosing which type they are going to use.

Casein: This is a slow-to-digest protein that is mainly found in milk. Because it digests slowly, you will feel fuller longer after taking it. This is a commonly used form of protein supplement used by people on liquid diets, because of its "filling" effect. Casein is not recommended for those who are lactose intolerant.

Casein Hydrolysate: This is a special type of casein, which digests faster than regular casein. In fact, it digests even faster than whey. It is great for after workouts, but is rather expensive. Again, this is not for those who are intolerant of milk and milk products.

Whey: This is one of the most accessible, inexpensive and popular forms of protein supplement available. This also comes from milk, and is a by-product of the cheese-making process. It is also found naturally in other foods including chicken fish and beef. Whey digests quickly, and is a great choice for an after-work out refresher. This is not recommended for liquid diets, or for those who are lactose intolerant.

Egg Protein: Usually found in powdered form, egg protein, also referred to as egg albumin, is used in many dietary supplements. It is neither fast nor slow to digest, and it is a good supplement for those who are lactose intolerant. But, if you have any allergies to eggs or chicken, avoid egg protein.

Soy Protein: This is the protein that is great for everyone, with or without allergies, tolerant or intolerant of milk and milk products. Because it is made completely from soy, it is a perfect choice for vegetarians, and it is considered to be a complete protein. Just like egg protein, soy protein is made from natural ingredients.

Rice Protein: Here is another great protein source for people with allergies, vegetarians and those who are lactose intolerant. Guten-free and low-carb/low-fat, it is an ideal protein supplement for dieters. Rice protein tastes great in shakes and smoothies, and can be mixed up quickly.

Blended Proteins: These are a combination of whey and casein proteins. With blended proteins, you get the benefits of the whey (including the lower cost), along with the longer lasting effects of casein.

Whey or Soy Protein...Which Is Better?

Some people prefer whey, some soy, - but why? Each of these proteins has their own particular benefits and disadvantages. For instance, soy is great for those who can't have any milk products, whereas whey is a milk derivative. Whey works faster, but soy works longer. Soy is plant-based, so it is ideal for vegetarians, and whey works with growth hormones. Soy contains harsh fiber that can be difficult to digest, while whey is easily and quickly digested.

So, which is better? It really depends on you and your dietary needs. If you are looking for something that will give you a quick protein fix following a workout, then whey is what you need. If you want something that will make you feel full and will work over a longer period of time, soy is the answer. So, the choice is yours.

Protein Bars

Once used by bodybuilders and athletes to make sure they were getting enough protein in their diets, protein bars are now enjoyed by people from all walks of life who need extra protein in their diets. In addition to often having between 20 and 30 grams of protein per bar, these tasty treats are low in carbohydrates.

Protein bars are usually made with whey or soy protein, and a number of natural ingredients, including peanuts and oats. People on calorie-reduced and low sugar diets should be careful that they do not get protein bars that are coated in chocolate.

Protein bars are great to have around for mid-morning or mid-afternoon snacks. They are small and portable, and you can eat them anywhere without having to prepare shakes or smoothies.

Protein Powder Supplements

Another great way to get the protein you need in your diet is to use protein powders. There are a number of different protein powders available, many flavored, so they just need to be mixed with juice for a tasty, healthy drink. Or use them to make delicious protein shakes and smoothies for breakfast.

Protein powders help to give you added energy. Because they are an immune system booster, having extra protein in your diet is a good thing during cold and flu season. Protein plays an important role in metabolism, and if you are trying to lose weight, try a diet that offers plenty of protein. Or add a protein powder to your breakfast juice or milk.

Liquid Protein Supplements

Many athletes and body builders use liquid protein supplements following workouts for muscle recovery and growth because they are easy to digest, and digest quickly. They also often use liquid protein as a meal replacement. But it is not just athletes who can reap the benefits of added protein in their diets. Anyone, of any age, can use protein supplements to aid in muscle growth and development, get extra energy and lose weight more easily.

Protein shakes are great to have around because they make an easy meal replacement. You can get shakes that don't have fat and carbohydrates if you are just looking for extra protein, or you can also get shakes for workouts that have carbohydrates and fat. Remember, most of these shakes contain dairy products, so if you are lactose intolerant, you may want to try a different type of protein supplement.

Protein Shots

Forget the energy drinks. Not only are protein shots a great source of additional protein in the diet, they are also a terrific way to boost your energy. These are another form of liquid protein supplements, and are good for people on the go because they are small and easy to take anywhere.
These supplements often have no carbohydrates or fat, so they are great for dieters, and because they give you that added boost, many athletes and body builders drink them. And they are available in delicious flavors such as blue raspberry, apple and citrus.

Are Protein Supplements Dangerous?

Just like anything, any type of protein supplement should be used in moderation, and if you have any health issues, you should consult your doctor before using any at all. If used as part of a healthy and balanced diet, these supplements are a terrific way of increasing your protein intake without getting any extra fat or carbohydrates. Because they are made from natural sources, protein supplements are just as safe as the sources they come from, so they are safe to add to your diet as an additional source of protein.

