Protein Wars

In the war of proteins, it is important to recognize that overall increased consumption of protein is crucial for athletes, bodybuilders, and fitness enthusiasts alike. Increased protein consumption throughout the day has been shown to help maintain positive protein balance in the body, increase muscle recovery post-exercise, stimulate muscle resynthesis, and promote enhanced athletic performance. All proteins are good, but some are better than others. Hence, literature suggests that the ideal protein for increasing muscle mass and increasing strength should contain a good balance of essential and non-essential amino acids, an abundant supply of BCAAs, and should be low in fat and cholesterol. Based on the discussion presented, hopefully it is evident that no one protein type has won the gold medal for being the “best” when it comes to building lean muscle mass. What one protein is lacking can be found in another protein type. Therefore, it makes sense that the combination of whey protein, milk proteins (whey and casein), and egg protein would supply the body with the irreplaceable amino acids needed for both immediate and long-term muscle growth.

-Egg protein is known as the perfect protein because it has a BV of 100.0, meaning that all the egg protein consumed is ingested and used up in the body.

-An average glass of milk (250mL) will provide you with 9g of high quality protein and 31% of recommended daily calcium intake.

-Bioactive milk peptides support immune function, as well as enhance muscle growth.

-Whey protein provides the body with approximately 26g of BCAAs for every 100g of protein to replenish depleted levels and start repairing and rebuilding lean muscle tissue.

-Whey protein also helps athletes maintain a healthy immune system by increasing the levels of glutathione in the body. Glutathione is an anti-oxidant required for a healthy immune system and exercise and resistance training may reduce glutathione levels.”

-Whey’s amino acid profile is almost identical to that of skeletal muscle.