Protein SupplementsProtein supplements are beneficial for losing weight as well as improving general health. Protein itself is made up of amino acids and is essential for tissue rebuilding/ repair. It provides the building blocks of the body. Even though there are eight ‘essential’ amino acids, we didn’t include protein in the 'Foundation Level' supplements because under normal, non-exercising circumstances, we can get adequate amounts from our diet. However, because many experts suggest having protein in all 5 or 6 meals each day, it is often easier to get some of the protein in a supplemental form. Protein supplements (a.k.a. meal replacements) may include the following: Protein powders Meal replacement powders Meal replacement bars Ready-to-Drinks (RTDs) Ideally, your protein source should contain whey protein, since it is the best form of protein. Whey has an excellent amino acid profile, which gives it the highest biological value (BV) of any protein source available. Biological value is a measure of how efficiently protein is used in the body (i.e. how much protein is utilised and how much is excreted from the total amount of protein consumed). Whey has a high BV mainly because around half of the amino acids it contains are essential amino acids, and half of these are the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs): leucine, isoleucine and valine. The branched-chain amino acids collectively make up about 35 percent of the protein in muscle tissue. They are anti-catabolic (prevent the breakdown of muscle tissue) and promote muscle growth and muscle recuperation. By preserving muscle mass, the metabolic rate remains elevated, which makes fat burning and weight loss much easier. In addition, whey protein boosts the immune system and lowers cholesterol. It may also suppress the appetite by stimulating the release of cholecystokinin (CCK) from the stomach cells. It is ideal for people wanting to lose weight.
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