About Protica Research

Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm specializing in the development of protein-rich, capsulized foods (dense nutrition in compact liquid and food forms). Protica manufactures Profect protein beverage, IsoMetric, Fruitasia and more than 100 other brands in its GMP-certified, 250,000 square foot facility.

You can learn more about Protica at http://www.protica.com

Copyright - Protica Research - http://www.protica.com

Benefits of Whey Protein

In recent years, the subject of whey protein has come up often in health discussions. Know what whey protein is, its possible benefits and side effects and more as you read on.
What is Whey Protein
Whey protein is actually a term used to describe a group of globular proteins that can be separated from whey. When cow's milk is used to manufacture cheese, it also leads to the production of whey, which may or may not be discarded. It is a mixture of lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin and serum albumin.Similar to protein found in egg white, whey protein can also be irreversibly changed by heat. When made part of the pasteurization process, it becomes less bio-active. If not, whey protein naturally becomes bio-active which basically means it contains a high concentration of cysteine and consequently glutathione, an antioxidant that is essential to improved fitness and health. Bio-active whey protein is an active source for protein but exposure to extreme heat can easily reduce the amount of cysteine in it without affecting its protein content and basic food value.
What Makes It Good for the Body
Because whey protein contains an inordinate amount of essential and non-essential acids, it frequently plays a prominent role in most low-carb and high-protein diets. Another reason for this is because of its low content of fats and of course, carbohydrates.
Why Pregnant Mothers Love Whey Protein
A number of OBs have advised their gravid patients to increase their intake of whey protein because it will provide the basic amount of amino acids needed by the growing infants inside their bodies. An increased intake of whey protein will naturally improve and speed up the development of the baby. Also, increased intake of whey protein will indirectly improve the immune system of the baby. In its growing stages, it is highly vulnerable to different types of illnesses. With the help of whey protein, it grow faster and better and more equipped to defend itself against any health complication.
Whey Protein for Bodybuilding Enthusiasts
For bodybuilders, muscle growth is everything and that's why they love whey protein so much. Studies have satisfactorily proven that whey protein can lead to acceleration of muscle development. This is welcomed news especially for bodybuilders who are only a few weeks away from the date of competition but is still in high need of muscle growth.
How it Helps Athletes Busy Recovering from Old Injuries
In this case, whey protein saves the day once more because it can be used to supplement diets of individuals who are suffering from compromised immune systems. Basically, it helps athletes heal faster and feel better.

A Weapon against Degenerative Diseases
Although you can't truly say that any disease is less painful than the other if both have life-altering consequences, it is an inarguable fact however that degenerative diseases are one of the worst health complications to suffer from. These illnesses tend to subject people to a protracted form of suffering and with symptoms with increasing levels of severity. They commonly affect three systems in particular: the nervous system, the muscular system and the skeletal system.
Although rarely curable, degenerative diseases can be treated through chemotherapy, surgical operations and the proper diet. Whey protein is often a part of this diet because of its rehabilitative benefits especially when it comes to muscle growth. Cancer, diabetes and AIDS have symptoms that causes muscle strength and growth to deteriorate - an undesirable effect that can be combated with increased intake of whey protein.
Where to Buy Whey Protein
Are you sufficiently convinced of the benefits of whey protein then? If so, you should be happy to know that you can avail of commercial whey protein product in most supermarkets and specialty food stores specializing in healthy food.
Ending with a Warning
Whey protein is good for the body - no doubt about it - but too much consumption of anything is never beneficial. Too much intake of whey protein can lead to unnecessary complications of your liver. And need we remind you that the liver is the next most important organ in the body? Lastly, lactose intolerant individuals must consume whey protein isolate rather than the normal variety as the former has less lactose content.

Why You Don't Need Protein To Gain Muscle!

There are all kinds of diet recommendations all over the bodybuilding magazines and websites that advise to divide your eating into different "ratios" and "percentages" for building muscle mass and gaining weight.Some recommend high fat, low carb, others say moderate carbs, moderate fat, high carbs, low fat, etc. But the one thing that each and every one of these "weight gain" / "muscle building" diets say is it must be HIGH in protein.Well, I'm here to tell you the TRUTH. It is NOT necessary at all to eat a diet high in protein to gain muscle weight.Just about everything you read says to eat 1-2 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight.Some even go as high as suggesting you have to not only eat high, but massive amounts of protein to build muscle and gain weight.
This MYTH is due to 3 reasons:

1) Everyone thinks that muscle tissue is made up mostly of protein

2) Everyone thinks that either high amounts of fat or high amounts of carbohydrates will cause you to get fat

3) Everyone thinks that protein has a "thermogenic" (inner-body temperature raising) effect, which helps burn fat

All three of these beliefs are completely wrong! (In this article I am going to give you a very brief explanation, but in later articles I will go into more detail).

First, muscle tissue is NOT made up of mostly of protein. Muscle tissue is 70% WATER.The other 30% is made of GLUCOSE, and AMINO ACIDS. Your muscles need just as much glucose (which is what carbohydrates are converted into), if not MORE than protein to gain muscle size.Those that have medically studied the physiology of the human body know that amino acids are what make up protein.

