· By AMISHA SHUKLA
The Scoop on Protein Powder
Consuming plenty of protein is not just for athletes. It is necessary for a healthy immune system and required for organs like your heart, brain, and skin to function properly. The nutrient is also glorified to help control appetite and enhance muscle growth.
Your protein intake generally relies on your exercise routine, age, and health. And whether to supplement protein intake with a protein powder has become a normal query.
A closer glance at protein powder
Protein is extracted from animal or plant-based sources to make such supplements, ranging from cow’s milk and eggs to peas, rice, and soy. Naturally occurring carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and fibre are often extracted during processing, while supplementary nutrients, herbs, and even sweeteners may be added.
Anyone considering protein powder should apprehend that it is categorised as a dietary supplement, which means it is not controlled in the same way as food or medicine. The burden falls on manufacturers to confirm that their products are not unsafe, though many companies do not test for safety or effectiveness before their offerings hit shelves.
How much protein does a person need?
How much protein a person needs is another crucial consideration when choosing whether you may benefit from supplementing your diet. The amount thought to be sufficient for most healthy people, called the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), is set at 0.8 grams per kilogram. For a person who weighs 150 pounds, this translates to roughly 55 grams of protein; a 200-pound person needs about 70 grams of protein. Certain athletes experiencing severe training may improve their progress by consuming more than double the RDA, but this doesn’t apply to most of us.
Most people can get sufficient protein from their diet.
One egg, one half-cup of chickpeas, or a small handful of nuts provides roughly 6 grams of protein. A piece of chicken or fish, the size of a deck of cards, offers about 30 grams.
For many people, it is relatively easy to reach recommended amounts through their usual diet. On average, Indians consume 65 to 90 grams of protein each day. (Young women under 19 and seniors older than 70 are more likely to be at risk for low protein intake.)
Research suggests older adults and exercisers looking to support muscle growth may benefit from eating one-and-a-half to two times as much protein as the RDA. As we age, we lose muscle, and research shows boosting protein may help increase strength and lean body mass. But unless you have a restricted diet, such as a strict plant-based or vegan regimen, this increase is often still achievable through food.
Though pregnant women have slightly elevated protein needs, they should consult an obstetrician or dietitian if they consider protein supplements. Companies sometimes add potentially unsafe ingredients like ginkgo or papain to protein powders. Also, individuals with kidney disease often benefit from consuming marginally less protein than the RDA and should talk to a healthcare provider before supplementing with protein.
Protein powders are convenient but unnecessary for most.
If you are a fit adult thinking about supplementation, you should decide whether your goal is to enhance muscle mass, as most research concentrates on improving muscle growth and strength. Older adults may benefit from rising protein slightly, regardless of their exercise routine; yet, for most of us, resistance training is more useful than simply supplementing with protein.
For those looking to enhance the muscle growth that normally occurs with exercise, evidence supports consuming 20 to 40 grams of protein (roughly the amount found in a can of tuna). Larger quantities donate calories and can lower muscle-building potential. So, possessing several scoops of protein powder at once is far-fetched to be helpful. Plant-based powders often have smaller protein but shouldn’t be scrapped as an option. Rice and pea protein, for example, have been shown to promote muscle growth equal to whey, a milk-based protein praised for its high quality and quick absorption.
Unless you are an older adult with a defined appetite, have a restricted diet, or are a trained professional athlete, you can adjust your food intake to get what you need. Protein from food is often more affordable, less risky, and inherently has beneficial nutrients.
To Conclude
The power of protein is pretty clear. Whether you’re looking for gains, want to drop a few dress sizes, or want to set yourself up for a healthy future, supplementing your diet with the right protein powder can support and fuel your ambitions.