Joseph
Protein shake It has become synonymous with post-workout gains. But if muscle building was strictly dependent on protein consumption, we’d all sit around eating tablespoons of it Whey protein And never hit the gym. Of course this is not the case. You need the right stimulant – a healthy strength and conditioning program combined with a balanced, protein-rich diet. To take your body to new heights, protein powder is a must. But here’s why: You want the cleanest protein powders. Not all proteins are created equal, and there is Much From subpar options in the market.
What makes a clean protein powder
Ignore the marketing jargon and look directly at the ingredient label. Here is your checklist to find the cleanest protein powders:
- Whey or a plant-based protein source should be the first ingredient. Avoid unnecessary fillers and additives.
- There shouldn’t be a lot of added sugar or artificial ingredients (read: less than 2g sugar per serving). If you’re looking to add carbs, add it yourself in the form of milk, fruit, or natural honey.
- Prioritize powders that have in the least 20 grams of protein per serving.
- Look for a company that lists an amino acid profile on the label or on their website, and make sure there is a high leucine content per serving (at least 2 grams).
- If the brand lists the source of whey protein, that’s a good sign that they focus on high-quality protein.
- Choose powders that have been tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety such as NSF Certified Sports or Known selection. These companies test products for banned substances and make sure that what is on the label is actually in the product.
Which is better: whey or plant-based protein powder?
Pros and cons of whey protein
Whey protein is derived from cow’s milk, which makes it a dairy product. During cheese production, the whey is separated and isolated. Most dairy products contain two types of protein: casein (80 percent) and whey (20 percent). Next, whey protein goes through some processing to make it into whey powder, and this is where it can get unhealthy.
Most whey protein on its own taste really bad, so many manufacturers add sugar and ingredients to make it more palatable. To keep it clean, look for powders where whey is either Isolation or Form decomposition.
There are three main types of whey protein powders:
- Whey protein concentrate: It usually contains the lowest percentage of whey protein. The lower end tends to contain 30 percent of the protein and can be up to 90 percent. They tend to have lower levels of fats and carbohydrates, and better flavor.
- Isolate whey protein: 90 percent protein or higher and contain less lactose and fats than concentrates.
- Decomposition: This species is considered pre-digested – it has undergone partial hydrolysis so that it is absorbed faster in the digestive system. This reduces the potential for allergens.
Historically, animal proteins (such as whey protein) were the best protein source. This is because animal protein – poultry products, beef, pork, and dairy foods – is “complete,” which means that it provides all 9 essential amino acids, and is more like the natural proteins found in the human body. Humans are able to digest, process and use animal protein very efficiently.
When it comes to building muscle, animal protein prevails over plant protein. Some Research It shows that plant protein is of poorer quality when it comes to digestion and the muscle building response to consumption. This is most likely due to a specific amino acid called lysine, which is responsible for initiating the muscle-building process in the body.
Pros and cons of plant protein
As an alternative to whey protein, plant-based protein powders are becoming increasingly popular and available due to the increasing popularity of or even plant-based products vegetarian Fevers. Many individuals also have digestive issues when it comes to whey protein (because it is derived from dairy products), so plant protein can remedy that. These powders are derived from vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Plant proteins are often low in some Essential amino acids, Or not contain all of the essential amino acids needed to build protein – some examples are beans, lentils, and nuts. As such, it is considered a second class protein source.
On the contrary, plant foods provide many nutrients such as vitamin C, flavonoids, quercetin, antioxidants, and antioxidants that animal proteins do not provide. The choice is yours whether you choose whey protein or plant-based protein powder to supplement your diet. Just make sure it’s high-quality and free from unnecessary additives, preservatives, or artificial ingredients.
Something to consider: A lot of times when it comes to nutritional supplements, you get what you pay for. The cheaper brands are often of lower quality and contain many additives or pollutants, fewer amounts of actual protein, or unfavorable amino acid profiles.
We did the hard work for you. These are the cleanest whey and plant-based protein powders you can buy.
1. Grass-fed whey protein essential
It claims to be some of the cleanest and most transparent nutritional supplements. You can go to their website to find out the source of each ingredient. You won’t find any unnecessary additives or preservatives in our grass fed whey protein, and everything is NSF Certified for Sports and Informed Choice (checked for banned substances and pollutants like lead). If you want a vegan option, the The basic line It boasts some of the highest quality plant protein on the market, combining optimal proportions of pea protein isolate with rice protein concentrate to maximize available amino acids. Unparalleled flavor.
