Finding the best protein supplement is no easy task. This is a huge market with many contenders vying for their slice of the market. In general, the best supplements of any kind are ones that your body knows how to digest and absorb naturally. For this reason, organic or natural protein supplements can be the best choices.
Hemp Powder
One of the best protein supplements you can take is hemp powder. Hemp is simply a fantastic food as it contains eighteen different amino acids, high levels of magnesium, zinc, iron and vitamin E. However, hemp powder has two additional benefits as well. It is very high in fiber (up to a whopping fourteen grams!) and it contains omega fatty acids as well.
The Nutiva brand of organic hemp powder is very good as it has 11 grams of protein per 120 calorie serving and is very low in fat. The amino acid profile is part of what makes hemp powder such an attractive protein supplement. There are many other powder supplements, to say the least. However, hemp powder will work very well for most people.
Spirulina Powder
If you are looking for an alternative to hemp powder but want still want your protein in a supplement form there is an often overlooked alternative that is simply fantastic. A high quality (and the key words are "high quality") organic spirulina is an exceptionally good way to boost protein intake. In addition to a high protein level, there are many other health benefits to be had from spirulina.
Yes, spirulina is green. However, mixed into fruit juices, spirulina barely has any flavor at all. When I first started drinking spirulina, I just shut my eyes and pretended it was another color.
One of the best spirulina's on the market is Source Naturals Organic Spirulina. What this amazing little blue-green algae packs into ten calories, borders on the absurd. A mere teaspoon of organic spirulina provides two grams of protein, 150% of Vitamin A, 150% of Vitamin B12, 30% of Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5), 30% of iodine, 15% of iron as well as Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Folate, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium and potassium. But that isn't the entire nutritional spread. Spirulina is also rich in amino acids, loaded down with chlorophyll and is infused with antioxidants. It is believed that spirulina is even good for your heart.The term "superfood" is bantered around quite a bit these days, but spirulina definitely qualifies as one. In order to match the protein level found in many protein powders, you may have to take about 30 grams of spirulina per day. But for those thirty grams, you will be getting an amazing amount of nutrition for the same cost of many high-quality protein powders.
Recommended Foods with High Protein- Egg Whites and Sardines
The first two options that we have discussed are both good for vegetarians and vegans. However, there is a third option that is animal based. This high protein "secret" used by body builders is guaranteed to give you a protein boost. Egg whites are almost pure protein. Just twenty calories of egg whites will give you 4.7 grams of protein. This means that five egg whites will give you about 24 grams of protein, with very little added fat.
If you are looking for another way to supplement your protein, consider sardines. They are low in calories, absolutely packed with protein with about 24 grams of protein per 120 calorie serving, and you also get the heart healthy benefits of omega-3 acids.
Whether you choose to supplement your protein with vegan powder options, egg whites, sardines or all of the above, remember that they are low in calories, extremely healthy ways to get more protein into your diet. These options are all great ones, because they also have added secondary health benefits. If you are getting additional vitamins and minerals with your protein supplement, you really can't go wrong. Add these healthy protein supplements to your diet, and you'll stay lean and healthy.
What do you think is the best protein supplement?
