When you think about protein powder, what comes to mind? Do you think about a bodybuilder chugging back shake after shake in attempt to get even more muscular? Or perhaps you think of an elite level athlete drinking a protein shake after a hard training session.
If either of these things is accurate, one thing you likely aren’t thinking is that protein powder is for you.
Many people who would describe themselves as average or recreational gym-goers or athletes think that protein powder just isn’t something they really need. And while it’s true, you may not need protein powder as you can get protein from other foods as well, you sure can benefit from it.
There are many great benefits that protein powder specifically has to offer your diet regardless of whether you exercise or not, whether you’re young or old, whether you want to burn fat or build muscle, and whether or not you’re male or female.
Protein powder can be used by everyone.
So this said, let me share with you four benefits of whey protein powder that we feel often get missed so you can see why you need to pick some up today.
Immune Boosting Support
Keeping your immune system in tip-top shape is critical to keeping up with your day to day. When your immune system is stressed, you’re going to feel run down, tired, and all in all, not like doing much of what you typically enjoy.
Every day you place great strain on the immune system with everything you encounter, therefore it’s important to do whatever you can to try and boost it.
Whey protein powder contains immunoglobulins, which act to help strengthen the immune system, so you feel stronger each and every day. This may also mean you fall prey to the common cold and flu less often and you recover faster from each workout session that you perform.
Enhanced Bone Health
Think cow’s milk is the only good source of calcium? Think again! Whey protein powder can actually be a fantastic source, containing just as much calcium as a glass of milk without all the lactose that both spikes your blood glucose levels and can lead to so many unwanted gastro-intestinal issues.
While not every single brand of whey protein contains calcium, most do. Take Cor-Performance Whey by Cellucor for instance. With each scoop you take in, you’ll get 20% of your total daily calcium intake
If you drink a shake immediately following your workout session and another at some point during the day, you’ve just met almost half your daily quota.
It’s a fast and easy way to meet your mineral needs.
Craving Control
If you’re dieting, there’s no question that you are experiencing a craving here and there. It’s perfectly normal and very natural. Cravings occur more frequently when you’re in a calorie deficit and it will be important to find a way to combat them.
Enter protein powder. If you have a sweet tooth to kill, it’s perfect. Protein powder comes in almost every flavor imaginable from Snickerdoodle to Rocky Road to the old reliable Vanilla.
No matter what your taste preference happens to be, you will be able to find a protein powder that will appeal. Gone are the days where you are left chugging back a chalky tasting substance that you’d just rather do without.
When Protein May Lower Blood Pressure Levels
Finally, if your doctor has instructed you to watch your blood pressure levels because they are creeping up there and he or she is concerned about heart health, whey protein powder is a perfect choice.
Dairy products in general contain bioactive peptides referred to as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and research has linked these to a decrease in blood pressure levels.
You’ll get double the blood pressure lowering effects if you choose to swap out beef for a protein source, like whey protein powder. Beef is higher in fat and cholesterol, so this protein source tends to have the opposite effect and will increase blood pressure rather than decrease it.
There you have it, four often forgotten about benefits of whey protein powder. Remember that whey protein powder isn’t just for making shakes with. You can get creative with your whey protein powder and prepare protein pancakes, mix some into a bowl of yogurt, stir it into oatmeal, or prepare a home made well-balanced smoothie that will hit your macros head on. It’s a highly versatile supplement and one that everyone should have in their pantry.
