Many fitness and bodybuilding enthusiasts love taking protein shakes because they believe these can help them maintain a strong and healthy body. However, if you’re one of these people, you need to take note that protein shakes can also bring about negative effects. So, if you’re planning to use these supplements or are already taking them, make sure to understand their pros and cons and find out if they’re ideal for you.
List of Pros of Protein Shakes
1. They’re highly convenient.
Protein shakes are great for those who are always on the go because they’re easy to carry around. Just put some powder in a plastic baggy or in a tiny plastic tub, mix the powder with a glass of water or milk when you get to the gym or office, and you’re good to go. Compare this with preparing lean meat, trail mix, turkey sandwiches, and other sources of protein and complex carbohydrates, and it’s easy to see that protein shakes are definitely more convenient.
2. They can be quickly absorbed by the body.
Since protein shakes are in liquid form, they can be easily absorbed by your body. This makes them a great drink during the post-workout phase, during which you need to provide your body with enough protein to repair and build your muscles.
3. They can be helpful for those who want to gain weight.
If you’d like to beef up but just can’t eat all the time, drinking protein shakes can be a great option for you. With these supplements, you can increase not just your protein consumption but also your carbohydrate intake and bulk up within the shortest possible time.
List of Cons of Protein Shakes
1. They can contain sugar and artificial substances.
Some brands of protein shakes contain high amounts of sugar, which can be dangerous if you’re diabetic and need to control your sugar intake. Many brands also contain artificial sweeteners, xanthan gum, artificial flavors, and other substances, which may not be ideal for you if you’re trying to live organically and avoid artificial anything.
2. They can contribute to weight gain.
As mentioned above, protein shakes can provide added calories, which can be a good thing for those who are trying to bulk up. However, this can be a problem if you want to shed off excess pounds.
3. They can be expensive.
The cost-efficiency of protein shakes depends on the type of products you’ll buy; powders, for instance, are cheaper than pre-mixed, ready-to-drink shakes. It also depends on whether the product contains complete proteins (which are more expensive) or incomplete proteins (which don’t provide all the amino acids you need). If you do the math, you might find that you’ll save more if you get your protein from chicken, lean meat, and other food sources.
These are just a few of the pros and cons of protein shakes. Take a close look at these factors to know if these supplements can help you achieve your fitness goals and improve your overall health.