Protein for Women…

[ A guest post, written by Mike Bade—friend and owner of Fit Shop, my favourite Ottawa gear + supplements store ]

For JoeGirl and all her Fans,

Why Women Should Use Protein Supplements
Protein levels are depleted through exercise and day-to-day maintenance. Muscles require amino acids to prevent deterioration, give endurance and tone muscle. Proteins, such as whey, soy, milk, casein, egg and meat products supply these amino acids to the muscles and organs which is why women should use protein. If you want to lose weight and tone muscle you have to make sure you have the building blocks for it. Women need protein the same ways that men, so do not be afraid to consume more protein in your diet.

Good Proteins for Women
What is the best protein for women?  This is a question I am asked almost every day.  To be honest, there isn’t any.  Best protein depends on goals, diet or to fulfill a requirement for that particular individual. Because I am writing this for JoeGirl, and her wonderful clients, I will spend more time on the proteins that help boost metabolism and promote muscle tone.

Low Lactose Whey Proteins—Best for Most Women
Commercial whey protein comes from cows’ milk. Whey protein is the by-product of making cheese. Whey protein is high quality, natural protein that is rich with amino acids essential for good health and metabolism, muscle building, toning or weight loss.  It is naturally found in mothers’ milk and is also used in baby formula.

Low lactose proteins are best for women because they are the lowest in carbohydrates and, because of the low lactose, it absorbs easiest with the least amount bloating; I don’t know of any woman who enjoys bloating after having a protein shake…

Low lactose whey proteins usually uses the acronym ‘ISO’, meaning lactose reduced whey protein, either in the name (for example ISO FLEX) or will be indicated on the bottle.  To have 100% lactose free whey protein, you would look for hydrolyzed whey or a product that has had all lactose removed and or dairy (Magnum Quattro is both dairy and lactose free). Otherwise, just ask whoever is working the nutrition shop for a lactose reduced protein.

Protein is also found in other foods such as meat, soy and vegetables and anything that had or has a heartbeat. Whey protein is proven to have the highest absorption (digestion) levels in comparison to all others, as well as being the lowest with regards to acidity—the more alkaline a protein, the better it is for weight loss and overall health.

Benefits of Whey Protein Isolate

• Immune support and bone health by raising glutathione levels
• Weight management (promotes healthy metabolism)
• Whey protein is a naturally complete protein rich in BCAA
• Whey protein isolate has little to no fat or carbohydrates and is perfect for low glycemic diets
• Contains bioactive components that help stimulate the release of two appetite-suppressing hormones: cholecystokinin (CCK) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)
• Increases tissue healing and increases well being
• Low in Lactose, less than 1%

Is Too Much Protein Dangerous?
Whey protein is a food, so it does not have the risks associated with other supplements. That said, I do not suggest going ‘hog crazy’ by only eating protein. Extremely high intake of protein can overload the liver and put undue stress on the kidneys which can cause serious problems. I suggest a dosage of 0.5g/lb of body weight in daily protein for regular activity, and 0.75g/lb of body weight in daily protein for highly active individuals is safe.

The End…
JoeGirl, you are an inspiration to many, keep up the fabulous work!

Mike Bade  |  www.fitshop.ca  |  Follow Mike! http://twitter.com/mikebade