Different kinds of protein

[Rebecca]

I found a good article about the different kinds of protein out there from whey to soy. It's a great resource to decide when to take certain proteins and which may be the best for you. Check out the 2008 Protein Report: The Complete Guide to Protein:

Whey Proteins

Currently the undisputed king of proteins. Here's why: whey proteins are quickly and easily digested (hence the "fast-acting" description that they're often given), they are loaded with essential amino acids (EAAs) – including the three branched chain amino acids (BCAAs), and they contain subcomponents (microfractions) that appear to provide benefits above and beyond amino acids and elemental nitrogen. Whey is one of two major dairy proteins and accounts for about 20% of the protein in milk.

Casein Proteins

Comprising 80% of the protein in milk, casein is the dominant dairy protein. Oft referred to as a "slower-acting" or "time-released" protein, because they are digested and absorbed much more slowly than whey or soy proteins. Casein proteins are especially useful when taken at bedtime and during other prolonged periods without eating.
Milk Proteins

Milk proteins are pretty much what you'd expect: dried milk with most of the fat and carbohydrate removed. Like liquid moo juice, powdered milk proteins are about 20% whey protein and 80% casein protein, so utilization is somewhere in between the two.
Egg Proteins

Ask any dietitian, "What's the best source of protein?" and eggs will probably top the list. In fact, most nutrition textbooks still refer to eggs as the "gold standard" for protein quality. With loads of essential amino acids (EAAs) and some of the highest scores in all measures of protein quality, we're not going to argue. Naturally dairy-free, eggs are a great alternative to whey, casein, and whole milk proteins for those with milk allergies or severe lactose intolerance.
Soy Proteins

Vegetarian? Don't do well with dairy or egg? Go green. Like their animal counterparts, soy proteins contain all of the required amino acids in sufficient amounts to support muscle growth and development.
Blended Proteins

If you can only afford one type of protein, this is probably the type that you should go with. Combining faster-, intermediate-, and slower-protein sources in one convenient place, blended proteins give you more sustained protein digestion than single-source proteins like whey, casein, egg, or soy.


All Content ©2008 Optimum Nutrition, Inc.

[joemomma]

Nice find Rebecca

[lee thompson]

very good info.