What are the benefits of protein shakes?
Safe for people who are healthy and fit, protein shakes are used mainly by athletes who need nourishment right after their workouts, says Jose Antonio, chief executive officer and co-founder of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN). ‘Most people can’t make a meal immediately post-workout’, he says. ‘So these ready-to-drink shakes are really your best alternative’. According to the ISSN, protein shakes are a safe way to ensure enough protein, when used as part of a balanced, nutrient-rich diet. This counters the view that protein shakes can be harmful to kidneys or bones. • Although research hasn’t proven their role in sports performance and muscle strength, protein shakes may offer certain benefits. • An endurance athlete may find it easier to train with the help of protein shakes, says Antonio. That’s because they help the body recover from intense exercise. Protein shakes do this mainly by restoring muscle glycogen, a fuel source for exercise, which gets used up during
