5 Reasons (Beyond The #Gainz) To Take Protein Powder

We hate to admit it, but the gym bros got something right: Whey protein powder is a powerful tool for building muscles when paired with weight training.* Not only can it ramp up protein metabolism, but it contains the right amount of the branched-chain amino acid leucine to trigger muscle protein synthesis.*

Refined carbohydrates can send blood sugar skyrocketing, but eating protein plays an important role in keeping blood sugar in check. It slows down digestion in the body, which leads to a more gradual absorption of glucose into the bloodstream.

Protein can also stimulate the body to secrete insulin1—the hormone responsible for lowering blood sugar levels. Whey protein is particularly effective at this because of its branched-chain amino acid content.*

A recent 2023 review of the role of whey protein supplements and metabolic health found that eating whey protein was consistently found to promote healthy fasting blood sugar, blood sugar after a meal, insulin, and hemoglobin A1c levels (a long-term indicator of blood sugar control).*

Of the three macronutrients (carbs, protein, and fats), protein is known for being the most satiating2 (partly thanks to its slowing of digestive processes). So if you find your stomach is constantly grumbling throughout the day, one of the first things you should look at is your protein intake. 

Eating enough protein is really important if you're trying to lose body fat. Specifically, when paired with strength training, a higher-protein diet can help reduce fat mass 4while preserving ever-important lean body mass (think muscle and bones). 

Traditional diets that prioritize severe calorie restriction also often fall short of meeting people's protein needs and lead to losing muscle mass. So eating enough protein helps ensure that your body is getting enough amino acids to maintain (if not help grow) the lean mass you already have while helping you create a calorie deficit for fat loss. 

While fiber tends to claim all the glory for cholesterol-lowering benefits, whey protein has also been shown to support healthy levels of LDL cholesterol6, total cholesterol, and triglycerides7.*

Lastly, protein supplements can help support healthy blood pressure.* Blood pressure is used as an indicator of heart, metabolic, and brain health. It's estimated that as of 2021, nearly half of all U.S. adults9 have suboptimal blood pressure levels. 

Whey protein powder is one of the most researched protein supplements out there. It offers a high concentration of bioavailable protein and should be the top powder for consideration (if you don't have an allergy or adhere to a strict vegan diet). 

mindbodygreen's grass-fed whey protein isolate+ is a truly clean option (no fillers, artificial flavors and sweeteners, or sugar alcohols) that provides 25 grams of protein and 2.5 grams of leucine—an amino acid that is essential for muscle protein synthesis—in each two-scoop serving. 

It also tastes great. With 3 grams of added sugars in the vanilla variety and 0 grams of added sugar in the chocolate variety, this powder is the perfect companion for any metabolic health-prioritizing diet.*