Three great bodybuilding benefits of casein protein
 

Three great bodybuilding benefits of casein protein

Bodybuilding, or even just weight training in general, and protein go hand in hand with one another. Protein is a bodybuilder’s best friend and closest ally when it comes to building muscle and maximizing performance and recovery pre, intra, and post-workout. Protein is vital for the growth and repair of the cells of muscle tissues and fibres which is why bodybuilders have to follow high protein diets. When we lift weights, we don’t actually build muscle at all, in fact, we do quite the opposite as we actually destroy our muscles. We build muscle when we rest, particularly whilst we sleep, as the body repairs and rebuilds these muscle tissues and fibres even bigger and stronger than they once were. In order for the body to do this however, it needs nutrients, particularly nutrients found in the amino acids that make up protein. Without these nutrients, we wouldn’t be able to build muscle, or rather, our bodies wouldn’t be able to build muscle. There are many different forms of protein, and protein supplements are now unbelievably popular all over the world, and for good reason too. When it comes to popular protein supplements however, whey protein tends to be most people’s protein of choice. Whilst whey protein does possess a number of benefits, it also has its drawbacks too, which is where casein protein comes in. Casein protein is another popular form of protein, and is much different to whey for a variety of different reasons. Here we’ll be looking at three benefits associated with casein protein.

Casein protein helps promote increased muscle retention – Many bodybuilders go through periods in which they drastically cut back on their body fat levels in order for the muscles to look even more impressive. The problem with any low calorie diet is that losses of lean muscle mass can also often occur, which is the last thing any bodybuilder wants, as the goal is to lose fat and build or retain lean muscle. Numerous studies however, have revealed that casein protein can actually lead to increased levels of muscle retention whilst under a calorie deficit, which many experts believe is down to the fact that casein protein is so slow to be digested and broken down, which brings us to our next benefit...

Casein protein is a slow digesting protein – Individuals with higher levels of muscle mass require much more calories just to maintain the muscle than regular sized people. When the body doesn’t get these calories and nutrients however, it taps into the next nearest source, which is ironically, its own muscle stores. When we go to bed for instance, the body can fall into a catabolic state as it will require protein and energy throughout the night. The great thing about casein protein, is that as it’s so slow to be digested, it provides the body with the proteins and nutrients that it needs throughout the night, keeping it in an anabolic state.

Casein protein can help to promote colon health – Some individuals on more standard high protein diets actually put themselves at risk of suffering from colon related health problems later on in life. Studies conducted in casein protein however, have actually revealed that these dairy related proteins can actually offer colon and digestive related health advantages, as opposed to proteins found in meats and soy products.