Why Whey Protein Powder Is Better For Women Losing Weight

When choosing a protein powder, start by considering whether you have any food allergies. If you are allergic to or have an intolerance to dairy or eggs, you may not be able to use either whey protein. You may also not be able to consume egg white powder proteins. Instead, you may need to consider using a plant-based protein made from pea, hemp, soy or brown rice. Many people find plant-based protein easier to digest but plant proteins lack all the amino acids found in whey. Plant proteins also tend to have lower amounts of leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Those are the three essential amino acids known as the branched-chain amino acids or BCAAs. Proteins containing BCAAs help build muscle, decrease muscle fatigue and alleviate muscle soreness.


Types Of Protein Powders

Protein powders are made from milk, eggs or plant sources such as brown rice, soy, peas, and hemp. Whey protein contains all nine essential amino acids and is considered a complete protein. To get the same amino acids found in whey, for example, you’d need to combine brown rice protein and pea protein. A 2013 clinical study showed brown rice worked as well as whey protein to help build muscle and help in muscle recovery. But a 2011 study showed whey protein is better for weight loss than egg protein. The reason being, it provides greater satiety and leaves you feeling full longer.


Egg Protein Powder

Protein powders made with dehydrated egg whites provide protein without the risk of salmonella that you face if you consume raw eggs. Like whey, egg white protein is easy to digest but it isn’t as effective as whey protein at helping build lean muscle.


Brown Rice Protein Powder

Brown rice protein powders are generally considered inferior to whey protein for building muscle. Per gram, they contain less protein and fewer types of amino acids. For example, brown rice protein contains less lysine, an essential branched-chain amino acid.


Soy Protein Powder

Soy protein powder can be a healthy alternative for people who are allergic to eggs or dairy. Studies show soy protein powder is more effective at building muscle than casein protein powder. But, it is less effective than whey protein powder. That’s most likely because soy protein has less leucine content. And, it takes longer to digest than whey. Soy protein may work better when combined with dairy proteins, research shows. But overall research shows soy protein doesn’t support weight loss as well as whey protein. Consuming soy has raised some health concerns because it contains plant-based estrogens. Specifically, some people fear that consuming the isoflavones genistein and daidzein. Because, those enzymes act like estrogen. That means they have the potential to elevate your risk for breast cancer. But the American Cancer Society says most of the research that links soy consumption to breast cancer was done on lab animals. Therefore, they may not have the same effect on humans. Obviously, humans and animals metabolize soy differently. So, the cancer society says soy doesn’t appear to pose a risk for cancer but more research is needed.


Pea Protein Powder

Made using yellow split peas, pea protein powder is made of high-fiber legumes that are rich in branched-chain amino acids. Pea protein provides comparable results to whey protein, studies show. It’s a popular choice for vegans, vegetarians, or people with sensitivities or allergies to eggs or dairy.


Hemp Protein Powder

Hemp protein powder is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and essential amino acids. Because it has a higher fat content, hemp protein powder may not be the best choice for women trying to lose weight. Hemp protein powder is low in lysine and leucine, both amino acids. Hemp protein, therefore, is not a complete protein source and isn’t as effective at building lean muscle mass. Although hemp comes from the same plant family as marijuana, you don’t need to worry that using hemp protein powder will make you high. Hemp seeds contain little THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana.


Benefits of Protein Powders Over Other Protein Sources

​Your body easily absorbs the amino acids in whey protein. That can help you gain lean muscle and lose body fat. Whey protein contains branched-chain amino acids. That makes it easy for your body to digest and leaves you feeling fuller for a longer period, which should help you eat less and resist unhealthy cravings. Using a whey protein powder made into a complete meal replacement shake like LadyBoss® LEAN makes it quick and easy to eat. You can use LadyBoss LEAN to make shakes to use for breakfast or another meal or to make a pre- or post-workout shake. You can even use LEAN to bake healthy treats like protein brownies or oatmeal cookies!