SLOW DIGESTION VS. FAST DIGESTION
There are a few different types of protein powders available, but in terms of popularity and usage, there is really just three:
- Whey – The “Fast Protein”
- Casein – The “Slow Protein”
- Hemp – The “Slow Protein”, highly digestible, highest percentage of protein.
While whey and Casein both are derived from milk, there are some differences between them you should know… Casein protein is known as the slow protein.
Whey Protein
By far the more popular of the two milk based proteins is whey protein powder known as the “fast” protein. This is due to the fact that it is the fastest digesting protein there is.
So, if there happened to be any times when it would be ideal for protein to be digested and absorbed by your body as quickly as possible, whey protein powder would be the best possible choice. The following times are ideal for fast digestion:
- Immediately before your workout (only needed if you’re consuming this meal less than 30 minutes before your workout). Be aware that working out with a powder protein drink in your system can cause you to feel sluggish as the body digests it.
- During your workout- This is the best approach to taking your fast protein. Sipping it slowly as you work out will avoid sluggishness and give the protein a chance to work into your system under optimum conditions.
- Immediately after your workout – This seems to be the most preferred usage of powdered protein by most people that work out. Since your adrenaline will still be running high and your metabolism will still be on a high note, taking your powder protein at this time will also bring great benefits.
Athletes, bodybuilders and regular people who just want to look great with or without clothes on have used whey protein powder for years as their protein source in the meals surrounding their workouts. Whether or not whey truly is “better” than a normal high protein food in your POST workout meal is hard to say with absolute certainty. Either way, whey protein is definitely the protein source that is most often recommended for those that carry on a regular fitness program.
For those that are lactose intolerant, I would suggest staying away from whey protein, since it’s milk based.
© Copyright – Hector Sectzer
