Protein shakes are popular with athletes wanting to get that
extra little bit of protein for building strength and also by vegans,
dieters, and low carbers. Protein shakes also provide nutrients your
body needs for healthy muscles, skin, and bones, but did you know there
is a wide range of protein shake recipes that are tasty enough for
everyone every day of the week?
Used as a breakfast for breakfast on the run, as satisfying meal replacement shakes for weight loss or when you're tight on time, or served up as a quick and healthy special drink or treat, easy protein shake recipes are sure to add a healthy spark to your family's diet and nutrition. However, before you start whirling the Vitamix Blender or Magic Bullet, make sure you are choosing the best protein powder you want to use for your health drinks.
Whey protein powder is a by product of cheese and provides a high level of amino acids, boosting the body's immune system and aiding in cellular health and metabolism. Whey protein isolate is absorbed very quickly into the body's system which is why whey protein shakes are known for their energy boost in addition to their health benefits.
Casein protein is found mostly in cow's milk, but there is some in cheese as well. It has lots of amino acids too, but casein protein is slower to digest and releases the amino acids at a slower, steady pace. Athletic trainers will sometimes recommend using half whey protein powder with half casein to get the immediate boost of energy along with the longer digesting process for endurance. Casein provides nutritional support of the immune system as well.
Soy protein powder is extracted from the soybean and, while it can be used by anyone, it has been noted for its healthy heart benefits and as one of the best cholesterol lowering foods available. It's also noted for its estrogen regulation in older women, assisting in the control of specific menopause symptoms. Some choose soy protein over whey or casein since it is plant based and is therefore not using the animal based proteins believed by many to cause cancer when used in high amounts. At the same time, soy products have had some negative research which indicates, although inconclusively, that soy products could decrease semen quality in men and increase the chances of thyroid disease if used in abundance.
Egg protein powder is one choice for lactose intolerant individuals who want to use a protein powder but who would need to have a product from eggs or egg whites.
It is always an option to combine a variety of these products to get the health benefits from each individual source. In fact, many athletics combine whey in casein protein shake recipes to get the immediate energy boost alongside the slow digesting casein protein. Some individuals will simply drink soy protein mix recipes and alternate with the other forms of mixes at other times.
If you've never had one of these nutrient-rich health drinks before, here's a couple of recipes to get you started.
Chocolate Banana Shake
8 ounces water
4 to 6 ice cubes
1 to 2 scoops of chocolate protein powder of your choice
1 banana
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Mix in a blender or smoothie maker for one minute.
Blueberry Blast
8 ounces water
4 to 6 ice cubes
1 scoop vanilla protein powder, any kind
30 blueberries
Mix in a blender until ingredients are completely mixed.
Morning Mocha
6 ounces water
4 ice cubes
2 Tbsp. heavy whipping cream
6 ounces brewed coffee
2 scoops chocolate protein powder
Blend until all ingredients are completely mixed.
Peanut Butter Dream
12 ounces water
4 ice cubes
1 Tbsp. heavy whipping cream
1 Tbsp. smooth peanut butter
2 scoops chocolate protein powder
Blend a couple minutes or until completely mixed and smooth.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Stevens
Used as a breakfast for breakfast on the run, as satisfying meal replacement shakes for weight loss or when you're tight on time, or served up as a quick and healthy special drink or treat, easy protein shake recipes are sure to add a healthy spark to your family's diet and nutrition. However, before you start whirling the Vitamix Blender or Magic Bullet, make sure you are choosing the best protein powder you want to use for your health drinks.
Whey protein powder is a by product of cheese and provides a high level of amino acids, boosting the body's immune system and aiding in cellular health and metabolism. Whey protein isolate is absorbed very quickly into the body's system which is why whey protein shakes are known for their energy boost in addition to their health benefits.
Casein protein is found mostly in cow's milk, but there is some in cheese as well. It has lots of amino acids too, but casein protein is slower to digest and releases the amino acids at a slower, steady pace. Athletic trainers will sometimes recommend using half whey protein powder with half casein to get the immediate boost of energy along with the longer digesting process for endurance. Casein provides nutritional support of the immune system as well.
Soy protein powder is extracted from the soybean and, while it can be used by anyone, it has been noted for its healthy heart benefits and as one of the best cholesterol lowering foods available. It's also noted for its estrogen regulation in older women, assisting in the control of specific menopause symptoms. Some choose soy protein over whey or casein since it is plant based and is therefore not using the animal based proteins believed by many to cause cancer when used in high amounts. At the same time, soy products have had some negative research which indicates, although inconclusively, that soy products could decrease semen quality in men and increase the chances of thyroid disease if used in abundance.
Egg protein powder is one choice for lactose intolerant individuals who want to use a protein powder but who would need to have a product from eggs or egg whites.
It is always an option to combine a variety of these products to get the health benefits from each individual source. In fact, many athletics combine whey in casein protein shake recipes to get the immediate energy boost alongside the slow digesting casein protein. Some individuals will simply drink soy protein mix recipes and alternate with the other forms of mixes at other times.
If you've never had one of these nutrient-rich health drinks before, here's a couple of recipes to get you started.
Chocolate Banana Shake
8 ounces water
4 to 6 ice cubes
1 to 2 scoops of chocolate protein powder of your choice
1 banana
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Mix in a blender or smoothie maker for one minute.
Blueberry Blast
8 ounces water
4 to 6 ice cubes
1 scoop vanilla protein powder, any kind
30 blueberries
Mix in a blender until ingredients are completely mixed.
Morning Mocha
6 ounces water
4 ice cubes
2 Tbsp. heavy whipping cream
6 ounces brewed coffee
2 scoops chocolate protein powder
Blend until all ingredients are completely mixed.
Peanut Butter Dream
12 ounces water
4 ice cubes
1 Tbsp. heavy whipping cream
1 Tbsp. smooth peanut butter
2 scoops chocolate protein powder
Blend a couple minutes or until completely mixed and smooth.