When you step into the fitness world as a beginner-level athlete or fitness enthusiast, the array of protein supplements available can be overwhelming. While whey protein powder is a popular choice, it’s just one of many options.
For instance, plant-based protein supplements are a great fit for vegans, whey protein isolate supplements are ideal for those with lactose intolerance, and casein protein supplements are perfect for those aiming to gain weight. Understanding this variety can empower you to make the best choice for your fitness journey.
Let’s understand these different types of protein supplements in detail.
About Whey Protein
Whey protein powder, a by-product of the cheese-making process, is obtained from the liquid whey through a series of filtration and purification stages. This meticulous process ensures the purity and potency of the end product, making whey protein a reliable and high-quality supplement. There are three types of whey protein, each distinguished by the stages of filtration – whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, and whey protein hydrolyzed.
- Plant-Based Protein
Plant-based protein, derived from a variety of plant sources such as tofu, soy, tempeh, and lentils, offers a versatile and inclusive option for those following a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. It’s a high-quality protein supplement that can easily be incorporated into any fitness routine.
- Casein Protein
Casein protein, a slow-digesting protein, is particularly effective when taken before bedtime. Its unique slow-digesting property makes it a time-release supplement, taking approximately 7 hours to fully digest and absorb. This information empowers you to make informed choices about your protein supplements.
Whey Protein Benefits
Some of the main whey protein benefits include the following:
- It is a rich source of protein and provides your daily protein requirement
- Helps in weight loss and weight management
- Reduces muscle breakdown and muscle cramping, especially after intense workouts
- Promotes muscle growth while you stay lean
- Helps overcome post-workout fatigue and tiredness
- Boosts immunity and metabolism
Best GNC Protein Supplements
Have a look at some of the amazing and best-selling GNC protein supplements:
- GNC Pro Performance Whey Protein
When listing the top-selling whey protein supplements, we cannot miss GNC Pro Performance Whey Protein. It is a micronutrient-rich formula ideal for all kinds of fitness requirements.
Each serving provides 24 g of muscle-building protein to improve exercise performance, 5.5 g of BCAAs to help prevent muscle wastage, and 9 g of essential amino acids to help gain lean muscles and boost immunity.
These products are manufactured in our state-of-the-art facilities under strict quality control measures, including regular testing for purity and safety, and stick to the highest safety standards, ensuring you get safe products. It is available in various flavors – mango smoothie, kesar pista, café mocha, fudge chocolate, strawberry, chocolate supreme, mawa kulfi, and vanilla cream.
It has all the whey protein benefits like – helping improve stamina and athletic performance, aiding faster muscle recovery, and helping gain lean muscle mass; it is enriched with digestive enzymes, which make it easy on the stomach, reduces tiredness and muscle cramps, and is instantiated for better metabolism.
This product is versatile and can be enjoyed in three different ways – mix it with water or milk to make a protein shake, blend it with yogurt and fruits to make a smoothie, or add it to various recipes like oatmeal, waffles, homemade protein bars etc., making it suitable for various lifestyles and dietary preferences.
- GNC AMP Gold Series 100% Whey Protein Advanced
When it comes to whey protein supplements, our AMP Gold Series 100% Whey Protein Advanced is a premium choice that exudes quality and assurance. It’s a carefully crafted, ultra-filtered protein-rich formula with the perfect balance of whey protein concentrate, isolate, and hydrolysed whey protein.
This meticulous selection of high-quality ingredients ensures you’re getting the best for your body, instilling confidence in your choice. Each serving provides 24 g high-quality protein, 5.5 g naturally occurring BCAAs to prevent muscle breakdown after strenuous workouts, 4 g glutamine and glutamine precursors to speed up the muscle recovery process, and 100 mg digestive enzymes, including Protease and Lactase that work to improve nutrient breakdown and absorption.
GNC AMP Gold Series 100% whey protein advanced is ideal for – fitness enthusiasts, athletes, those who participate in extreme sports competitions, and those who do intense exercise in the gym 3-4 times a week. You can have it early in the morning to charge up your day, as a mid-meal healthy snack, or post-workout to reduce fatigue and muscle soreness. This versatility allows you to adapt the supplement to your unique fitness routine, empowering you to achieve your goals.
- GNC AMP Pure Isolate
Whey protein isolate is the purest form of whey. It has the least fat and lactose content, making it the best whey protein for lactose-intolerant people. GNC AMP Pure Isolate is one of the best whey protein powders. It is an advanced formula to help you accomplish all your fitness goals.
Each serving provides 24 g of muscle-building protein to help gain lean muscle. It also has the goodness of 5 g of naturally occurring BCAAS and 17 g of muscle-supporting essential amino acids to help speed up muscle recovery. GNC AMP Pure Isolate also comes packed with added 1 g of creatine, which helps improve strength, enhance lean muscle mass, and help quick muscle recovery.
GNC AMP Pure Isolate goes through a strict 20-step purification process to ensure you get the purest form of whey protein isolate. This process removes impurities and preserves the protein’s integrity, making it the best whey protein for lactose-intolerant people.
It contains no added sugar and has the least fat and lactose content, making it ideal for people with lactose intolerance. Add one scoop (32 g) of this whey protein to 180-240 ml of chilled water, milk, or your favourite beverage and shake in a shaker for 15-30 seconds.
- GNC Pro Performance Casein Protein
If you’re searching for a premium quality casein protein supplement, look no further than our GNC Pro Performance Casein Protein. It’s designed to release a consistent supply of amino acids, like Glutamine and EAAs, to fuel your muscle growth.
Each serving contains 25g of pure, premium protein that digests slowly, providing constant amino-acid deliveries to sustain your body’s daily protein requirements. The slow digestion of casein protein also helps you feel more satiated, aiding in weight loss and weight management.
With the added benefits of digestive enzymes and a delicious chocolate supreme flavor, you can be confident in your choice of GNC Pro Performance Casein Protein. It’s perfect for a post-workout shake, a midday pick-me-up, or a pre-bedtime treat.
Some of the other benefits are that it facilitates muscle protein synthesis in the body, provides amino acids that act as fuel to keep up with overnight muscle recovery, has the goodness of digestive enzymes that make it easy to digest and easy on the stomach, and constantly supplies a high amount of Leucine and other essential amino acids, which meter up the muscle protein synthesis to prevent breakdown. Mix one scoop in 300 – 350 ml water to make a delicious protein shake.
Conclusion
Before adding any new whey protein powder to your routine, it’s important to consult your doctor and trainer. Carefully review the ingredient list and consult your doctor for an alternative if you’re allergic to a specific ingredient. Also, it’s crucial to read the dosage instructions carefully and ensure you don’t exceed the recommended amount, as overconsumption can lead to potential side effects.