Protein shakes have been very popular with gym-goers in recent years. Well-liked or not, they’ve had an enormous impact when it comes to healthy eating and drinking. But are they necessary, or are they one fad that needs to die out? It’s time to analyze both sides and determine which is the right decision to make.
Proteins Shakes are Necessary
A lot of people drink protein shakes. Why is that? Some bodybuilders claim protein shakes help them lose weight and build muscles, which is what they’re advertised to do in the first place. There are several types of proteins in these shakes – including soy, whey, casein, and milk. The whole point of a protein shake is to help you obtain more protein.
Protein produces muscles, so it’s no wonder protein shakes are popular with bodybuilders. Protein also manufactures enzymes, immune-system components, hormones, nucleic acids, and cellular messengers. Those things are necessary for everyone. Without these sufficient proteins, the body can’t assemble the structures making up every cell, tissue, and organ, and it cannot develop the required biochemical substances for cardiovascular functions, growth, healing, and muscle contraction.
Also, solid food takes more time to digest and break down proteins than a protein shake, which is very time-efficient for people drinking one as part of their workout. In fact, protein shakes take only 30 minutes to reach the muscles after ingestion. That’s why the best recommendation is to drink a protein shake right after a workout.
Besides the benefits that protein shakes provide for gym fanatics and fitness fans, many find protein shakes a great aid in meal replacements. They help ensure that people get sufficient energy, nutrients, and protein for the day ahead of them in the fast-paced lifestyle that many lead.
With their nutritional content and time efficiency, protein shakes are necessary for many gym-goers, those in a rush right after a workout, and those that battle to find time for a full and sustainable meal. Furthermore, there are many varieties of protein shakes available to suit every consumers’ needs. As many know, we can also find the shakes in a variety of flavors, further ensuring everyone will find one they’ll enjoy.
Protein Shakes are a Fad
Not everyone is into protein shakes. Some may not like the taste, and some may not care for having an entire meal in one little shake.
Though the whole point of a protein shake is to obtain protein, some people think they have too much protein. Protein is essential, but relying too much on protein shakes will leave out other nutrients from other foods. This is especially true for prepackaged and premade shakes, which often have more refined sugars and artificial ingredients.
Too much protein can also contribute to diverticulitis, a gastrointestinal disease characterized by inflammation of the abnormal pouches (diverticula) developing in the large intestine wall. Other health issues stemming from too much protein include nutrient deficiencies and an elevated risk of heart disease or kidney problems.
Another issue some people have with protein shakes is weight gain. Protein shakes add more calories to the body, preventing some people from losing weight. They’re also high in fat and cholesterol due to some of them being full of full-fat ingredients like whole milk yogurt. If your diet consists of full-fat dairy products, the risk of heart disease and other heart problems increases when consumed often. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, better sources for obtaining protein include lean, low-fat, or nonfat protein sources such as skim milk and fat-free yogurt.
Considering nutrient deficiencies and risks of developing diseases, it’s not far-fetched to see why people prefer other protein sources instead of protein shakes.
Conclusion
Protein shakes may not have been around for a long time, but they’ve made their impacts in the health world. Like bodybuilders and other gym-goers, some people find the drink a necessity for producing muscles and easier digestion. Others don’t want to take any risk for diseases or nutrient deficiencies. Really, it depends on the person. Protein shakes have their benefits as well as their disadvantages. So, while it may be necessary for some people, it’s also a fad for others.
