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Facts About Casein Protein

Protein is the building block of muscle tissue. Adequate protein intake is necessary to help build muscle and maintain lean muscle mass. Although there are several types of protein to choose from, casein protein has some unique benefits to offer athletes, bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts.

  1. Identification

    • Casein protein is the type of protein found in milk. By volume, milk is 80 percent casein protein and 20 percent whey protein. Casein protein is full of beneficial amino acids. Cottage cheese is another form of casein protein. Many bodybuilders and athletes consume it just before going to sleep to give the body protein to digest throughout the night.

    Function

    • Casein protein is different from whey protein because it is a slower digesting protein. When you consume casein protein, it forms a gel-like substance in the stomach as it digests slowly over a period of three to four hours. This results in a steady release of protein and amino acids over this period of time. There are many casein protein powders available on the market that will provide you with an excellent quality casein protein. These powders can be mixed with milk or water and are convenient to drink on the go.

    Benefits

    • Casein protein powders contain high doses of the amino acid glutamine. Glutamine is helpful in preserving lean muscle mass, aids in muscle recovery after workouts and gives the immune system a boost. Because casein is a slow digesting type of protein, the body is able to use it efficiently.

    Whey Protein

    • The body can benefit from both whey and casein protein. Whey protein is best consumed first thing in the morning and right after workouts. This helps to feed the muscles and get important amino acids to the body quickly and can be used as a complement to your casein protein intake at night.

    Warning

    • High protein consumption should be avoided by those who have kidney disease. If you have any other pre-existing medical conditions, it is important to check with your doctor before supplementing with additional protein sources.

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