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Protein supplements have always been touted as the big thing for active people; however many people labor under mistaken belief that they are meant for use by athletes, bodybuilders or at the other end of the spectrum, vegetarians who might not be getting an adequate amount through their normal diet. However, protein supplements are increasingly being used as skin food, to sculpt the body, as an anti-ageing defense, as well as beauty boosters.

Unfortunately, the common customer still largely has no clue to the difference between the various supplements available, the difference they would make when added to your diet, and how to consume them. Some simple answers to common queries:

Are Protein Supplements Only For Weightlifters?

Every balanced diet should have adequate amounts of protein in it as it is a basic building block of our bodily processes. Unless we consume protein, there will a number of disruptions in the ability of our body to build and repair itself. Lack of proteins would also affect the immune system and the production of hormones essential to our wellbeing. While proteins are essential for muscle building, it is not necessary that only bodybuilders or weightlifters consume protein supplements. They can and should be used to supplement the normal diet and to aid fulfillment of certain specific goals such as weight reduction, skin smoothing, and anti-ageing. However, the protein type and quantity need to be tailored to meet the objective.

Do Proteins Supplements Have Any Anti-Aging or Beauty Benefits?

Protein plays a very important role in the building and repair of our bodily cells, including the skin, the largest human organ. It is usual to see our muscles reducing with age, especially if the extent of exercise is not sufficient and there is a lack of adequate protein intake.

What Are the Various Protein Sources?

The reason why proteins are a must in our daily diets is because they contain amino acids that are essential building blocks for the human body. The body itself is unable to make any protein and hence these need to be ingested by the consumption of food. Since the body needs different types of amino acids, it also needs to be provided with various types of proteins. Proteins such as casein and whey that are animal-based have all the amino acids that are required by the body, however, plant proteins like peas do not and thus need to be supplemented with another plant protein. While whey is very quickly absorbed by the body, casein takes relatively longer to do so. It is for these reasons that whey protein has emerged as the preferred protein powder of consumers. It can be taken both before and after working out as it contains all the essential amino acids required by the body to build and repair it.

Should A Protein Powder With All Ingredients Be Preferred Over Simplicity?

It can be preferable by most consumers to stick to simple protein supplements that just do the job of delivering the amino acids to the body. This is because it can be very difficult to get the proportions right when the supplement contains other nutrients such as minerals and vitamins. Usually the dose of the additional nutrients is insufficient, and additional supplements have to be taken; so it is best that the protein supplement remains as simple as possible.

Is the Consumption of Protein Restricted to Shakes or Smoothies?

Mixing the protein in the powder form to shakes and smoothies is a very convenient way of consuming it but it can be added to the food too either at the time of preparing it or at the time of eating it. For example, you could add the powder to the batter while baking muffins or sprinkle it on to your breakfast cereal.

Author bio: Nancy Collins is a nutritionist looking after the special needs of people on weight reduction diets. She advocates the use of protein powder to maintain the best muscle to body-weight ratio.

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