Protein powders are a great addition to your gym routine. With this in your diet, it’s only natural to gain stronger and bulkier muscles, more so when you pair it with the right food group to support your gym routine. Protein powders are also helpful in lowering your blood sugar and make you feel full without eating a lot.
Since these powders provide plenty of support for your body to hit its daily workout target, it’s only best for you to know the details behind such dietary supplements. Here, you’ll learn about the definition and components of protein powders, where they originated, and a complete look at their development:
Table of Contents
What is Protein Powder?
Protein powders come in three common forms: soy, whey, and casein protein.
Soy protein powders are options for those who are lactose intolerant and vegans since these are plant-based proteins. On the other hand, whey protein is animal-based, which means it contains nine essential amino acids (such as histidine, isoleucine, and lysine, to name a few).
Your body can’t synthesize these amino acids, so including them in your diet is essential. Lastly, casein protein is a milk-based powder made with 80% of the protein found in cow’s milk.
You should think otherwise if you think these various protein powders are better than the others. In a 2020 study, it was revealed that there were no significant differences in muscle growth and development between soy and whey protein dietary supplements. Furthermore, both protein powders increased one’s muscle mass when paired with exercise. However, it does help to consider your goals when choosing the best protein powder.
Whey protein can be the best option if you can easily absorb a powder since you’re primarily working out early in the morning. Soy protein takes more time to digest than whey and casein protein powders take the longest for your body to absorb.
How Is Protein Powder Made?
Although whey and casein protein powders are two protein variations, they are made from pasteurized milk.
Moreover, these proteins are made by adding enzymes to make the milk curdle. After the milk curdles, the solid and liquid parts are separated, to which the solid part is used to make cheese, and the liquid is dried to create the powder.
Soy protein powders are made from soybeans cooked in water to make soy milk. After this, the beans are pulverized and pressed to remove all the fibers and solids. Then, the soybean paste is washed in water or alcohol to remove unwanted sugars. Lastly, these are then dehydrated and powdered.
A Look at Protein Powders’ History
Since you know what protein powders are and how they’re created, it’s time to examine their history. Learning such will allow you to delve more into the food you’re digesting and educate you on its importance. A Look Back at Protein Shake History will show its impact on bodybuilding and sports and its development.
460 BC
Believe it or not, protein shakes go way back to ancient times when people discovered whey. Although it wasn’t mainly used for gaining lean muscle, Hippocrates noticed its positive effects on one’s health. In the coming centuries, Galen followed in Hippocrates’ footsteps and used whey in his medicinal studies.
1950s
Although Hippocrates already discovered the benefits of whey, it was in the 1950s when protein supplements first appeared.
During this era, increasing one’s muscle mass was the goal, which made most bodybuilders look to egg protein to do so. Another protein supplement that emerged during the 1950s was a mixture of soy flour and sweeteners – which were shakes considered cheaper.
1700s
Whey protein soon came into the picture, and it wasn’t even used as a bodybuilding supplement at first. Whey protein was first used as a medicinal tonic for the sick during this period.
Furthermore, whey protein was enjoyed by the upper class in Europe since it was used to maintain their weight. It caught the eye of those who wanted to create more lean muscle and lessen body weight. It was even used as a meal replacement for some.
In addition, nutritional theorists emerged during the 1700s, along with the rising popularity of bodybuilding. The market also saw different brands of protein shakes emerge. There was a significant upgrade in the nutritional factors here since there are more calcium and amino acids.
2000s
Protein powders have changed for the better during the 2000s. These dietary supplements are everywhere and are no longer confined to bodybuilders or athletes.
Furthermore, protein powders were made with the approval of the Food and Drug Administration to ensure their safety and effectiveness. Protein powders are more regulated as its commonly consumed by anyone wanting to add such to their workout routine.
There are also shifts toward environmental concerns of animal-based sources compared to plant-based protein powders. Since consumers want protein powders with quality ingredients made with certified organic products, there were increases in vegan-based protein powders.
Final Thoughts
Protein powders come from a long history in bodybuilding to diverse and demanding fitness routines. Although the people who take these differ from century to century, there’s no denying that these dietary supplements provide the essential nutrients and amino acids necessary to help the body become healthier and more robust.
