Are there any side effects?
In full health, and especially if there is no kidney disease, an increased intake of protein is usually not associated with health risks. The manufacturer’s recommended amounts should be observed. If you increase your protein intake via protein shakes, you may initially experience slight digestive problems such as flatulence.
Food intolerances should be excluded, especially lactose intolerance, as many proteins are milk protein based. As a rule, digestion returns to normal after an adaptation phase. It is also important to have a sufficient supply of water and all other components of a balanced diet, with regard to digestion especially the intake of dietary fibres.
What should I consider when buying?
Protein shakes have meanwhile even arrived at discounters and can be purchased not only in specialist shops, but also in pharmacies, drugstores and of course on the Internet. With the oversupply it is difficult to find the suitable product. First of all you should clarify what kind of protein powder you need to achieve your athletic goals.
If you want to build up muscles and gain mass, you should use the so-called weight gainers. These contain a high proportion of protein and plenty of carbohydrates to increase the calorie intake. If, on the other hand, you want to lose weight and consume as few carbohydrates as possible, Whey Protein is recommended.
Here the expensive Whey Isolat is particularly suitable, which has a high proportion of protein with few carbohydrates and calories. It has a high biological value, which means it is absorbed and metabolized by the body particularly well. Not unimportant is the solubility of the powder in water and milk to stir a shake. As far as taste is concerned, everyone has to find his or her own variety.
What flavors are there?
Tastes are different – and even protein shakes are now available in almost every imaginable variety. In addition to the classics such as strawberry, chocolate and vanilla, consumers can sample the most exotic flavors. Especially with sweet varieties, you should order a smaller portion first, as many protein powders taste very sweet and artificial, especially when stirred in milk.
A small selection of the numerous varieties are for example chocolate caramel, chocolate peanut butter, Spekulatius, cookies, fruity varieties like blueberry, blueberry cheesecake, banana, pineapple, peach or, if you like it salty, salted caramel. Instead of milk, the powders can also be stirred into still water. If you don’t want to experiment with the taste, you can also use tasteless protein shakes and refine them afterwards with so-called flavour drops.