[$55; livemomentous.com]
2. John’s Killer The Original Unsweetened Whey Protein Without Flavor
John’s Killer Protein focuses on the quality and safety of the product. This unflavored, slightly processed whey protein blend is made with certified organic, GMO-free, soy-free, and free of growth hormones. The best part about it is that it contains only one ingredient: the original whey protein (it’s grass-fed and minimally processed).
[$40; johnskillerprotein.com]
3. Clen Athlete Isolate Clen
Klean Athlete Isolate contains only two ingredients: whey protein isolate and sunflower lecithin (a necessary stabilizer). This powder contains no artificial sweeteners or flavors, and is a great choice for getting your daily protein and amino acids, plus it’s NSF-certified for sport-tested.
[$52; kleanathlete.com]
4. biPro ELITE 100% Whey Protein Isolate without flavor
BiPro whey protein isolate contains the same two ingredients: whey protein isolate and sunflower lecithin, plus a clean promise that ensures it doesn’t contain any grams of sugar, just natural sweeteners and flavors. In short: you get high-quality protein – no fillers and no compromises. Oh, and it’s NSF Certified for the sport (feel a trend?).
[From $25; biprousa.com]
5. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey
One of the best affordable options is ON Gold Standard Isolate. It contains a blend of whey and hydrolyzed isolate, so it’s a fast-digesting complete protein powder with no more than 1 gram of carbs, less than 1 gram of fat, and more than 80 percent of pure protein per serving. Third-party tested by Informed Choice for banned substances.
[From $10; optimumnutrition.com]
6. He won
Gainful is a new wave of custom protein powders based on your unique goals, your body composition, and your lifestyle. After a test run, the brand formulates a powder for you (choose from whey, plant-based, and keto). The powders never contain gluten, soy, fillers, artificial flavors, dyes, or sweeteners. Moreover, your subscription gives you access to a registered dietitian to answer any questions you have.
[$39; gainful.com]
7. OWYN Vegetarian Protein Powder
OWYN offers a vegan powder that provides 20 grams of protein from peas, pumpkin, and chia seeds. It also provides a full ration of organic vegetables, probiotics, omega-3s and trace minerals.
[From $28; liveowyn.com]
8. Naked Nutrition Grass-Feed Whey Protein
Naked whey is sourced from grass-fed cows from small dairy farms in California that were raised without growth hormones. Their powders are completely free from additives and artificial sweeteners; The company is simply doing the job of shortening the steps between you and your on-farm whey.
[$90; nakednutrition.com]
9. Naked Nutrition Pea Protein Powder
Naked Pea contains only one ingredient: pea protein extracted from yellow peas grown in American and Canadian farms. This protein is easily digestible and easy to absorb. Pea protein also contains all 9 essential amino acids for building muscle (however, it is low in methionine). Naked Pea is free of additives and artificial sweeteners. Naked also tests all of its supplements with independent third-party tests of heavy metals.
[$55; nakednutrition.com]
10. Going up unflavored whey protein powder
Ascent uses original whey protein. Why is this important? This means that it comes from hormone-free milk, herbal nutrients, and antibiotics. On top of all that, it is 95% pure protein. It’s also sports-certified (which means unflavored whey has been third-party tested for a list of banned substances) and hormone-free.
[$40; ascentprotein.com]
11. Whey protein powder levels
Grass-fed, hormone-free dairy products are the only dairy products used to make whey protein. Quality issues: No added sugars, bleaches, fillers, artificial flavors or sweeteners.
[$30; levelsusa.com]
12. Organic KOS Vegetable Protein without flavor
KOS Organic Plant Protein provides a blend of pea protein, flaxseed protein, quinoa pruning, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds for a wide range of amino acids and added nutrients. This powder contains beneficial digestive enzymes to aid in digestion and absorption, and nutrients from real foods like broccoli, apples, carrots, tomatoes, cranberries, and mushrooms, making it a multivitamin source as well. It’s USDA organic and also comes with a 90-day warranty if you’re not completely happy with it.
[$45; kos.com]
Jordan Mazur, MS, RD, is the Nutrition Coordinator and Team Sports Nutritionist for the San Francisco 49ers Team.
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