The Pros & Cons of Protein Shakes
Protein shakes seem like an easy, promising way to gain protein and help with dieting and building muscle. While protein shakes offer some advantages, some disadvantages are often overlooked.
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Pro: Controlled Portions
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Prepared protein shakes come in pre-set portions. An individual drinking protein shakes reduces the chance of overeating while gaining nutrients and preventing starvation.
Pro: Good Source of Protein
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Because they do have a lot of protein, these shakes provide fairly high-quality nutrition that is better than that found in many fast-food meals, which are often the alternative for busy people.
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Pro: Easy
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An individual saves time and effort drinking protein shakes. Preparation is brief.
Con: Poor Nutritional Substitute
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According to Dr. Nancy Clark, the engineered protein found in protein shakes offers nothing over naturally protein-rich foods. Natural foods often provide more well-balanced nutrition.
Con: Unnecessary
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Most individuals receive enough protein by eating right. Dr. Martica Heaner and Dr. Clark explain that athletes need 0.8 to 1.7 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, or 0.5 to 0.75 grams per pound, which can easily be obtained through a natural diet.
Con: Fat
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Dr. Heaner states that consuming extra protein leads to extra fat, not extra muscle, due to the added calories.
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References
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