Protein Powder

What is Protein Powder?

Protein powders are nutritional protein supplements that help repair tissue, build muscles, and synthesise enzymes and hormones. A protein powder supplement can play a potentially useful role in terms of optimising physical health and positively influencing the subsequent recovery processes for both resistance and endurance training. The best protein powders are mainly categorised into 1) Plant-based protein powder and 2.) Animal-based protein powder supplements that include whey concentrate, hydrolysate, and isolate. The daily protein intake for athletes and individuals involved in resistance training is 1.4-2.0 g /kg body weight. 

Steadfast Nutrition has the best protein powder in the market. Our formulations include Warmax, MiCaesin, HerbFast Protein, Power Protein, Nitromax Protein, LIV RAW, Incredible Isolate, Incredible Whey, Wheylo and Power Active. These are available as single servings in sachets with adequate serving sizes.

Benefits of Protein Powder:

Proteins are essential in the human diet throughout life - they ensure growth in childhood, support muscle and bone metabolism, ensure the body’s maintenance and development, and help maintain weight and physical performance in older individuals. 

1. The following are the benefits of protein powder:

1. Help Manage Weight: Protein supplements provide satiety and help curb cravings, which helps an individual maintain a healthy weight or lose weight.

2. Increase Muscle Growth and Strength: Taking the best protein powder supplement is essential for muscle growth. A 2020 study by the British Journal of Sports Medicine, protein supplements significantly improve muscle size and strength in healthy adults who perform resistance exercise training. 

2. Expedite Recovery after Exercise

Proteins are made up of amino acids, which act like building blocks for the body. The consumption of a protein powder supplement after intense training gives muscles the necessary amino acids to build and repair. 

3. Reduces DOMS (Delayed onset of Muscle Soreness) 

Long-duration, high-intensity workouts cause wear and tear in the muscle tissues. In response, our body releases inflammatory chemicals, leading to muscle soreness and stiffness. High protein intake relieves the pain and prevents cramps. Consuming a protein powder supplement after a workout helps speed up recovery and reduces the delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS).

4. Helps Treat Muscle injury:

Increasing protein intake helps reduce the duration of the entire healing process because of its role in RNA and DNA synthesis, collagen and elastic tissue formation, and acceleration of the healing process during the injury period.

5. Improve Skin Health

Proteins are the building block of skin tissue essential for healthy skin. They contain L-lysine and L-proline that support collagen production. Collagen improves skin health and dryness and reduces wrinkles.

6. Boost Hair Health:

One can nourish their hair from within by consuming protein-rich foods or protein supplements. The protein converts into amino acids to form keratin - a structural protein for nails, hair, and skin. 

7. Fill Nutritional Gaps

Vegans and vegetarians are not able to get enough proteins as plant sources lack a few amino acids. This gap can be bridged by consuming a combination of milk and cereals or one of cereals and pulses. Protein powder supplements are the best for supplementing  individuals lacking proper nutrition, vegans, vegetarians, and individuals involved in sports and resistance training.

Types of Protein Powders

Protein powder supplements are widely available in the market and are derived from plant or animal sources of proteins. They are easy to consume - one can mix them with water or milk or have them in the form of protein shakes. 

Animal Protein: Proteins from animal sources have a high biological value and are a complete source of protein. They include eggs, milk, meat, fish, and poultry amongst others. Animal sources of protein can be further categorised into: 

1. Whey:

It is the translucent liquid part of milk separated during curdling. Whey products can also be used in emulsifiers, salad dressings, and infant and medical formulas. Varieties of whey commonly found in the market are whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, and whey protein hydrolysate. 

2. Casein: 

A major component of protein found in bovine milk, it is also a complete source of protein but takes a longer time to digest. 

3. Egg white protein: 

It is made by separating yolk from egg whites. The egg white is then dehydrated to form a powder, which is used as a protein powder supplement.  

4. Meat protein:

Meat protein is made up of chicken or beef. The various cuts of meat are boiled in large vats and the resulting liquid is then skimmed to remove most of the fat. Finally, it is spray-dried to form beef protein isolate powder. It is not commonly used. A meat protein powder supplement is costlier than a whey or plant protein powder supplement. 

5. Soy protein: 

This protein is made from dehulling or defatted soybeans. It is a nutrient-dense alternative to meat and flesh. 

6. Pea Protein Powder: 

This protein powder is extracted from yellow dried peas and is the best source of high-quality protein, fibre, and iron. It is mainly used by vegans and vegetarians.

7. Brown Rice Protein Powder: 

It contains both rice and rice bran protein. The brown rice is treated with several enzymes to separate proteins and carbohydrates, resulting in brown rice protein powder. 

8. Sacha Inchi Protein Powder: 

It is a natural source of protein that contains all the essential  amino acids. It is extracted from sacha-inch seeds. 

