When you enter a supplement store or browse a supplement website … there are thousands of competing brands of protein powder. I bet you’re wondering … the same as me … what’s the difference between all these protein powders and which one is the best for me?

First of all, know this … there are different types of protein powders. The main ingredient can be whey, milk, egg, or even soy.

And then you can break them down a bit more …

It has its whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, hydrolyzed whey, calcium caseinate, egg white, whole egg and so on. Enough to get your head dizzy, huh?

That’s why I’m here taking care of you today with this new spanking item …

The next obvious question about protein powders is EXACTLY what are the benefits you can get from all these different and somewhat unpronounceable forms of protein?

Boy, I’m glad you asked … because I didn’t want to say anything …

Let’s start with the whey protein powder. It is made up of twenty percent of the total protein in milk. a by-product of cheese made from cow’s milk. It has many amino acids and is easy for the body to digest.

The next protein I want to talk about is casein protein, which makes up about eighty percent of the total protein in milk. It also has an excellent amino acid profile, just like whey protein, but it takes longer for your body to digest. In short, during your workout and immediately after, casein protein is not a good idea because your body needs extra protein NOW … not later. You need a protein that your body can absorb faster …

I must warn you … I’m not a big fan of soy-based proteins. It is a controversial topic for many people. There is much research to suggest that soy products may pose a medical risk. I suggest that you choose another protein source and stay away from soy powders.

There is another source of protein powder that is a blend. It is usually a combination of whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, egg protein, casein protein, and sometimes soy protein. Blends are good when you want a full spectrum of protein that your body can digest over a period of time.

My experience in supplement stores is that most whey protein powders are made primarily from whey concentrate mixed with a small portion of whey isolate. And the reason for this is called keeping the cost low. You see, whey isolate is a higher quality, purer protein source than whey concentrate. Also, whey isolate has less fat.

So supplement manufacturers mix them up for a better source of protein and less fat than if they only sold their brand as whey concentrate.

Now whey isolate gives you the highest protein yield you can get from milk. However, the added expense may not necessarily guarantee that it will give you bigger muscles. Therefore, I would conclude that the additional cost of obtaining isolated whey powder may not justify the additional cost.

This is what I recommend you do:

Since your body absorbs whey protein quickly, use this source before exercising, immediately after exercising (up to 6 hours), or when you wake up from a night’s sleep because your body needs protein NOW.

The slowest digesting protein, casein protein, would be good to eat at any time of the day, except for the earlier times for whey protein. Your body is in no rush and having a constant supply of protein is good for maintaining your muscles.

If you must use a protein mix that contains both whey protein and casein protein, use this cheaper version of protein powder 6 hours after you finish exercising.

Protein powders can also be used as meal replacement drinks, but keep in mind that your body was not designed to drink your meals. Try to focus on good nutrition and eat good quality protein meats, good carbohydrates, and good fats several times a day. It’s okay to use protein drinks as a supplement, but try not to use them as a permanent meal replacement …

Combining both protein shakes plus eating a wide range of good quality foods would be the best way to support muscle growth.

One more thing … I don’t like ingesting artificial sweeteners. And many protein powders have them on their ingredient list. For some of you, artificial sweeteners can have an adverse effect on your body, such as headaches and painful jaws. If this is you, you’d better look a little further because some of the biggest supplement providers on the internet sell protein powder brands without the artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners. There is very little difference in price. But again, that’s up to you …

Now grow some muscles …