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What Protein is The Best? Whey, Hemp, Beef, Pea?


With so many different types of proteins out there in todays world, how do you know what works for you for your needs?

Let us break down some of the Proteins out there for you to help you better understand what might work best for you.

Whey Protein

Many refer to whey as a “fast-acting” protein, which means that the body breaks it down and absorbs it relatively quickly. Whey is split into several forms via isolates, concentrates and hydrolysates. Fundamentally, the differences lie within the processing method. Whey isolates are a very high-quality protein. They are quickly absorbed by the body and contain 90 percent or more protein by weight, very little fat and nearly zero lactose. Whey isolates are considered more specific to the protein itself, compared to whey concentrates, which contain larger amounts of other ingredients. Whey concentrate contains between 25 percent and 89 percent protein by weight depending on the product.

Pea Protein Isolate Pea protein isolate is becoming popular among vegan bodybuilders, those who prefer proteins from non-GMO sources and/or those who have intolerance to milk proteins. Good-quality pea protein isolate contains high levels of the BCAAs in that ideal 2:1:1 (leucine:valine:isoleucine) ratio. Furthermore, like whey isolate, pea protein isolate is highly digestible and extremely high in arginine and glutamine. Good products tend to be 80 to 85 percent protein and contain modest amounts of fat and about 1 gram of fiber in a 30-gram scoop.

Hemp Protein Hemp protein is a vegan alternative to animal-based protein products. Like milk, hemp has two constituent proteins: edestin and albumin. Edestin makes up about 65 percent, and albumin makes up the other 35 percent. Many nutritional benefits to hemp protein ingestion because it contains relatively high amounts of essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and fiber. However, it only contains about 50 percent protein per scoop and has an amino-acid profile that’s less robust than whey protein.

Brown-Rice Protein

Th­rough a specialized manufacturing process that treats brown rice with enzymes that cause separation between the carbs and protein, manufacturers can produce a brown-rice protein powder that ends up being about 70 percent protein. Brown-rice protein contains more arginine than just about any other protein powder. We’re talking four times the amount in whey. ­at means taking brown-rice protein can do all the things that arginine does: increase delivery of nutrients to the muscle, create a bigger pump during workouts and improve recovery from exercise. But there’s more. Brown-rice protein shakes may help you lose body fat, gain muscle and lower cholesterol.

Our top pick is Sunwarrior.

Egg Protein

Egg protein supplements are very low in fat and contain an abundance of amino acids. Egg protein isolate is well tolerated in moderation and digests completely, but can cause bloating and gas if used in excess. Eggs carry a good amino-acid profile that contains all of the essential amino acids. Egg protein used to be the best product available but whey products offer much better amino-acid profiles.Egg isolates digest at fast to medium speed, so they elevate amino acids at a moderate rate. Studies show that 25 to 30 grams of egg albumin will elevate blood amino acids for about two to three hours, which is ideal for preworkout use.

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