Getting enough protein
throughout the day is tough.
Even tougher is getting the right kind of protein.
If your goal for working out is
to build and strengthen your muscles, then fitness experts state that you need
to consume one
gram of protein per pound of bodyweight – approximately 30% of your
daily calorie intake.
An article published in 2008
stated that the average American consumes approximately 12-18% protein per day
- significantly lower than the recommended daily serving.
How do we make up for that deficit?
Answer: We use protein
supplementation. And as with most other supplements, not all protein
supplements are created equal.
Below, we’re going to take an
unbiased look at a popular whey protein option, Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey
Gold Standard.
What is Optimum
Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard?
First, we want to make sure you
understand what whey protein is.
Whey protein is essentially
protein made from the watery parts of milk (when it separates from the curd to
form cheese).
Once separated, it’s filtered to
remove almost all fats and carbohydrates. What you’re left with is pure
protein.
But not just any pure protein…
The fastest acting form of protein on the
market. And that’s the reason why whey protein is the protein of choice
for thousands of fitness enthusiasts looking to build more muscle.
Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold
Standard is without a doubt one of the most popular brands of whey protein on
the market.
It delivers 24g of whey protein
with every serving. And it’s highly regarded as being one of the highest
quality and most affordable whey protein brands available.
What Makes Optimum
Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard Different From Its Competitors?
There
are three main distinctions that separate Optimum Nutrition’s Whey Protein from
its competitors:
- The
company manufactures its protein in its own facility.
About 90% of the protein offered to the public is distributed from third
parties that often use third-world countries for manufacturing.
Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard is manufactured in the U.S.,
under strict U.S. manufacturing guidelines.
- Few
additives. If a protein powder tastes exceptionally
sweet, it usually means it’s loaded down with additives, like artificial
sweeteners. Optimum Nutrition Whey uses very few additives – which
means a cleaner and purer protein powder supplement.
- Not
blended. You’ll find no casein or egg protein in
this product. It’s truly 100% whey. That means you’re getting only the fastest absorbing
type of protein with each serving.
What We Don’t Like
About Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard
The taste.
While it’s one of the most popular brands of whey protein, Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard isn’t known for being the most flavorful. As a matter of fact, most flavors flat out don’t taste good. If the taste is important to you, then you may want to consider another brand.
Can upset the stomach of some consumers.
Even though the whey isolate is less prone to upsetting your stomach than a glass of milk, some consumers (who may be sensitive to dairy) can experience mild stomach discomfort from taking this protein.
What We Love About
Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard
We love that fact that Optimum Nutrition is very open about they’re
manufacturing process and that it’s manufactured inside the country. We
feel safe that with this particular product, 24 grams of protein is actually 24
grams of protein.
Contains glutamine and BCAAs.
Glutamine and BCAA supplementation is important for preventing muscle catabolism
– a big deal if you’re trying to build muscle. Optimum Nutrition’s 100%
Whey protein powder contains and adequate amount of both.