We all know that men and women are not created equally, at least not in terms of our body chemistry. As such, the same nutritional supplements that may work for men might not be right for a woman and vice versa. However, many supplements do provide both health and fitness benefits for men and women, including protein supplements, so finding the right type of protein supplements for women is well worth the time.
About Protein Supplements
Protein, typically found in many foods such as lean meat and dairy products, helps muscles grow and rebuild. In addition, protein helps to maintain lean muscle mass and decrease body fat, which provides that lean, strong look that so many athletes have.
Technically speaking, protein is a macronutrient, just like fats and carbohydrates. Consisting of amino acids linked together, protein is responsible for muscle repair and growth, as well as helping maintain a healthy immune system and energy source.
While most people obtain the necessary amount of protein through food sources, athletes often benefit from additional protein through supplements. The recommended dietary allowance for most healthy adults is about 72 grams of protein per day for men and 54 grams of protein for women.
For serious athletes, researchers recommend consuming between 1 and 1.5 grams of protein per pound of body weight, with approximately 40 percent of that protein coming from food sources. As an example, a woman weighing 125 pounds requires between 125 and 188 grams of protein, while a man weighing 250 pounds needs 250 to 375 grams of protein.
Protein Supplements for Women
Variance in daily protein requirements really has more to do with weight than gender; however, many protein supplements come in a one-size-fits-all mentality that does not account for variances in weight and protein needs.
Protein supplements for women usually have over 20 grams of protein as well as vitamins and minerals for added energy, immunity support and muscle repair and growth.
Many protein supplements for women come with additives, preservatives and chemicals. As such, women should seek natural protein ingredients, such as the following:
- Almond meal
- Grass fed whey protein isolate
- Coconut flour or shredded coconut
- Flaxseed
- Pumpkin seeds
- Psyllium husks
- Natural cocoa
- Chia seeds
- Sesame seeds
- Stevia
Look for protein supplements that are low on sugar, high in dietary fibre and protein and contain additional health supplements and vitamins such as B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, and potassium, folate (B9, calcium and iron.
For more information about natural protein supplements for women take a look at our Superfood Protein Blends here.