Protein powders - healthy or unhealthy?

[MILWJ]

I've come across a lot of different opinions on protein powders from people who both swear for them and against them.

What is your take on them? If you use them, what brand and how often? Do you think the results are worth it?

If you don't use them, why not?

Personally I could drink protein shakes all day just for the taste. Not that I would, just saying. I'm not sure whether they are healthy or unhealthy. It seems a steak would serve much the same purpose.

I use a protein powder and I believe they are healthy

I do not use a protein powder because I believe they are unhealthy

I have never used protein powders

Other/Show me answers!

Updates

+1 y

Given that you use them after a workout and not as meal replacements.

[sexyasianboi26]

They are healthy lol.

But you gotta understand, we are all not made the same. So lets say 50 million people drink muscle milk, and this one guy drinks it and he dies from it (because he's a flaw of nature to begin with), then the media will put so much emphasis on protein powders that people are going to start thinking its bad for you.

I drink Muscle Milk protein powder, because its lactose free and it tastes really good. I only use it on days when I am sick or my legs are hurting like sh*t after a workout or coming home from work.

But the best protein shake in the world is 100% egg whites ;), I drink half a cup after I workout. It works like magic, the body easily absorbs it and its my main ingredient on maintaining my rock hard body and abs.

[just_tired]

Omg.. Why do people keep thinking it's some kind of magic powder that bulks up your muscles. It's not bad for you but a healthy, balanced home cooked meal always trumps the powder no matter what is the situation. Protein powder is nothing but a meal/protein supplement that is taken if the person is too busy to eat regular meals.

Now I use the powder after working out because I don't have time to eat a regular meal. After working out you have a 45 minute window to get protein and carbs into your system before body starts breaking itself down. If I had time, I would eat normally but I don't.

Protein powder won't give you any extra strength or results.

[beerY33]

I've never used them and I really don't know much about them, but I do know that any sort of synthetic supplements like that aren't typically as well-absorbed by the body as the real food you would find those nutrients in. I don't know that they're necessarily "healthy or unhealthy" but it's a matter of whether or not you're just buying expensive pee.

[Prof_Don]

Whey protein has one of the best absorption rates in the body out of all food sources.

Only eggs absorb more efficiently. :)

[beerY33]

when you separate the nutrients from the food, it doesn't always work the same way.

[DandelionGirl]

I don't recommend drinking protein shakes all day, they are merely meal replacements. And should only be drank after working out. A lot of guys at my gym drink muscle milk and 100% whey protein.

The results are worth it, but there is one problem. You MUST work out, if you dont, you'll gain weight.

[MILWJ]

Forgot to mention those things in the question. Thanks for the answer/reminder ;)

[DandelionGirl]

sure, that's what I'm here for lol

[Prof_Don]

Protein powders imo are one of the best inventions ever.

In terms of grams per dollar, it doesn't get cheaper than protein powder.

--------------

When used in moderation (as in not to the point of protein toxicity)...i see nothing bad about them.

Hell, when I make myself one, my 6yr brother fiends for it, and I give him some, too.

Nothing wrong with wanting to copy big bro's good habits. 8-)

------------

P.S. They're not meant to be a weightloss supplement; it's simply a convenient way to get in your daily protein, since it is non-perishable, easily mixes in water, travels well, and is very cost-effective.

[Xx_DRE_xX]

I should but I'm like nah.

[Anonymous]

I don't think they work; but maybe it's because I used to use them to replace my meals, and apparently I'm a bit lactose intolerant. Eh, well regardless of whatever brand of protein powder I used, I had the same results. I say stick to a healthy diet of chicken, fruits, nuts, steaks, pasta, and cereal.

I no longer use them. Mostly because I developed a weird lactose intolerance for the stuff lol. Always got the sh*tzz. I can eat everything else with lactose and have no problem; but when I hit a 3rd cup of milk or a protein shake, it goes all downhill from there.

[peace-love-couture]

I've used protein shakes when I'm switching up my workout routine because it keeps me from getting sore for some reason

I've also used them as a meal replacement and I feel like it's a tease.

I think it's better to get protein from actual foods, like salmon or steak or lentils

[peace-love-couture]

I guess healthy in general

I mean, anything can be bad for you if you over do it

[Xx_DRE_xX]

I use them, after every workout just for the sake of getting more protein in my body. I've been using them on & offf for the past 2-3 years. I tend to cycle through new powders though. I tend to like MP, ON, Myofusion & Isopure

[Prof_Don]

Try Dymatize...those are my favorite, and the flavors are some of the best I had. 8-)

[TheGodEmperorLeto]

I've never used em, but I've heard they can be healthy in moderation.

[kheserthorpe]

After workout - maybe, if doing serious bulking.

Steak is better for you.

[Anonymous]

Aren't most protein powders extracted from milk?