With so many different types of protein products out there, how do you know which one is best for you and your goals? They all do the same thing right? Not by a long shot. High protein foods and supplements have become "must have" for all athletes and fitness enthusiasts worldwide. Research shows that eating protein helps build muscle and in some cases, burn fat. Below are the different types of proteins available, what each does, and when each type of protein should be taken as each type works differently in the body.

Whey Protein

The most popular of all the proteins has got to be whey protein. And for good reason! Whey proteins are quickly and easily digested, they are loaded with Essential Amino Acids-including the three Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA), and have many more microfractions that appear to provide additional benefits. Whey is one of two major dairy proteins and accounts for about 20% of the protein in milk. Whey proteins are available in 3 common forms: Concentrates (lower protein level, more economical), Isolates (higher protein, more expensive), and Hydrolysates (partially broken down for faster digestion & absorption). With it's fast acting properties, whey protein would be best used in one of 2 ways. An hour before a training session to keep the body full of nutrients it will soon be depleted of, or immediately (within 30-60 min) after a training session to help rebuild the muscles and replenish the body with nutrients.

Casein Protein

The remaining 80% of the protein in milk is casein. Often referred to as a slower acting or time released protein because it is digested and absorbed much more slowly than the other proteins, casein proteins are especially useful when taken at bedtime and during other prolonged periods without eating.

Milk Protein

Milk proteins are dried milk with most of the fat and carbohydrates removed. Like liquid moo juice, powdered milk proteins are about 20% whey and 80% casein, so utilization is intermediate.

Egg Protein

Mr. Balboa had it right with the eggs for protein. While he was lucky not to get food poisoning, egg proteins are considered top of the line as far as quality. With loads of essential amino acids (EAA) and some of the highest protein quality scores, dairy-free egg protein is a great alternative for people who are lactose intolerant and everyone else.

Personally, I don't see the big deal with whey only powders. I know they have a place but in the grand scheme of things........

http://training.fitness.com/suppleme...sein-6462.html

well whey is good for right after a workout. there is a 30 minute window where the body is basically starving for protein, and the quickest digesting protein is whey protein. so to keep your muscles from becoming broken down for their amino acids due to lack of protein, having a quick shot of protein after a workout will allow the body to break down this fast acting protein and build new muscle instead of breaking down muscle u already have.

Not according to the research in the link. Neither whey nor casein were shown to be superior than the other after training. But something to be taken into consideration is the pre-training meal. If this meal is adequate, than it negates the need to "quickly" get nutrients in. But if the pre-training meal is lacking, then of course the opposite would be true.

Good stuff

IMO a mix is almost always best. There are few times when solely one is superior over both.