Should You Splurge on BCAA Supplements? More than half of America’s adult population uses dietary supplements. Branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) make up an important chunk of the supplement market. It’s a common misconception that BCAA supplements are meant solely for bodybuilders. But the truth is that if you exercise on a regular basis, BCAAs can really boost your performance and help you stay fit. Before we get into the benefits and necessity of these supplements, you should know what BCAAs are, and how they interact with your body. BCAAs make up 35-40% of essential amino acids in your body. … Read More

30% of U.S. Adults Don’t Get Enough Protein A recent study conducted with nearly 12,000 people age 51 or older uncovered a startling finding: almost 40% had protein deficiency. The extensive study also found that a person’s protein intake decreased with age. Close to 50% of participants above 70 were getting less than the required daily amount of protein. This is a worrying trend considering that proper protein intake helps avert the development of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes—not to mention its ability to improve muscle strength and reduce age-related obesity. This problem has popped up among older adults … Read More

Can You Have Protein Powder on the Major Weight-Loss Diets? Protein powder has long been associated with the fitness and health-conscious crowd. As such, dieters might assume that protein powders are a welcome part of any eating regimen. But that’s not always the case—especially if your protein powder is packed with processed ingredients. Can you have protein powder on the Atkins diet? What about on the Whole 30? In many cases, the answer is more complicated than you think. Some shakes are made with dairy; others are made with so. Others, still, feature a whole host of sugars and unpronounceable … Read More

Everything You Need To Know About Egg Protein Over the last several years, there has been a growing interest in functional foods—that is, foods that can be used not only to sustain life, but to decrease the risk of certain diseases or even cure them. Thanks to their easy availability, low cost and high nutritional content, eggs have made their way quite easily into the “functional foods” category. There’s even evidence that suggests eggs can help prevent certain chronic or infectious diseases. Eggs have long been lauded for their high protein content and host of micronutrients. Now, with the continued … Read More

What’s The Deal with Arsenic in Protein Powders? Protein isn’t just a fitness trend. It’s a vital component of strong, well-formed muscles. With the growth of the fitness and wellness industry over the last few years, the global protein powder market has exploded. In 2016, it generated $12.4 billion. And it’s not slowing down: between 2017 and 2025, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3%. But what if the protein powder you thought was doing good was actually contaminating your body? This might sound like some hoax, but according to one study, it’s actualy reality—making it … Read More

8 Biggest Protein Powder Myths, Debunked Protein powders have been the hot topic for some time. The growth of new fitness trends and rising awareness of nutritional needs for athletic performance are driving the $12.4 billion protein powder industry. And there’s no sign of it slowing down. Protein supplementation is an important aspect of good fitness. But myths abound about protein supplements, leaving many people uncertain about how (or if) they should consume their protein. So without further adieu, here are some of the biggest protein powder myths you may have believed, and the real truth of them. Myth 1: … Read More

Should You Be Taking a Collagen Supplement? From lattes to energy bars, face creams to injections, collagen is everywhere. And that’s an understatement. This structural protein contains amino acids that aid in musculoskeletal repair and keep your hair and skin looking healthy. It’s no surprise that people are making a beeline for collagen supplements in record numbers–so much so that collagen has been labeled a “supplement craze.” Our body’s natural production of this protein slows down as we age. With every year that goes by, there is a 1% dip in our collagen level. What does this mean for us? … Read More

7 Ways to Use Protein Powder That Aren’t a Protein Shake Protein powder is a serious business. In 2016, the global protein market was valued at 12.4 billion, and there are no signs of it slowing down any time soon. What was once a niche supplement for the most intense fitness enthusiasts is now a pantry staple for many people looking to meet their protein intake while on the go, minus unnecessary carbohydrates and calories. Today, about two in five Americans take protein shakes and drinks regularly. With the major demand for protein powder comes a vast array of options, … Read More

5 Muscle-Building Nutrients That Aren’t Protein Amino acids present in protein-rich food assist the body in building muscle. If you’re out to do just that, a balanced protein intake will allow you to work harder at the gym and help your muscles recover faster from tough workouts. But protein isn’t all you need (and neither is a set of heavyweights). Many rookies are advised the only way to build muscle is by lifting heavy weights. However, in some cases, the same results can be achieved if you increase your reps and use lighter weights. A study has shown even if … Read More

A Quick History of Dietary Supplements In the tiny Austrian village of Thal, with a current population of less than 3,000, a 15-year-old took up weight training. At 20, he won the Mr. Universe title. He picked up seven Mr. Olympia titles along the way, before transforming into one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood. Arnold Schwarzenegger is inarguably the most popular bodybuilder in the world. To the common man, he is well known for his onscreen exploits, but to bodybuilders all over the globe, he’s a living legend. And rightfully so. His success in the international bodybuilding circuit … Read More