Protein powders are powder forms of protein that can either come from plants like soya bean, peas, rice, potatoes, and hemp or animal protein like eggs or milk or whey protein. Protein powders are a prevalent form of nutritional supplement as they are an essential macronutrient that helps to build muscle, repair tissues, and make enzymes and hormones. Sometimes protein powders are also helpful in weight loss or toning the muscles
The protein powders often include ingredients like added sugars, thickeners, vitamins, minerals, and artificial flavoring. The amount of protein varies from around 10 grams to 30 grams per scoop. When combined with a glass of milk and converted into a drink, it may give a person around 1200 calories. Studies have shown that protein powders impart strength gain muscles and lose a significant amount of body fat. People across the world thus consider it as one of the best supplements
What's Inside
- 1 Types of Protein Powders
- 2 11 Best Protein Powders For Diabetics in 2020
- 2.1 1. Orgain Organic Protein Powder
- 2.2 2. Isopure Zero Carb Protein Powder
- 2.3 3. GENEPRO, by Musclegen
- 2.4 4. NOW Sports Nutrition
- 2.5 5. MRM All Natural Whey Protein Powder
- 2.6 6. Dr. Berg’s Meal Replacement Shake
- 2.7 7. Quest Nutrition Vanilla Milkshake Protein Powder
- 2.8 8. Sun Star Organics Pea Protein Powder
- 2.9 9. Biochem 100% Whey Sugar-Free Protein
- 2.10 10. Garden of Life Protein Powder
- 2.11 11. Slim-Fast Protein Shake
- 3 Choosing a Protein Powder For a Diabetic
- 4 Benefits Of Protein Powder For Diabetics
- 5 Precautions To Be Taken Before Having Protein Powder
- 6 Is protein powder bad for diabetes?
- 7 Does whey protein spike blood sugar?
- 8 Does whey protein cause weight gain?
- 9 What foods are high in protein for diabetics?
- 10 Best protein powder for insulin resistance?
- 11 FAQ
- 12 Final Verdict
Types of Protein Powders
A variety of sources are useful to make protein powders. They are available in many formulations. People use protein powders to increase muscle mass, help towards meeting their protein needs and improve overall composition body.
Protein powders concentrate on protein sources broadly divided into dairy-based and Plant-based powders, such as eggs, dairy, rice, soya beans, peas, potatoes, etc. Let us understand them individually.
1. Egg and Dairy Protein:
These types of proteins are available from eggs, milk, and cheese. There are a variety of protein powders available in this category.
A. Whey protein powders
One of the most commonly used protein powder whey protein is full of benefits. It contains nine essential amino acids needed for the synthesis of protein and repairing of muscles. It is a complete protein. As it is easily soluble in water, its digestion and absorption are quick and give quick satisfaction to a person. Different types of whey proteins are available in health food and supplement stores
- Whey protein concentrate (WPC) – WPC contains around 70% to 80% protein and some lactose, which is present in milk and a small amount of fat. It tastes better in comparison to other whey proteins.
- Whey protein isolate (WPI) -WPI contains around 90% off protein with lesser amounts of lactose and fat as compared to WPC.
- Whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) -WPH or hydrolyzed whey, as known popularly, is a pre-digested form of the whey protein. With 99% of the protein content, it dissolves much faster in water than other whey proteins. However, this type of protein powder, even if combined with other ingredients, tends to taste very bitter.
B. Casein Protein Powders
In comparison to whey protein, the digestion and absorption of casein protein are slow. Though it is not soluble in water, it keeps a person feeling full for a longer time. It is a supplement that can be immensely helpful for overnight muscle recovery. Also, it acts as a particularly useful protein supplement when meals and snacks do not suffice the daily requirement of protein.
C. Egg Protein Powder
A lactose-free option Egg-white protein powder includes all the nine essential amino acids with around 80% of the protein content. Research shows that egg-white protein powder is exceptionally advantageous for the recovery of muscles and muscle strength with no negative impacts on body composition. It is incredibly useful for improving training goals.
D. Collagen Protein Powder
Collagen protein powder helps support joint health, skin elasticity, and digestion. It is not very effective as the other three types of protein powders for the growth of muscle and its recovery.
E. Branch-chain amino acids (BCAAs)
Branch-chain amino acids or BCAAs are a supplement but not complete protein powder. They contain only three amino acids, namely leucine, isoleucine, and valine, which are not produced by the body. The taste of BCAA powder is very bitter and is used either before or after a workout for promoting growth and recovery of muscle. However, a healthy relationship lies between high BCAA, obesity, insulin resistance, and type-two diabetes.