9. Chia Seeds Protein Powder:

Derived from chia seeds, it contains essential nutrients such as antioxidants and omega-3.

10. Plant Protein Blend:

It is a mixture of two or more types of protein extracted from different plant protein sources. Cases in point are soya with pea protein isolate, and pea with brown rice protein blend.

How to Choose the Best Protein Powder Supplement:

Choosing the best protein powder supplements from endless options is not easy. Keep the following factors in mind before choosing a protein powder supplement:

Quality: The quality of protein depends upon the making, digestibility, and their source. A good quality protein should contain branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and all nine essential amino acids (EAAs) which form a complete protein profile. Heat treatment would denature the protein and degrade its quality.

The source of protein is an important factor that determines quality - animal-based protein supplements have a high biological value as compared to plant-based sources. Plant sources of protein lack a few amino acids such as lysine and methionine, amongst others, making them an incomplete source of protein. Protein supplements should include all the EAAs but ensure first before choosing. The best protein powder for muscle gain and recovery for athletes is Warmarx. The protein powder price varies from one supplement to the other. 

Ingredients: Always look for minimal ingredients and processing products. Check the nutritional information for various added ingredients other than protein. Avoid unwanted additions of honey sweeteners, maple syrup, sugar alcohols (Maltitol, erythritol), artificial flavouring, and refined sugars as they may cause adverse effects on health such as digestive distress. Additionally, a few brands may mask the ingredients as their proprietary blends without listing them, which can disqualify the athletes.

The best protein powders by Steadfast Nutrition include Warmax, Nitromax Protein, and Incredible whey from the protein range. Buy protein powder from Steadfast Nutrition’s website, Amazon, and Flipkart. The protein powder price varies with different protein powder types. You can easily make protein shakes out of these protein supplements, which are easy to consume. 

Our Protein Supplements

Steadfast Nutrition provides varied protein supplements for people from all walks of life. Opt for Warmax, LIV Raw, Nitromax Protein, and Power Protein for heavy and strenuous workouts. Beginners and fitness enthusiasts can take HerbFast Protein, Incredible Whey, Incredible Isolate, and Whey Unflavoured. On the other hand, vegetarians require more proteins even if they are not involved in hardcore exercises. They can opt for HerbFast, Power Active, Whey Unflavoured, Wheylo, Power Active, and HerbFast to maintain a balanced nutrition. We also have keto-friendly protein supplements and will elaborate on them later. Our protein supplements are as follows: 

Warmax:

It is an exclusive protein formulation that provides 32 g of protein in one serving. It is best for heavy workouts and strengthening exercises. Warmax also contains 14.8 g of EAAs, 7.1 g of BCAAs, Arginine, L-carnitine, and vitamin C. It provides fast muscle recovery after strenuous workouts and is ideal for a lean and shredded body. 

Power Protein:

Its USP is that it is a blend of slow and fast-releasing proteins that help in quick and sustained muscle recovery. Each serving sachet of Power Protein provides 29.2 grams of protein from wheat protein, whey protein concentrate, calcium caseinate, and cocoa powder, 13 g of EAAs, 6.2 g of BCAAs, glutamic acid, and five electrolytes with artificial flavours. 

LIV Raw:

It contains 90% whey protein isolate and provides 27 g of protein with 12.6 g of EAAs, and 6.3 g of BCAAs, which expedite recovery after a workout. LIV Raw is free of additives such as flavours, colours, preservatives, and thickeners. 

Nitromax:

A unique nitro-whey blend of impressive ingredients, including fast-releasing protein, L-arginine, taurine, creatine monohydrate, vitamin B complex, and green tea extract. Nitromax Protein provides 25.9 g of protein per serving that works in synergy with creatine to strengthen muscles and expedite muscle recovery. Creatine also fuels muscles with energy. Green tea extract boosts metabolism. L-arginine widens the blood vessels, improving the supply of oxygen and nutrients to fuel high-intensity workouts. It is the best protein powder for muscle gain and recovery. The protein powder price varies with different protein powder types. 

Incredible isolate:

This low-carbohydrate and low-fat formulation is ideal for lean muscle growth and muscle recovery. It provides 25 g of fast-releasing whey protein isolate, 11.4 g EAAs, 5.4 BCAAs, and 4 g of glutamic acid. Bonus - it contains taurine as a special ingredient that improves exhaustion time. 

Incredible Whey:

One serving (35 g) of this incredibly delicious protein provides 24.8 grams of fast-releasing proteins - whey concentrate and whey isolate, 10.9 g of EAAs, 5 g of BCAAs, essential vitamins and minerals, alpha-lipoic acid, inositol, taurine, and electrolytes, which work to boost muscle growth and repair after a workout session, prevent oxidative stress, boost mood, and maintain electrolyte balance, respectively. Incredible Whey is available in delicious flavours: mango, chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, coffee, and rose thandai. It is the best protein powder for women and men. You can experiment with several protein shakes made of this protein supplement depending on the flavour. 

