Opinions of amateurs and bodybuilding professionals regarding the intake of various training aids are quite diverse. Someone is sure that taking any non-natural products only harms, and someone considers harmless even serious drugs that are not completely, and sometimes not at all intended for use in sports. Beginners often ask the question: "What is the difference between a gainer and protein?"
Warning
It should be noted that even though the body of each person functions according to a similar principle, nevertheless people have significant differences. For example, it can be: initial data (height, weight), metabolism, the presence of various allergic reactions, individual characteristics and tolerance of certain products, the presence or absence of problems with the musculoskeletal system, a tendency to thinness or fullness, as well as many other factors. Therefore, before you start taking various nutritional supplements, medicines or vitamins, you should consult with a specialist, personal trainer, and ideally with a person with a medical education, because what is useful for one person can harm another.
The main excipients
So, if you still decide to drink any dietary supplements or vitamins, then you probably have an acute question about what to choose. First of all, you should know what are the main differences between a protein and a gainer - the most popular substances in bodybuilding. In general, both substances are intended for weight gain and are harmless if not abused (however, this can be said about any product).
In addition, there are many different pre-workout and recovery complexes, vitamins, dietary supplements, for example, calcium, iodine, multivitamins, as well as serious medications, but even professionals try not to get involved with the latter, since side effects from the use of various medications can not only cross out sports progress but also spoil your health.
As for vitamins and excipients, this is a good thing, again - if not abused, because there will be no effect on large dosages. In addition, it is better not to swallow everything, but to consult with a knowledgeable person. For example, a complex for strengthening bones and joints is suitable for someone, and another athlete may be deficient in some vitamin, which will affect fatigue. What is the difference between a protein and a gainer and which is better?
Proteins
Names in a foreign language can scare unknowing consumers, but in fact it is just an ordinary protein, just in a concentrated and dry form. If you do not particularly go into the details of production and technological processes, the protein is made from milk. The production method is similar to the preparation of cottage cheese and cheese, but it is deeper, in this case, the product is split into various serums and other substances, which are no less useful and harmless.
What is protein for?
Protein is one of the key building components in the body of a living creature. In particular, he is responsible for the growth of muscle tissue. The body receives it naturally through the ingestion of meat products, eggs, and some plant foods. However, in conditions of active training, and the general modern rhythm of life, when a person hardly has time to have lunch, protein may be missed.
Symptoms of a serious deficiency are expressed by strong clinical manifestations in the form of skin problems, stomach pains, as well as problems with hair and nails, but, as a rule, this is rare and not typical for most people. In addition, it is caused by systematic malnutrition, a complete lack of meat products in the diet, as well as general malnutrition. Such conditions require medical attention and control.
Many novice bodybuilders are often characterized by a slight lack of protein, which is reflected in a longer recovery after training, increased fatigue and an increased feeling of hunger. To achieve the full effect of sports, more frequent meals are required, for example, five times a day, more meat food and slow carbohydrates, adherence to special diets and programs written by the trainer. In this regard, a person may not be able to eat the optimal amount of protein for muscle growth and weight gain, here sports supplements such as protein come to the rescue. The method of its preparation is quite simple, in addition, it can have various flavoring and aromatic additives, which will make its reception not only useful, but also pleasant.
Gainer
Like protein, it serves to gain weight, but it has a different composition and purpose. The word itself comes from the English gain and means "increase, gain." What is the difference between a gainer and a protein? The supplement itself consists not only of protein, but also of carbohydrates. The latter, as a rule, are the key components of this product. The percentage of carbohydrates in this supplement is much higher than protein, and they are different in composition and type. Something will give you energy, and something will speed up the process of gaining weight. What is the difference between a gainer and a protein during consumption? The answer is simple - nothing. This is very convenient: dilute the right amount of powder in a shaker or in a dish convenient for you, pour milk, juice or water. The product is ready to eat.
What are carbohydrates for?
If protein is a building material for muscles, then carbohydrates are power plants or fuel for their work. During training, the athlete needs a large amount of carbohydrates. They, in turn, are converted into energy and burned. Carbohydrate deficiency is expressed by thinness and increased fatigue. In nature, found in plant foods, cereals, cereals, flour products, sweets. They are divided into fast and slow. The former are practically useless to humans and even harmful. This is mainly sugar, sweets, carbonated drinks, snacks, etc. They harm the pancreas and are quickly converted to fat. However, in moderation, there is no threat, and glucose is needed for the brain to work.
Slow carbohydrates are more beneficial, they break down into fats more slowly and provide more energy during the day. Energy is needed to maintain physical activity and overall tone. You can consume a lot of protein, however, if the body does not have enough carbohydrates, the person will tire quickly, and training will bring less benefit.
And yet: how is the gainer different from protein?
As described above, both products are designed to gain weight and muscle mass. One should take what is lacking in the general diet. As a rule, a modern person consumes more carbohydrates than proteins, but all individually. Weight gainers are suitable for those who want to quickly gain weight, in their composition there is a balance of both proteins and carbohydrates. Due to the composition, they are great for people who consider their weight not high enough and want to quickly gain it.
Proteins are more suitable for more experienced athletes. This is due to the fact that experienced bodybuilders have some progress and are aimed at a further increase in muscle mass. In addition, some initially have a tendency to be overweight and want to bring the weight into the norm they need, but after losing extra pounds the body will need building material, and protein comes to the rescue. Based on this, we can say that the protein is suitable for those who are overweight. Fat is burned, but muscles need building material. Now we have answered the questions about how the gainer differs from protein, what is the difference between these substances.
Both supplements are healthy and good in their own way. Which is better - gainer or protein? Reviews on one and the other substance are often positive. They were loved by both professionals and beginners of bodybuilding. The most important thing is to choose the product that is right for you. When choosing the right supplement, you should consult with a personal trainer or doctor, and carefully study the composition of the substance you are purchasing.