2. Plant-based Protein
These proteins are present in plants such as soya bean, rice, peas, and hemp.
A. Soy Protein Powder
Soy protein is an excellent plant-based alternative to whey protein and is extremely suitable for vegans. Soya bean protein powder contains all the nine essential amino acids, plus it is low in fat and carbohydrates but is not readily soluble in water.
B. Rice protein powder
Brown rice is useful to make the protein powder, which contains all the amino acids but at the same time, it is low in leucine. However, this deficiency is achievable by combining rice protein powder with pea protein powder or a healthy diet plan to support fitness goals.
C. Pea protein powder
Peas are useful in making this protein powder that contains all the amino acids, but at the same time, it is low in methionine. However, this deficiency is achievable by combining this protein powder with rice protein powder. Pea protein powder is rich in iron, an essential nutrient, especially for women.
D. Hemp protein powder
This type of protein is a plant-based protein that is easy to digest. Though it is not a complete source of protein, it does contain seven essential amino acids along with Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for the overall health of a person.
11 Best Protein Powders For Diabetics in 2020
People with type-two diabetes often fear losing good health or not able to lose weight and even not able to build muscle. But being a person with diabetes does not mean that a person can’t do all these things. It is now possible both to lose weight and build muscle with the use of the best protein powders for diabetics. However, one needs to remain alert regarding the choice of product and its ingredients.Some of the best protein powders for diabetics is now available easily. Let us evaluate them in detail.
It is a new USDA certified vegan organic little tree and letters plant-based protein from soya from vanilla beans and contains no artificial ingredients
What We Like
- 26-gram protein
- No sugar, no carbs and no fats
- Easily mixed with any ingredient
- Has a great taste
What We Don’t Like
- Sometimes it is difficult to dissolve it hot liquids or water
It is one of the perfect protein powders for diabetics as it is gluten-free for those with gluten and allergy, helping a person to lose weight while building muscle.
What We Like
- 26-gram protein
- No sugar, no carbs and no fats
- Easily mixed with any ingredient
- Has a great taste
What We Don’t Like
- Sometimes it is difficult to dissolve it hot liquids or water
3GENEPRO, by MusclegenIt is a highly concentrated low calorie protein with a serving size of only one tablespoon. It’s non- GMO, gluten-free, and unflavored with a high adsorption rate. It is ideal for diabetics, bodybuilders, athletes and anyone who wants to add a low calorie source of protein to their diet.
It is known as the ‘next generation’ of protein powder. It is also ideal for weight loss program.-30 grams of concentrated whey protein per tablespoon
What We Like
- 30 grams of concentrated whey protein per tablespoon
- Only 58.5 calories per serving
- High absorption rate
- Contains 0.6 milligram 0.6 mil gram of carbs and 0.3 milligram of fat
What We Don’t Like
- Unflavored
It is a clean profile product with an array of levers play word and is low in fact making it not a preferable product for losing weight
What We Like
- 25-gram protein
- 0.5-gram fat wide
- Wide choice of flavors
- Fast absorbing whey isolate
What We Don’t Like
- 2-gram sugar
- 2.5 grams carbs -is considered being on a cheaper side on the scale of protein powder
Completely natural product with 1.5-gram carbohydrates and a lot of L-glutamines. It is a good product for diabetics though not very helpful for weight loss
What We Like
- 18-gram protein
- Contain L-glutamines
- Contains potassium
- Easy to digest
What We Don’t Like
- 11 grams of protein
- It is very thin to make one feel full.
This is a meal replacement formula for those who don’t have time and want all the nutrient on the go. It is a good alternative to a skipped lunch
What We Like
- Zero sugar
- Very low in calories that is up to 90
- Contains phosphorus and potassium
- Ideal for vegans
- Contain MCTs from coconut oil powder
- Uses organic pea protein
What We Don’t Like
- 11 grams of protein
- It is very thin to make one feel full.
It is low in carbs but high in protein due to an addition of whey isolate and casein. It’s high ratio of protein to calories maintains that blood sugar levels help in recovery after exercising it boosts muscle strength but has artificial sweeteners. However, they don’t interfere with diabetes.
What We Like
- 24-gram protein
- 3 grams carbs
- Less than one gram sugar
- Contains calcium potassium and phosphorus
What We Don’t Like
- Contains stevia and sucralose
- Doesn’t blend well
Very good product for those who are lactose intolerant it’s a vegan-friendly product and also vegetarian in nature. The peas used in the product are all non-GMO and of extremely high quality. It contains all nine essential amino acids and also a few other nutrients to help the proper functioning of the body it is very good for weight loss and maintains blood sugar levels
What We Like
- 21-gram protein
- Dairy and gluten-free
- No added sugar
- Less than 0.5 grams of carbs and fats
- No preservatives or artificial flavors and colours
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t mix well with water
It is a natural balanced, and environmentally friendly products with a lot of extra nutrients to ensure wholesome nutrition to the body.
