Protein Blend Supplements Reviews

The ultimate muscle-building protein supplements? 

Once the supplement industry refined the art of purifying different kinds of protein, it wasn’t long before supplement companies started combining the different types into single protein supplements. They are usually referred to as protein blends and contain a combination of several types of proteins for muscle building. They usually include whey isolate and concentrate, casein, soy protein, and egg protein. Protein blends can be considered the “shot-gun” approach to protein supplements. Protein blends are beneficial mostly because of the varying rates of absorption in the different types of protein.

For example Whey and Casein can be compared in a similar way to low and high glycaemic carbohydrates; meaning they have different rates of absorption. Whey is comparable to simple sugar and is absorbed much faster than Casein. This makes whey a good protein to use immediately after your work out. Casein can be considered the complex carbs of protein supplements in that it is released much slower. Casein is a great protein for slowly infusing the muscles with amino acids over a period of many hours. This makes it a great protein source for when you are asleep but want to maximize your muscle building.

Another way to compare the two is by their effects on anabolism and catabolism. Given whey’s rapid absorption and utilization it’s a great protein for increasing protein synthesis after an intense workout. But it's not as effective for preventing muscle breakdown or catabolism as casein. Fighting catabolic reactions (i.e. muscle breakdown) is best carried out over longer periods of time; and slower acting proteins like casein are best for this.

Another protein found in most blends is egg protein. Eggs are one of nature’s most perfect foods and contain all the essential amino acids. Egg whites are also virtually free of both fat and carbohydrate. This makes them a dense source of low-calorie protein for muscle building. And the latest refinement techniques insure that the addition of egg protein to the blend doesn’t interfere with the product’s digestibility or easy of mixing. 

The fourth protein added to blends is soy protein. For years soy received a bad rap in the athletic and bodybuilding community because of its link to estrogen. But recent research has shown that while soy has estrogen-like properties (i.e. lowering cholesterol levels), it doesn’t increase estrogen hormone levels in males. As a complete protein with all the essential amino acids and the ability to reduce the risk of heart disease and some cancers, soy protein is a valuable addition to all blends of protein supplements.     

Protein supplement products have come a long ways over the years. No longer do they taste like chalk, cause gas and discomfort, and require a blender for mixing. Protein blends can be considered the epitome of such products and should form the nucleus of your muscle building nutrition.