Protein is an important component of a healthy, well-rounded diet. Not only is it a great source of energy, your body uses amino acids found in protein to build and repair muscles, and bones and to make hormones and enzymes.
While you will most commonly find protein in the everyday foods you consume like eggs, meat and fish, some dairy products, seeds, legumes and more, many will choose to incorporate protein in the form of powder as a nutritional supplement aka protein powder. Here we find the best protein powders for women, regardless of your fitness or nutrition goals and.
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Why you need to include more protein in your diet
According to research “unlike carbohydrates, which are stored in muscle and liver as glycogen, and fats, which are stored in adipose tissue, we have nowhere to store excess protein/amino acids. So, we must consume enough protein daily to provide our cells with the materials needed to function correctly.”
“Adding more protein to the diet can improve muscle building, but the protein must contain sufficient essential amino acids, in particular leucine.”
Depending on the type you choose, protein powders can help build and retain muscle, lose weight, boost your metabolism and more. Commonly taken after a workout or on rest days, it can be mixed with water and consumed as a shake, combined with porridge or oats, or baked into sweet dishes like muffins, bliss balls, acai bowls and more.
The best plant-based protein powders
Made entirely from non-animal products, this plant-based formulation is made from pea and rice. But don’t let the fact that it’s vegan make you think that it’s any less effective. It’s loaded with superfoods, minerals and fibre-rich ingredients to give you protein boost for a healthier you.
Made with certified organic sprouted and fermented plant protein so it can be easily digested, this Amazonia formulation is great for everyday muscle maintenance. Choose from a whole heap of flavours like choc coconut, vanilla, natural, hazelnut and more.
Pea, brown rice and chia protein combine to create this powerhouse protein powder. It’s vegan-friendly but still packs a punch to maximise lean muscle while helping with recovery and repair. For best results, drink it daily roughly an hour before your workout or within 30 minutes after resistance training.
The best whey protein powders
This 100% natural whey-based protein powder is great to cook with. Flavoured with vanilla bean and loaded with chia seeds for antioxidants and Himalayan rock salt to strengthen, it has a super creamy finish that’s ideal for smoothies, mixed with fruits and made into pancakes and bakes.
This incredibly clean recipe contains just organic New Zealand grass-fed whey protein concentrate, organic Peruvian fair trade cacao powder and the smallest touch of stevia for sweetness. It’s a great protein supplement for your skin, body and wellbeing.
The best collagen protein powders
Healthy skin, bones and joints are at the forefront of this collagen-based protein powder. Each serve contains 10g of collagen to help build and maintain movement and strength as we age. If you’re not a fan of the classic protein shake, add a scoop to your morning coffee, mix it with your porridge or combine it with a smoothie.
Improve joints and bones, strengthen your hair and nails, and even reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with this collagen protein powder. It’s dairy and gluten-free making it easy to digest. Choose this if you’re working out at the gym or if you simply want to improve your wellbeing.
The best protein powders for building muscle
Getting your pump on at the gym? Tropeaka’s best-selling protein is specially formulated to support both muscle recovery, tissue building and repair while helping you to tone and build lean muscle. It has a five-star health rating, is easily digestible while helping you stay fuller for longer.
Loaded with 22g of protein with every serving, this best-selling formula is ideal for muscle growth while maintaining good bones. It’s easy to digest, low in sugar and a great option as a post-workout drink or as a way to increase your levels of protein.
A powerhouse in the supplement world, Optimum Nutrition’s formulation of ultra-filtered whey proteins does three key things: grow muscles, rebuild muscles and support recovery. Add one scoop into water, milk or your smoothie before or after a training session or in between meals when you feel like you need a little extra oomph.
What protein powders are best for females?
There are a number of different types of protein powders – collagen, vegan or whey. The type you take will be determined by you, your current diet, protein intake and goals. There is no one right answer. Do your own research and test out a few varieties before sticking to one particular brand or type.
Should I use vegan protein powder?
This one is a personal choice. You may choose to use a vegan protein powder such as a pea protein as it’s completely devoid of meat and dairy products. Even if you’re not plant-based, a vegan powder could still be right for you.
Should females take protein powder?
According to research in partnership with the University of South Australia, “when we reach adulthood, protein requirements differ for men and women, which reflects the higher muscle mass in men compared to women.”
As a general figure, adult women need 0.6g per kg of body weight. If you struggle to get enough protein from your regular diet, protein powder can help you reach these goals.
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