What We Like
- Contains magnesium potassium calcium and phosphorus
- 20-gram protein from grass-fed cows
- Is weekend friendly and gluten-free
- Wide choice of flavors
What We Don’t Like
- Contains maltodextrin which is the sugar
- Considered as a weak drink
It is 100% organic powder with an exclusive combination of pea, sprouted Brown rice and 12 additional organic seeds, beans and grains. It is a clean protein and a probiotic and a digestive enzyme blend
What We Like
- 22 grams of raw organic plant protein in per serving
- Nothing artificial
- Complex protein mix consisting of pea, Brown rice ,12 organic green seeds and grains
- Comes in vanilla, vanilla Chai, chocolate flavors and unflavoured
What We Don’t Like
- Not the best tasting powder
It is a meal replacement shake 4 hours of hunger control formula and clinically proven to lose weight and maintain it. The massager also boasts of having 4 electrode pads as well as two 72 – inch long connection wires connected to the side of the machine for better stimulation. It has an automatic timer that lasts for 25 minutes per session in order to avoid overuse.
What We Like
- 20 grams of protein
- 200 calories per serving
- Gluten-free
- 24 vitamins and minerals
- Easy to blend
What We Don’t Like
Choosing a Protein Powder For a Diabetic
Patients who have diabetes should be vigilant while choosing a protein powder as a nutrition powder. These patients wonder as to which is the best protein powder for diabetics, or which is a sugar-free protein powder for diabetics?
To find out the best nutrition powder for diabetics, one must keep the following things in mind:
- When trying to select a sugar-free protein powder for diabetics, do not choose protein powder or protein shakes, which has ‘sugar’ listed as one of the added ingredients. Choose a protein shake or protein powder with the instruction – ‘without added sugar.’
- While selecting the best protein powder for diabetics, try to find whether it is low in carbohydrates ranging from 5 grams to 15 grams per serving.
- Usually, nutrition powder for diabetics or protein powder is sweetened either by artificial sweeteners like aspartame or by non-artificial sweeteners or natural sweeteners, which include sugar-alcohols or plant-sugar. Aspartame is a chemical alternative to sugar and is very sweet with little or no calories. On the other hand, sugar-alcohols are found naturally in fruits and vegetables. Plant-alcohols and plant-sugar are the extracts from plants or fruits, including brown sugar, sugar cane, stevia, coconut, and agave. As per a common choice, the best protein powder for diabetics is the one that contains non-artificial sweeteners as they are natural and easy to digest.
- While trying to find out the best protein powder for diabetics, look out for animal hormone rBGH or rBST. Try to avoid these hormones in animal-protein based powder as they are artificial bovine growth hormones.
- According to one study, the best sugar-free protein powder for diabetics or the best protein powder for diabetics is the whey protein powder. Whey protein powder happens to stimulate the secretion of insulin in people with type-two diabetes. Also, if one consumes the powder before breakfast, it helps control blood glucose levels even with healthy body weight and triglyceride levels.
Benefits Of Protein Powder For Diabetics
Often type-two diabetes is associated with an excess of weight or obesity. Such a diabetic person maybe wants to lose weight to control diabetes. Some people are now introducing protein intake as a to their Weight Loss Diet as a healthy alternative. However, the question arises whether increasing protein intake helps to control sugar?
The clinical explanation is that protein takes a long time to digest as against carbohydrates, leaving the person feeling full or satiated. It results in a person not feeling hungry quickly after the consumption of protein. In 2017, a small study with a small group of people using whey protein was under observation. The whey protein was helping them with controlling type-2 diabetes as it was stimulating the secretion of insulin in people with healthy body weight and normal triglyceride levels. Though having a nutrition powder for diabetics is a good option, One should always check out the labels to ensure that it has no added sugar, and it is the best sugar free protein powder for diabetics. People who follow a high protein diet using the best protein powder for diabetics seem to have lower glucose levels after meals, which means reasonable control over type-two diabetes and a subsequent weight loss.
Precautions To Be Taken Before Having Protein Powder
There are a lot of risks involved while having a nutrition powder for diabetics. Therefore, one should take the following precautions before having a protein powder:
- Protein powder is a dietary supplement, but despite its being a reputed brand and claim of safety with proper labeling of ingredients, there is no way to find out what the powder contains. So, be very careful before choosing the best protein powders for diabetics.
