OPTIMUM NUTRITION 100% Casein Protein Chocolate Supreme 4 lbs

Whey protein has been King of the Protein Hill for a long time. As the fastest-absorbing, highest biological-value protein, it seemed like it had to be the best right? Well, as it turns out, that all depends. Our understanding of protein nutrition has come a long way in the last 10 years and nutritionists and athletes are taking a good second look at casein protein. What they've found helps explain the explosion in popularity of products like Optimum Nutrition's 100% Casein Protein. In some circumstances, casein may be superior to whey as a muscle-building protein. But don't toss that whey protein powder just yet, as we'll see, the ideal scenario is probably to buy and use both types.

Casein is one of the two primary protein types found in milk (milk protein is 20% whey and 80% casein). One big difference between the two: whey absorbs very quickly, casein much more slowly and steadily. Both support muscle growth. But the differences in their absorption rates make whey more suitable for some circumstances and casein better for others. When would you want fast absorption? Breakfast protein shakes, between meal shakes for extra protein, or post-workout. When do you want slow-release protein? Primarily before bedtime, when the body can best take advantage of a slow, steady supply of amino acids. Optimum Nutrition's 100% Casein has an excellent balance of amino acids including over 9 grams of BCAAs. Don't send whey to do casein's job; use 100% casein before bedtime to maximize your recovery and keep your muscles growing around the clock.

As good as it is for muscle-building, casein lacks some of the immune-enhancing properties of whey protein. This is a good reason to buy and use both types of protein; depending on your circumstances at the time you can use one, the other, or a combination of the two.