Are protein smoothies good for you
Protein smoothies are a favourite meal time option for many people – they’re quick and easy to make, transportable and packed with loads of nutrients.
While many people make these at home with fresh, organic ingredients, others simply use premade protein smoothie powders or purchase protein smoothies from the store. However, when your protein smoothie isn’t homemade, you don’t necessarily know how good they are for you.
Here, we discuss the benefits of protein smoothies for the body and provide some additional information so that you can decide whether protein smoothies are good for you.
What Are Protein Smoothies?
A protein smoothie is basically a combination of fruit, vegetables, healthy foods, vitamins, minerals and protein powder. These ingredients are put into a blender and form a thick, delicious drink that can be consumed at breakfast, lunch or even dinner.
What Is Protein Powder?
As the name suggests, protein powder is a powdered form of protein. Protein powder can be made from various sources, such as plants like soybeans or peas, or protein powders can be made from whey, egg protein or casein protein.
In addition to being a high source of protein, these powders can also contain additional ingredients like vitamins, minerals and flavourings like strawberry, chocolate or banana.
Benefits Of Protein Smoothies
Protein smoothies aren’t just an easy way to spice up your meals. They’re also incredibly nutritious and offer a host of benefits for the body.
Protein Smoothies Keep You Sated
Adding a source of protein to a smoothie, or any meal for that matter, helps you to feel full for longer. This is because protein takes longer to digest. You can easily add protein to your smoothies with protein powder or Greek yoghurt.
It Will Regulate Your Sugar Absorption Rate
Smoothies often contain fruits, which are a source of natural nutrients and sugars. However, these sugars can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. This doesn’t happen with protein smoothies due to the fact that protein will slow the body’s absorption of natural sugars, preventing a spike in blood sugar levels.
Protein Smoothies Help With Muscle Recovery
When exercising, the muscles are often put under strain which can cause micro-tears. Protein is an essential component of muscles, and adding it to your diet in the form of a protein smoothie is an excellent way to restore the muscles and build up strength.
Various studies have shown that protein consumption before or after a workout causes an increase in muscle protein synthesis. This will build muscles and also limit the effects of muscle damage, such as muscle pain.
They Can Help You Lose Weight
Protein smoothies can also aid you in your weight loss efforts. Adding protein to your smoothies can replace other protein-containing foods that are high in calories, saturated fats and other bad nutrients found in foods like hamburgers or fried chicken.
Additionally, proteins are known to take longer to digest. This, in turn, helps people feel fuller for longer, contributing to regulated food intake. However, you do need to be careful not to overdo it. When having protein smoothies, you need to be aware of your daily calorie intake, as this (calorie intake) is the most important factor in losing weight.