MiCasein:

It is a unique protein derived from milk that breaks down slowly, increasing satiety and providing sustained muscle recovery. It provides 20.2 g of high-quality protein per serving. It also improves metabolism, strength, and immunity. Being a time-release protein, it can enable your cells to make protein, even when your body might normally be breaking down its muscles to feed itself, a property that helps reduce muscle breakdown. 

Whey Unflavoured:

It provides the highest grade whey protein concentrate that is quickly absorbed by the body, providing quick muscle recovery to athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and those who have just started working out. It also improves immunity and boosts muscle strength. It provides 20 grams of proteins in a serving. It is the best protein powder for women and men and is meant for those who don’t want any flavour, colour, or other food additives in their supplement. 

HerbFast Protein:

It provides 23.3 g of proteins with the goodness of Indian herbs and spices, taurine, L-carnitine, vitamin B complex, and digestive enzymes that fasten muscle recovery, increase muscle strength, and boost lean muscle growth, metabolism, and immunity. It is best for strength athletes, weight watchers, and fitness enthusiasts. It is the best protein powder for women and men in these segments. 

Wheylo protein powder:

Wheylo provides 18.6 g of easily digestible protein with the goodness of coconut milk powder. It is beneficial for individuals on a keto diet. It’s a premium solution for lean muscle gain, muscle maintenance, and weight management fit for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and people with an active as well as a sedentary lifestyle. It is the best protein powder for men and women from the categories mentioned above. 

Power Active:

Each sachet provides 16 g of easily digestible protein, 14 g of multi-source carbohydrates, and vitamins and minerals to build strength and immunity. It is the ideal blend of macro and micronutrients and is best for men and women, including strength athletes, endurance athletes, office goers, and protein-deficient individuals.   

HerbFast:

It is a neo-ancient blend of 19.98 g of fast-releasing whey protein, ashwagandha, curcumin rhizome powder, dry ginger extract, cinnamon bark extract, digestive enzymes, vitamin B complex, green tea extract, taurine and L-carnitine. It is the best protein for women and men looking for lean muscle growth, increasing metabolism, weight management, and improving immunity and digestive health. 

Buy protein powder from Steadfast Nutrition’s website or e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart. The protein powder price varies from formulation to formulation. One can easily make protein shakes from these protein supplements, making them easy to consume. 

Side Effects of Protein Powder:

Protein powders can be used by athletes and gymgoers. The most common side effect of a protein powder supplement is that it can upset the digestive system. A protein powder supplement made from milk and whey may not be digested by those with lactose intolerance. Taking  excess protein supplements may cause symptoms such as intestinal discomfort, constipation, nausea, and dehydration and may damage the kidney and liver in the long run. Another side effect of protein supplements is that they increase the production of hormones that produce sebum, causing acne.

Buy protein powder from Steadfast Nutrition’s website, Amazon, and Flipkart.

Results of Steadfast Nutrition’s Protein Powder

Steadfast Nutrition’s protein powder formulations have propelled countless athletes into medal-winning performances, including Team India Hockey player and Arjuna award winner Nilakanta Sharma, member of the Indian football team Dalima Chhibber, and Mr Universe India  2023 and former Mr Asia Rohit Shetty. 

Nilakanta’s all-time favourite is the protein supplement Wheylo. He says it is his first choice since it helps him in recovery after matches and workouts, has a mild taste, and is easy to digest. 

Dalima Chibber is all praises for Incredible Whey (Coffee Flavour) - Indian football’s poster girl says she relies on the protein powder to help her with muscle recovery and growth after her 11-12 hour practice sessions and that it is a pre-requisite to her being a successful athlete.  Steadfast Nutrition’s Incredible Whey comes a close second and Dalima uses it for her practice sessions and intense workouts. 

Rohit Shetty says his favourite protein powder is undoubtedly Warmax, which has helped him achieve his ripped and shredded physique. 

Buy protein powder from Steadfast Nutrition’s website, Amazon, and Flipkart.

Best Protein Powder Supplements

Steadfast Nutrition’s Warmax is the best protein powder supplement because it contains an impressive line-up of ingredients - particularly 32 g of protein - for a championship-winning performance. Each serving provides 32 g of protein,  14.8 g of EAAs, 7.1 g of BCAAs, L-arginine, L-carnitine, and vitamin C. Warmax is the best protein powder as it is a blend of whey isolate and hydrolysate, which are ultra fast-releasing proteins. Warmax provides better and faster recovery and helps in muscle growth. It is also the best protein powder for muscle gain.  Our supplement range comprises 12 unique protein formulations and is easy to consume - have them in the form of protein shakes and smoothies or mix them with water or milk. 

