If you have recently adapted to a fitness regime and are a regular at gym you might have come across people talking about protein supplements. Your fitness trainer might have recommended you to take one too.  Proteins are the key building block of your muscles. They help in growing, repairing and strengthening them and help in shedding you fat while building up your muscle. You might as well come across a protein supplement company marketing its product to you and you might be tempted to buy one given the results they will promise. However before you make your first protein supplement purchase, it will be wise to educate yourself about these supplements so that you know what you will be consuming and how will it work on your body.

Different Types of Proteins

One of the most confusing things about protein supplements is that not all protein supplements are same. There are numerous types of protein supplements available in the market including egg, soy, rice, whey and casein. While all of them have protein as their common content, their overall chemical and nutrition composition may differ and therefore their respective results may vary. The most reliable protein supplements that most fitness experts and athletes swear by are whey based. Whey is a pure milk protein supplement and is packed with all the necessary nutrition without giving your body any excess carbohydrate or starch content.

Reasons Why You Might Need a Protein Supplement

Proteins are a major player in the muscle building process. Teenagers who are indulging in any fitness programs or sports will need to increase their protein intake so that they can build up their stamina. Likewise, if you are a beginner at the gym you will ne protein supplements to help you recover from the post workout muscle tear. Protein supplements also help in healing sports and athletic injuries. If your lifestyle has nothing to do with fitness but you are a vegan who avoids meat and poultry, protein supplements can help you fill that gap.

How Much Protein Does Your Body Need

While protein is important for your body, it is also important that you do not take it excessively. You need to be aware that exactly how much protein your body needs. If you are an average person with no workout or gym activity, you will need about 0.8 grams of protein for every kilogram of your body weight. In this case you can meet the requirement with a high protein diet without any extra supplements. However, if you are a vegan you might want to rely on a supplement. Recreational gym or sports and competitive sports activity requires between 1.2 to 1.4 grams of protein per kilogram of your body. A professional athlete will need 1.5 to 2 grams of protein however make sure your intake does not exceed that limit.

How can you Take a Protein Supplements

Protein supplements are available in many kinds and flavors and you go for anything that suit your preferences. They can be consumed in the form of a protein shake, protein powder or protein bars. However, most people prefer taking protein shakes as they are quick and easy to use.