- Also, there is no research regarding the long term effects or possible side effects of continuous intake of these protein supplements.
- Some protein powders may cause a digestive disruption as they can get into trouble with digesting lactose for those who suffer from dairy allergies. These people end up experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Many of these protein powder has a little added sugar and calories. Some protein powders contain around 23 grams of sugar, or if combined with a glass of milk, they can have more than 1200 calories. Thereby it results in weight gain and an unhealthy increase in the level of blood sugar.
Another interesting observation is that people often wonder about the best time for a protein powder intake. However, it depends on the personal health and fitness goals of an individual, and it also depends on whether the person wants to build muscle, restore muscle, preserve muscle, or lose weight.
Specific goals dictate specific times for protein intake. Let’s have a look at them.
- To get an advantage of weight loss, one must consume protein-rich snacks between meals, leading them to have a few calories later in the day.
- For building muscle, one must consume protein within two hours after the workout. Those people who work out on an empty stomach or a fasted state should consume protein immediately after the workout.
- To prevent muscle loss, one must aim to have 25 grams to 30 grams of protein intake per meal. Having a protein supplement during breakfast may help to spread the protein intake digestion throughout the day.
- For improving performance and recovering from fatigue, endurance athletes should have protein and carbohydrates during and after the exercise.
- Those athletes who are having resistance training may benefit from protein intake either immediately or after working out.
Is protein powder bad for diabetes?
All protein powders are not bad for diabetes. Packaged protein drinks and foods often have a high sugar content and this sends glucose levels soaring. Even though, it might be a healthful option as protein digests more slowly than carbohydrate.
Does whey protein spike blood sugar?
Studies suggest that 100% whey protein content can lead to an increase in insulin levels. Does whey protein spike blood sugar in all people? Studies suggest that 100% whey protein drinks and powders should be avoided by people who follow the ketogenic diet.
Does whey protein cause weight gain?
Yes, whey protein has major benefits for weight loss. Studies have proven that replacing other sources of calories with whey protein, combined with weight lifting and other simple exercises can cause weight loss. Also, whey protein is a great way to increase your protein intake.
What foods are high in protein for diabetics?
Egs, milk, beef, chicken, fish, pork and cheese are the food items that are high in protein for diabetics. Plant based proteins will be available from foods such as beans, nuts, seeds, or tofu. This helps you feel full and helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
Best protein powder for insulin resistance?
Egg protein powder is one of the best protein powders for insulin resistance. It includes all the nine essential amino acids with around 80% of the protein content. This improves your insulin resistance and increases your muscle strength.
FAQ
Protein requires insulin as well as carbohydrates and fats for digestion. But this, however, does not have any effect on an increase in the blood sugar levels. In well-controlled diabetes, large amounts of protein may contribute to glucose production with a minimal increase in blood glucose level due to a much needed small amount of additional insulin for the protein’s metabolic activity. But recent studies point at protein for not raising blood sugar levels; in fact, it helps control it.
The American Diabetes Association has pointed out the following proteins as the best for diabetic patients. However, whey protein tops the list as being the best protein for a person with diabetes:
- Whey proteins
- Plant-based proteins such as seeds, tofu, soya beans, nuts, or seeds
- Seafood and Fish
- Chicken and other poultry (Choose breast meat if possible)
- Low-fat dairy and Eggs
Best whey protein powder for people with diabetes is Protinex Lite, which is the best for daily consumption. Protinex Lite is full of high protein with eleven Immuno nutrients and zero sugar. It is a unique formula for supporting weight management and an active lifestyle. The other best whey protein Powder is the Cellular Whey Protein Isolate and Concentrate Blend Powder. Optimum Nutrition Platinum Hydro Whey is the best sugar-free whey protein powder, and Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder is the best-tasting whey protein powder
Whey protein as a powder is one of the best protein powder for diabetics as whey protein helps in stimulating the secretion of insulin in people having healthy body weight and normal triglyceride levels, and it also helps control type-two diabetes. It is the perfect mix of all the nine essential amino acids with zero sugar and fewer carbs and fats, all of which are very helpful for the body’s overall nutrition.
Final Verdict
For people with diabetes, life can be quite challenging as they have to take care of a lot of things like controlling weight gain and obesity while maintaining blood sugar levels and muscle strength. To achieve these health goals, all one has to do is choose the best protein powders for diabetes that has a perfect mix of ingredients and fits an individual’s circumstances and specific health goals, thereby providing the necessary fuel to the body to function well throughout the day.
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