Best Protein Powder for Men 

Protein requirement depends upon the intensity of exercise of an individual. The best protein powder for men performing strength and endurance activities includes Warmax and Power Protein. Men  who lead a sedentary lifestyle or perform light exercises like walking, stretching, aerobic exercises, and low-intensity workouts can take Wheylo, Whey Unflavoured, Power Active, or HerbFast Protein to meet their nutritional needs. 

Buy protein powder from Steadfast Nutrition’s website or e-commerce websites like Amazon and Flipkart. Consume these supplements in the form of protein shakes or simply mix them with water. 

Best Protein Powder for Women

There are various Steadfast Nutrition supplements to consider while deciding upon the best protein powder for women. These include HerbFast, Power Active, and Whey Unflavoured to fulfil daily nutritional requirements. Incredible Whey is the best protein powder for men and women for heavy workouts and strengthening exercises. Buy protein powder from Steadfast Nutrition’s website and E-Commerce platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart. Consume these protein supplements as protein shakes or simply mix them with water. 

How to Buy the Best Protein Powder for Muscle Gain? 

Both the online and offline options are available to purchase  the  best protein powder for muscle gain - be it Steadfast Nutrition’s website or e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and  Flipkart.

Precautions to take before consuming protein powder? 

1. Avoid milk-based protein powder if you are lactose-intolerant such as whey isolate and concentrate. One can try whey hydrolysate or any plant protein in lactose intolerance.

2. Always consult a doctor before taking protein powder in conditions of chronic liver or kidney problems. 

3. Pregnant or lactating women must take the advice of doctors. 

4. Avoid protein powders with milk as it may cause some side effects such as increased bowel moment, bloating, and tiredness. 

FAQs 

1. Are protein powders good for you?

Ans: Yes, protein powders are good if an individual exercises regularly or leads an active lifestyle. Moreover, the protein powder requirement of vegetarians is a little higher than non-vegetarians. Also, proteins are not only for building muscles but also required for overall growth and development.

2. Are protein supplements keto-friendly?

Ans: Yes, protein supplements can be keto-friendly. Steadfast Nutrition’s Wheylo is the  best protein supplement for a keto diet. Wheylo contains good fats from coconut milk with 18.6 g of whey protein concentrate. 

3. Is protein powder good for weight gain? 

Ans: Protein powder helps in lean muscle gain. It is not recommended  as a weight gain supplement as weight gain is a multifactorial  process involving the intake of other macronutrients such as carbohydrates and several other dietary factors and lifestyle choices. Protein supplements provide satiety, which reduces hunger pangs and helps in weight management. 

4. What do protein supplements do for your muscles?

Ans: If an individual takes optimum protein powder after a strengthening exercise, their muscle mass increases, which also helps in recovery and repair. The adequate protein intake for an athlete and individuals involved in heavy workouts varies from 1.4 - 2.0 g per kg body weight. 

5. What are the forms in which I can buy protein powder? 

Ans: Protein supplements are available in various forms in the market, including protein shakes, protein bars, protein cookies, protein chocolates, ready-to-drink protein water, protein chews, protein- supplemented muesli, oatmeal, and protein powders. However, protein powders are the best and easiest way to complete the daily nutritional requirement. 

6. Do I need a doctor’s prescription to buy protein powder?  

Ans: No, not really but individuals with chronic diseases such as kidney disease, heart disease, cancer, or diabetes should consult a doctor before consuming a protein powder. 

7. Are protein supplements palatable or bland?

Ans: Protein supplements are palatable as they come in various flavours such as mango, chocolate, rose thandai, etc. A few are bland in taste or unflavoured but can be mixed with shakes and smoothies to make them more palatable. One can easily make protein shakes out of these protein supplements. 

8. Are protein powders only for bodybuilders?

Ans: Absolutely not. Protein powder is required for maintaining overall growth, health, and development. Protein powder is necessary for everyone - especially vegetarians - as their protein requirement is a little higher than non-vegetarians. The daily protein requirement is 0.83g/kg body weight, but for vegetarians, it is 1g/kg/body weight. 

9. Are protein supplements good for children?

Ans: Protein powders can remarkably complement the diet of older children who have elevated nutritional desires because of an energetic lifestyle. It can be beneficial for kids convalescing from illness. However, one should keep in mind that a health professional’s advice is a must before purchasing a protein powder for children.

10. I work out regularly - do I need protein powder? 

Ans: If anyone works out daily, then their nutritional requirement increases because of a need for better recovery. 

11. Can I use protein supplements if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding? 

Ans: Yes, you can use protein supplements during pregnancy but only after the doctor’s advice. 

12. Does protein powder help in muscle recovery after exercise? 

Ans:  A good protein powder helps in muscle recovery after exercise. It also builds muscle, repairs tissues, and helps in the synthesis of hormones and enzymes.