Protein use among women has increased dramatically in recent years. Gone are the days when supplement powders and shakes were solely used by freakishly big male bodybuilders. Nowadays it's as common to see ladies taking their pre or post-workout shakes, as it is to see guys using the tanning beds.
The protein manufacturers have cottoned on to this trend and begun producing protein powders specifically designed for women and the female body. While this is great, it has caused a lot of confusion about which is the best protein powder for women...I mean, what do you need to look for?
Shake Protein
Also, does this mean most of the other protein shakes out there are designed for the guys, and girls shouldn't take them?
In this article I going to show you the most important factors to look out for when choosing the best protein powder for women. Make a note of these tips and take them with you the next time you go to your local health store.
Can A Woman Use Any Protein Powder?
This really answers the question about whether most powders on the market are designed for men and can be used by women?
While it is true that most of the advertising among supplement companies is predominantly aimed at the male audience, the actual protein powders themselves are generally fine to be used by women.
At it's base level, protein is protein...it's essential to both men and women, so there is no real problem there. The only thing is that the protein powders designed for women will often contain extra ingredients that are more essential to a woman's body,
e.g. Vitamin B6, Folic Acid and Iron.
This makes them more naturally suited and balanced to a woman's metabolism.
What Are Your Goals?
This is the most important question you need to ask yourself when wondering which is the best protein powder for women.
Are you looking to lose weight or gain muscle?
If you're looking to lose weight then you'll need a protein that is:
low in fat and calories, high in phosphate compounds that can speed up your metabolism (helping you burn fat faster) low in sugar (sugar can cause spikes in your metabolic rate making you hungrier and sluggish) well-balanced with other nutrients to provide an ideal meal replacement
If you're looking to gain muscle then the best protein powder for women will be one that is:
high in calories very high protein percentage (at least 80%) contains good fats (medium chain triglycerides - which are handled by the body much faster than standard fats) contain quality nutrients to be used as a possible meal replacement (in order to get high calorie intake.