7 Factors in Choosing the Best Whey Protein Part

1. 7 Factors in Choosing the Best Whey Protein Part There are many brands of whey protein available and you could find yourself in overwhelm trying to identify which is the best whey protein to get. I would suggest that as you set out to select a whey protein, that you consider these seven factors to help you make your decision.

2. 1. Overall Quality Whey Protein powders are not all the same. The quality of the whey protein in the end product can be affected by factors such as the source of the milk (the diet and care of the cows producing the milk), the type of cheese from which the whey is derived, the manufacturer’s   processing method and individual  specifications, which include the nature of any additional ingredients, such as vitamins, making up the final formula. It is particularly important to avoid buying a brand that uses high temperatures in processing and manufacturing the whey protein. This denatures the protein and it cannot then provide the benefits you are looking for. The better processes for capturing whey protein include micro-filtration and ion-exchange.

3. 2. Price Range and Value for Money To determine a realistic price and value comparison you need to look at several factors, such as the amount of protein and the number of serves in the product. The old adage, ‘you get what you pay for’, can apply with finding the best whey protein. The way the protein has been processed is important and will affect the price. A superior manufacturing process that preserves the quality of the whey protein may cost more in equipment or labour or both. Servings Per Container – In deciding on the best whey protein powder for yourself, also consider the number of servings in the container. You will need to make a judgment between the number of serves, the serving size and grams of protein.

4. 3. Grams of Protein per Serving Check how many grams of protein are in a serve. Be alert in comparing serving sizes. A serving size may appear to promote high protein content, but if the serving size is say, twice as big as comparison products, you are not going to get good value for your money. Best Protein Cookies, for example can contain up to 10g of protein per serving while protein shakes can contain 30g of protein per serving. Observe the types of protein in the product. Is it just whey protein concentrate, or is it 100% whey protein isolate. Whey protein isolate being a purer form, may cost more per gram than a whey protein mixture. If you have reasons for choosing whey protein isolate then you may not mind paying a higher amount.

5. 4. Carb Grams Per Serving You will also want to check out the type and quantity of carbohydrates in the product. The carb serving size you will want depends on the type of results you want to achieve. If you are trying to build muscle whilst maintaining your weight/fat percentage, then you should look for a medium serve of carbs. If your goal is to build muscle and lose fat, then you will want a low carb serve. You will have to read labels and do some comparisons in making your selection. The next factor to consider is the type of carbs in the product. The product as a whole should have a low glycaemic index for healthy blood sugar levels. Is it important to you for your product to have a good proportion of high quality carbs while being low in sugar? Some products may have a smaller amount of carbs, and it is mainly the sugar component for sweetening.

6. 5. Sweetening Agent Remember that sugar is a carb, and you want to see a breakdown on the nutrition label to see how much of the carb serving is sugar. Remember sugar goes by different names depending on its source. Sucrose is sugar from sugar cane. Fructose is sugar from fruit, and lactose is sugar from milk. Often nutrition labels will use these names, rather than say the word ‘Sugar’. Check and observe whether sugar has been used as the sweetening agent, or an artificial sweetener has been used. If an artificial sweetener has been used, the product will be lower carbs which you may be looking for. However, it depends on your stand on the benefits verses any adverse health effects of the artificial sweetener. For example, is it important to you not to use Aspartame? If so, obviously you will look for a product that is Aspartame free.

7. 6. Fat Grams and Cholesterol Component Per Serving Generally whey protein powders are low in fat, but it something worthwhile considering when choosing the best whey protein for you. Also look at the cholesterol component of the total fat score. Cholesterol, a type of fat, is something you may want to look at if you are aware that you already have a high cholesterol reading. You may want to minimise the sources of cholesterol in the food you eat if you are on a reduced fat diet. There is no cholesterol in plants or plant foods. Cholesterol is found in animals and food from animal sources. So milk contains cholesterol, and the whey derived from milk is likely to have some cholesterol, and ranges vary widely between whey protein products.

8. 7. The Sensory Factors These may be hard to judge until after you have purchased a product, unless you can get a free sample. Your personal sensory values will influence whether you continue to use a whey protein powder after you have bought it – factors such as mixability, taste and texture. So as you first begin to use your new whey protein supplement, be consciously aware and make a judgment on the following factors: Mix-ability – where you want a product that mixes and dissolves thoroughly, preferably with a shaker or a spoon/fork. Look at the products clumpiness, stickiness and foam. You don’t want to get out your electric blender in order to get all the lumps out! Taste – good to you? Don’t necessarily pay credence to what others say about a products taste. Everyone’s taste preferences are different. Do you like it? (If you don’t like it, give it to a friend or maybe you can mix it into other everyday recipes you prepare.) Texture, whether we prefer and whether the product is supposed to be, thick and creamy or more watery and thin, grainy or smooth. Source: www.rooftheshow.com