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In respect to this, do you really need protein powder?

The short answer: no. You can easily get the protein you need from natural sources, such as eggs, chicken breast, fish, beans, milk, cottage cheese, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Athletes rely on protein powder because they typically need more protein, plus it's convenient.

Likewise, how effective is protein powder? Numerous studies show that it can help you increase strength, gain muscle and lose significant amounts of body fat ( 2 ). However, whey is more than just protein. It contains many other nutrients, some with potent biological effects. In fact, it's one of the best-studied supplements in the world.

Keeping this in view, when should you drink protein powder?

The best time to consume protein for optimal muscle growth is a controversial topic. Fitness enthusiasts often recommend taking a protein supplement 15–60 minutes after exercise. This time frame is known as the “anabolic window” and said to be the perfect time for getting the most out of nutrients like protein ( 16 ).

What type of protein powder should I use?

Whey protein and whey isolates are your best options. Lose weight — To lose weight, choose shakes with no added sugars or dextrins/maltodextrins (sweeteners made from starch). Don't choose those with added branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), as they help promote muscle growth and weight gain.