Protein

MuscleTech Protein Powder FAQs 

1. What is protein powder and what is it used for? 

Protein powder is a food supplement that offers many different benefits. Protein is first and foremost an essential macronutrient derived primarily from animal-based foods and some plants such as legumes, and protein powder is a supplemental form of it.  

Protein can be used as an energy source for the body, but it has many other important roles on top of this. Most of the body's tissues, hormones, and enzymes are primarily made up of amino acids from proteins. This means protein is essential for muscle growth, bone mass, healthy skin, and countless other features of a well-functioning body. 

Increasing daily protein intake through isolated protein in the form of protein powder is an excellent way to boost several bodily functions by giving your body the nutrients it needs. 

2. How does protein powder help with muscle building and recovery? 

Protein powder can help with muscle growth and repair simply because protein is the most essential nutrient for building muscle tissue. When the muscle becomes "damaged" through exercise, the body naturally repairs the impacted muscle fibers to form new bigger and stronger muscle tissues out of broken down protein. 

The building blocks of this new mass are the amino acids that make up protein. Many amino acids cannot be "created" in the body through any other materials, so they must be consumed directly from food to fulfill their role in muscle recovery. 

Some protein powders also contain other ingredients that assist in the repair process such as vitamins, minerals, or certain isolated amino acids. 

3. Is protein powder safe to consume? 

Yes. Protein powder is incredibly safe to consume provided it's sourced from a credible supplement source. It was invented all the way back in the 1950s for bodybuilders, but it's since become commonly used by athletes, seniors, kids, and everyday people alike. 

The only concern sometimes cited about protein powder is a lack of awareness on the amount of calories they contain. As long as protein powder is being consumed in recommended serving sizes from reliable suppliers, there are no health concerns.  

4. What are the different types of protein powder available? 

There are several types of protein powder available and this number continues to grow as food science advances. The 2 main categories of protein are animal-based protein, and plant-based protein. 

From animal sources there's whey protein, casein protein, egg protein, and collagen. The most common plant proteins are currently hemp protein, soy protein, brown rice protein, and pea protein.  

5. How much protein powder should I consume per day? 

The ideal amount of protein powder per day will vary greatly from person to person depending on a variety of factors. Those who eat a diet already rich in protein will need less. Those who workout frequently and especially those attempting to build muscle mass or get lean will need more. 

There's no known limit for safe protein consumption, and existing research shows that healthy individuals can thrive on at least 1.5 grams of protein per pound of body weight.  

The optimal amount of protein powder is anything within the range that doesn't cause one to surpass their daily calories goals, and allows them to meet their protein intake goals through the combination of diet and protein powder supplementation. 

6. Can protein powder help with weight loss? 

Yes, protein powder can absolutely help with weight loss. This is because it's essential to consume enough protein to preserve existing muscle mass while being in a leaning phase of body recomposition. 

Protein is also the most desirable macronutrient to consume while attempting to lose weight because it has the least efficient metabolic pathway towards being stored as fat. The abundance of protein in protein powder also helps provide satiety and prevent overeating on simple carbs and fats.  

7. Is protein powder suitable for vegetarians and vegans? 

Not all types of protein powders are suitable for vegetarians and vegans, but many are. Casein and whey come from bovine sources but hemp, soy, rice, and pea protein or a mix of those is perfectly suitable. Vegetarians can even use egg white protein if they so choose.  

Our Plant Protein is an excellent option for both vegans and vegetarians.  

8. What are the potential side effects of protein powder? 

Protein powder consumed in reasonable amounts doesn't have any side effects.  

One concern is allergies and food sensitivities which could make select consumers experience temporarily bloating.  

A second side effect to look out for is simply over-fullness from consuming a high-calorie and filling food supplement in a drink format as opposed to from food. This can be avoided by planning out sensible portion sizes.  

9. Can protein powder be used as a meal replacement? 

The answer to this is a conditional yes. Protein powder can be used as a meal replacement if it contains a variety of other vitamins, minerals and macronutrients to provide balance. Protein is essential, but it's not the only nutrient of importance. 

Combining protein powder with other foods in a smoothie is an excellent way to make it a meal, or else selecting a protein powder product that contains a blend of ingredients that make it a more nutritionally balanced product than pure protein.  

10. When is the best time to take protein powder? 

The best time to take protein powder depends on the fitness goals the powder is supporting. Generally speaking, consuming protein powder within at least a few hours of working out is an ideal way to refuel and maximize muscle recovery.   

If building mass is a priority, consuming protein powder in between meals may also be a helpful strategy for increasing calories and providing more building blocks to create new muscles. 

11. Can I mix protein powder with other ingredients? 

Absolutely. This is possible and even recommended in many circumstances. The simplest way to consume protein powder is in a shake, but the liquid component doesn't have to be water. Milk, juice, coffee or any other liquid of choice that suits the flavor of protein powder being used are all viable options. 

On top of shakes, there's also plenty of opportunity to get creative with protein powder in the kitchen. It can easily be added to pancakes, desserts, baked goods, oatmeal and smoothies for a powerful flavor and nutrient boost.  

12. How long does it take to see results from using protein powder? 

The results of using protein powder may take several weeks to become visible and they're dependent on a number of factors. One's age, workout quality and volume, gender, diet and past experiences will all affect how quickly their body responds to the protein.  

On average, 4-8 weeks is soon enough to start seeing results from a combination of protein powder and a consistent resistance training routine.  

13. Are all protein powders the same in terms of quality? 

No. There is a wide range of quality in the types and brands of protein powders available on the market. Buying from a 3rd party tested supplier is one of the best ways to vouch for a protein powder's quality. 

On top of this, examining the ingredients to look for filler ingredients without any added benefit will help weed out the lower quality protein options.  

14. How do I choose the right protein powder for my goals? 

Choosing the right protein powder first depends on getting really clear about what goals the protein powder will be serving. Different types of protein are absorbed at different speeds. Therefore, each one is most useful in unique and specific ways.  

The fast absorbing protein powders such as whey are ideal shortly before a workout session, or right after to support muscle recovery and growth.  

Slow absorbing protein powders like casein on the other hand are an excellent source of slow burning energy. They can be consumed prior to bed to help with muscle recovery overnight, or they can be consumed in the morning for steady energy and reduced hunger to help support weight loss. 

15. Can I use protein powder if I have dietary restrictions or allergies? 

Almost all dietary restrictions or allergies can be accommodating by selecting the right type of protein powder.  

Anyone sensitive to dairy should avoid both whey and casein protein since they're both derived from milk products, but plant-proteins could be an excellent alternative. Those with celiac disease should also look for gluten free labeling to ensure the protein powder wasn't processed in a facility with other gluten-containing products that may have contaminated it. 

18. Are there any artificial ingredients or additives in protein powder? 

Some protein powders do contain artificial ingredients and additives, but not all. The most common additives are flavoring agents, vitamins and minerals, anti-caking agents, and thickeners. These improve the texture, taste and nutrition content of the final product. 

Some customers prefer additives and some don't, so we personally offer both. For an artificial additive free protein powder, check out Grass-Fed 100% Whey Protein.  

19. Can I stack protein powder with other supplements? 

Absolutely. Protein powder can be combined with any other supplements.  

20. How should protein powder be stored for optimal freshness? 

Protein powder should be stored with the lid on snugly in a cool dark and dry place. Avoid putting it in the fridge since the moisture may cause excessive clumping. Most protein powders can last for over 1 year in these conditions.