If you want muscles, you need protein. If you want to support or even accelerate muscle growth, you need to significantly increase your daily amount of protein. This is sometimes not possible through our normal diet alone. The solution? Protein supplements (food supplements) such as protein powder can help to cover your daily protein requirements. But what is actually in whey and co.? What is it made of and is it really only for people who want to gain mass? We’ll explain and show you everything you need to know about animal protein supplements.
What are protein supplements and why do I need them?
Protein supplements are food supplements with a very high protein content. They are used to cover your daily protein requirements. Athletes and bodybuilders in particular have an increased need for protein and it is usually difficult to cover this through normal food alone. This is where supplements come into play. They can make meals more protein-rich or increase your daily protein intake as shakes between meals.
Proteins naturally have numerous other functions in the human body. The main area of application, however, is muscle building. Of course, muscles do not automatically grow after every protein shake. A large amount of protein only makes sense if you train accordingly. Because muscles are made of proteins.
In order to build new muscle fibers, the body must be provided with an appropriate basis.
But proteins can help you achieve faster results not only in building muscle. An increased protein intake can also help you reach your desired goal more quickly when you are on a diet. Casein supplements in particular prolong the feeling of satiety and can thus help you to consume fewer calories per day. Such casein shakes not only have relatively few calories, but are also low in fat and carbohydrates and take a few hours to be digested by the body, which subsequently keeps you full for longer. That is why a protein-rich diet is also highly advisable when you are on a diet.
How and from what are animal protein powders made?
Animal protein powders such as whey, casein or protein powder are, as the name suggests, made from various animal sources. The most popular sources are milk, eggs and collagen. The question of how exactly or what protein powder is made from depends entirely on the supplement in question.
We have summarized the most important protein supplements made from animal protein for you:
Top 6 animal protein supplements
Whey protein: Whey protein powder is one of the most popular supplements on the market. Whey is obtained as a by-product during the production of cheese. During cheese production, the milk is heated to kill unwanted bacteria. Boiling the milk splits it into curd and liquid whey. In its original liquid state, whey is liquid and a mixture of water with some protein, fat and lactose. For further whey protein production, the whey is filtered, dried and processed into protein powder in a multi-stage process. Whey protein contains all essential amino acids, is quickly absorbed by the body and is therefore an ideal source of protein.
Casein protein: Casein is the second type of protein in milk alongside whey. It is also produced during cheese production, but it is not found in the whey, but in the curd. Here, too, the liquid is removed in several steps and the protein is filtered out. Casein protein is digested much more slowly and is released over a longer period of time. This property makes casein a good option as a protein source before bed or for a long-lasting protein supply throughout the day.
Insect protein: Insect protein is an innovative and sustainable protein source obtained from various edible insects, including crickets, mealworms and grasshoppers. The insects are dried and ground into a fine powder. This powder is rich in high-quality protein that contains all essential amino acids. Insect protein is also an excellent source of fiber, vitamins such as B12 and important minerals such as iron and zinc. Due to its low carbon footprint and efficient conversion of feed into protein, it is considered an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional animal proteins. The taste of insect protein is mild and slightly nutty, making it a versatile ingredient in smoothies, baked goods and other dishes. It particularly appeals to environmentally conscious consumers looking for sustainable food options.
Egg white powder: Egg protein, also known as egg albumin, is obtained from eggs, more precisely from the egg white. This is dried, powdered and, once completely dry, pasteurized. This gentle processing method preserves the egg white in its natural form and at the same time makes it much more durable. This egg protein has many advantages in the form of protein powder. On the one hand, it contains almost no fats or carbohydrates and, on the other hand, it is very versatile. It is also a popular protein source for people who cannot tolerate dairy products and is versatile due to its very neutral taste. Its very high protein content of 80% makes it an ideal protein source.
Collagen protein: Collagen is a protein that is found in many tissues of the body, such as our skin, bones and tendons and our connective tissue. Collagen protein is mostly obtained from the bones or skin of cattle, pigs or fish and is often used to support joint health and improve skin elasticity. It is well tolerated, is very easily absorbed by the body and is available in different forms, including powder, capsules and liquids. Some people also use collagen protein to support digestive health or to promote muscle recovery after training. Thus, unlike whey or casein, it is not primarily a protein for building muscle. In addition, collagen protein is tasteless and odorless and easily soluble in water.
Gelatin: Gelatin is obtained from animal collagen and is usually sold in the form of powders and capsules. It is made up of 84% to 90% protein and consists of 18 different amino acids, 8 of which are essential. It is usually processed as edible gelatin in foods such as yoghurts, puddings or in nutritional supplements. Here it serves, among other things, as a source of protein to increase the protein content of certain foods, but it is not suitable for building muscle on its own because it lacks the important amino acid tryptophan. Gelatin is odorless and tasteless and is not only used in gummy bears and the like, but is also used in the manufacture of medicines. The pharmaceutical industry uses it to coat capsules and tablets and to increase the viscosity of liquid medicines. In addition, gelatin protein is sometimes used as a dietary supplement to support the health of skin, hair, nails, joints and bones. In addition to these, there is Daminoc®, which is a practical and convenient way to meet your daily protein needs. Thanks to its special formula, it is metabolized 4x more efficiently than other protein sources, making it an ideal supplement for anyone who wants to optimize their protein intake.
Conclusion
Animal protein supplements are very effective sources of protein. They provide the ideal combination of amino acids and are also low in fats and carbohydrates. This means that they are not only ideal for building muscle, but can also be very helpful in dieting. However, protein powders and the like cannot replace a balanced diet and are only used as a supplement to make it easier to cover increased protein requirements.