However, the body uses whatever amount of amino acids it needs at that particular moment. The rest it stores for later use.It is NOT true that you need to be eating a "steady stream" of protein to gain muscle weight.........your body keeps a little "pool" of stored amino acids.Protein is by far the most difficult macronutrient to break down and digest.The higher the amount of protein you eat the more stress you are placing on your digestive system.Oh, by the way, what do you think happens to any excess protein??? It turns it into FAT!
Have you ever noticed how you feel when you eat a huge burger or steak?
Even after several hours have passed, it still feels like you've got that entire piece of meat just sitting and rotting in your stomach.
How much benefit in gaining muscle weight do you think that's going to give you?
Have you ever drank those disgusting protein shakes or eaten those chalk-tasting protein bars? You get gas, you feel bloated, and you might even get the "runs" (diarrhea).That's a major sign that your body is NOT properly digesting all of that protein!!!
There are several real-life examples of athletes that don't consume massive amounts of protein to gain muscle weight, yet have tremendous physiques, are in excellent health, are powerful, fast, and agile.
To just name some of them:
Andreas Cahling - Swedish champion bodybuilder and Olympic gold medalist in the ski jump
Keith Holmes - World champion middleweight boxer
Bill Manetti - Powerlifting champion
Stan Price - World weight lifting record holder; bench press
Art Still - Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs MVP defensive ends, Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame
Chris Campbell - Olympic wrestling champion
Peter Hussing - European super heavyweight boxing champion
You can eat all the protein in the world and not gain one pound of muscle weight if you aren't eating enough calories!!!!!
Remember, it doesn't matter what we've been fed by the magazines and companies trying to sell us their latest protein concoction. It all comes down to the calories!
In my next article I'll cover the 2nd and 3rd misconception everyone has about protein.

Protein Supplement

Finding the best protein supplement is no easy task. This is a huge market with many contenders vying for their slice of the market. In general, the best supplements of any kind are ones that your body knows how to digest and absorb naturally. For this reason, organic or natural protein supplements can be the best choices.

Hemp Powder

One of the best protein supplements you can take is hemp powder. Hemp is simply a fantastic food as it contains eighteen different amino acids, high levels of magnesium, zinc, iron and vitamin E. However, hemp powder has two additional benefits as well. It is very high in fiber (up to a whopping fourteen grams!) and it contains omega fatty acids as well.

The Nutiva brand of organic hemp powder is very good as it has 11 grams of protein per 120 calorie serving and is very low in fat. The amino acid profile is part of what makes hemp powder such an attractive protein supplement. There are many other powder supplements, to say the least. However, hemp powder will work very well for most people.

Spirulina Powder

If you are looking for an alternative to hemp powder but want still want your protein in a supplement form there is an often overlooked alternative that is simply fantastic. A high quality (and the key words are "high quality") organic spirulina is an exceptionally good way to boost protein intake. In addition to a high protein level, there are many other health benefits to be had from spirulina.

Yes, spirulina is green. However, mixed into fruit juices, spirulina barely has any flavor at all. When I first started drinking spirulina, I just shut my eyes and pretended it was another color.

One of the best spirulina's on the market is Source Naturals Organic Spirulina. What this amazing little blue-green algae packs into ten calories, borders on the absurd. A mere teaspoon of organic spirulina provides two grams of protein, 150% of Vitamin A, 150% of Vitamin B12, 30% of Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5), 30% of iodine, 15% of iron as well as Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Folate, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium and potassium. But that isn't the entire nutritional spread. Spirulina is also rich in amino acids, loaded down with chlorophyll and is infused with antioxidants. It is believed that spirulina is even good for your heart.The term "superfood" is bantered around quite a bit these days, but spirulina definitely qualifies as one. In order to match the protein level found in many protein powders, you may have to take about 30 grams of spirulina per day. But for those thirty grams, you will be getting an amazing amount of nutrition for the same cost of many high-quality protein powders.

Recommended Foods with High Protein- Egg Whites and Sardines

The first two options that we have discussed are both good for vegetarians and vegans. However, there is a third option that is animal based. This high protein "secret" used by body builders is guaranteed to give you a protein boost. Egg whites are almost pure protein. Just twenty calories of egg whites will give you 4.7 grams of protein. This means that five egg whites will give you about 24 grams of protein, with very little added fat.

If you are looking for another way to supplement your protein, consider sardines. They are low in calories, absolutely packed with protein with about 24 grams of protein per 120 calorie serving, and you also get the heart healthy benefits of omega-3 acids.

Whether you choose to supplement your protein with vegan powder options, egg whites, sardines or all of the above, remember that they are low in calories, extremely healthy ways to get more protein into your diet. These options are all great ones, because they also have added secondary health benefits. If you are getting additional vitamins and minerals with your protein supplement, you really can't go wrong. Add these healthy protein supplements to your diet, and you'll stay lean and healthy.

What do you think is the best protein supplement?

For even more free tips and advice on best protein supplements, come check out what's inside the number one site for health and fitness on the net:

http://www.fitbuff.com

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