Protein present in our food helps in the building of muscles and tissues
. It is very important to include the right type and quantity of protein in our regular diet. It is necessary for bodybuilders to have a high protein intake. Protein powder supplements like whey, soy and casein are beneficial if you combine them with a variety of other protein sources.
Caseinate protein is mainly found in milk. The protein in cows milk is 80% casein and the rest is whey protein. It is extracted without the use of chemicals by a process called ultra filtration which increases the amount of bioactive milk peptides thus providing immunity and enhancing muscle growth. It offers a strong anti catabolic effect which is not shown by other types of protein. Another property of this form of protein is that it forms a clot in the stomach thus resulting in a sustained release of amino acids into the blood stream lasting for several hours. This helps in preventing muscle breakdown as it has little effect on protein synthesis and thus helps in body building. Caseinate protein is more effective if taken before going to bed. The reason is because it takes time to absorb and thus helps in sustaining your body without food for 6 to 8 hours during your sleep. During these hours, your body is provided with the required amino acids. It should also be taken after workouts to give you the instant shot of protein needed. It is also less likely to be stored in your body as fats because of the long period it needs to digest. Some minor side effects like stomach discomfort may occur due to its higher lactose and sodium contents.
There are three forms of caseinate protein namely calcium caseinate, micellar casein and milk protein isolate. Calcium caseinate is of the lowest quality among the three forms. Micellar casein is composed of 100% casein while milk protein isolate contains both micellar protein and whey. This form of protein is very popular among body builders and athletes. But, be always sure to purchase quality brands and get what you are actually paying for.