Which Protein Powder is Best for PCOS?

Over 70% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance. More than 50% of those suffering from PCOS are diabetic before turning 40.

Hence, the need to watch your diet.

Experts recommend eating low-GI foods. Does protein powder fit in? Let’s find out.

Is Protein Powder Good for Women with PCOS? 

If you have PCOS, your doctor might suggest boosting your protein consumption. It doesn’t necessarily mean you have to invest in canisters of protein powder.

Always remember that a well-balanced diet can give you sufficient protein. However, if you can’t get enough of it through foods, a protein powder can be helpful.

But not all protein powders are good for women with PCOS.

Protein powder is just a supplement. It means that it supports your diet, instead of replacing it.

In other words, if you need to eat enough protein make sure to get most of it from whole foods.

However, if you think that you can’t consume the right amount of protein in your diet, you may incorporate protein powder.

Before you do, talk to your OBGYN first. Your doctor may recommend the best protein powder for your condition.

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Which Protein Powder is the Best for PCOS? 

Whey Protein 

It has different types. Whey concentrate has the highest amount of protein. Whey isolate, on the other hand, has less protein compared to whey concentrate.

Whey hydroxylate is easier to digest but it is more processed and isolated.

If you have milk intolerance, then whey protein must be off your list.

This type of protein powder is known to help in weight loss and activate the hormone ghrelin so your brain thinks that your stomach is full.

Since women with PCOS have difficulty losing weight, consuming whey protein may be a good idea, upon the recommendation of your doctor.

Pea Protein 

It is derived from yellow split peas. Pea protein offers the same benefits as whey protein.

Compared to whey protein, pea protein is safer for vegans.

It’s also ideal if you have milk intolerance.

Unlike whey protein, pea protein doesn’t cause an insulin spike. It also increases your satiety and controls hunger.

It is also rich in iron and other minerals vital for your condition.

Brown Rice Protein 

It’s a plant-based protein isolate. Compared to other forms of protein powder, it has a more distinct taste.

The flavor isn’t as enticing as pea protein. However, rice protein is less unpleasant than whey hydroxylate.

Because it lacks some essential amino acids you may mix it with quinoa or chia protein powder.

Combining rice and pea protein can give you superior amino acids without allergies or intestinal issues.

Rice protein supports your body in building muscle mass. It also helps in increasing your strength the same way whey protein does.

Then again, there are no studies that show whether or not this type of protein powder can increase insulin levels.

Hemp Protein 

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it’s made from Cannabis sativa plant seeds. Even though it comes from the same plant as marijuana, hemp doesn’t have the feature of getting you “high.”

Hemp protein has no mind-altering effects. Although it has levels of THC, they are minute.

The seeds contain a lot of minerals, like zinc, iron, and magnesium, among others. Thus, they are rich in nutrients.

Getting enough omega-3 is important to manage your PCOS. And hemp protein is a good option because it is rich in ALA. it’s an essential omega-3 fatty acid that is vital to sustaining excellent health.

This type of protein is well-tolerated because it doesn’t cause dietary allergies or insensitivities.

It also doesn’t lead to bloating or GI discomfort because it is absorbed by the body quickly.

Is Herbalife Protein Shake Good for Women with PCOS?

The purpose of the Herbalife protein shake is to help you lose or gain weight. It’s not designed for PCOS patients.

If you struggle to lose weight because of PCOS, the Herbalife protein shake may be helpful.

Unfortunately, it contains soy.

Soy is not advisable for PCOS patients because it has estrogen-like substances that can affect the condition.

But you can use Herbalife’s allergen-free protein shake mix. It’s not widely available, though.

You can give it a try and observe how your body reacts.

However, just like other protein powder options, it takes a lot of self-control. You can lose weight with the replacement shake if that’s what you want with the Herbalife shake.

The problem with so many Herbalife users is that it becomes boring for them after two months.

You may want to dine with your friends in a restaurant or eat donuts with your partner. This is particularly problematic if you have little willpower.

That’s why a lot of people don’t lose weight with Herbalife weight loss programs or any other programs because of the lack of will powder.

When they get bored, they just go back to their old routines. As a result, they gain their weight back (and more).

You can add variety to your diet to ensure you won’t get bored.

On the other hand, if your doctor won’t recommend Herbalife, then just follow his/her suggestion.

It’s not that Herbalife products are unsafe. Rather, your doctor might have found ingredients from the products that aren’t suitable for your condition.

Remember that every case is different. One patient might find it beneficial to take Herbalife protein powder. But another patient experienced adverse side effects.

Our bodies are not the same.

What Other Protein Sources You Can Try? 

If the choice of drinking protein powder is to help you boost your protein intake, you must know that your options are not limited to protein powder.

Protein powder is indeed convenient. However, other sources don’t require you to drink protein shakes.

Eggs are high in protein. They are also excellent sources of healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, they are high in selenium and vitamin B12.

Almonds, too, are high in nutrients. They are rich in fiber, magnesium, and vitamin E.

Chicken breast is also an excellent choice if you wish to boost your protein intake. But make sure that you opt for organic chicken. That is chicken without antibiotics.

Greek yogurt is a type of yogurt that has no additives but is high in proteins. It’s also a good source of many vitamins and minerals.

To Drink Protein Powder or Not When You Have PCOS

Which protein powder is best for PCOS? You can use whey protein, brown rice protein, hemp protein, or pea protein. But whatever options are available for you, make sure to consult with your physician.

On the other hand, if you want a protein shake to help you lose weight, take a look at the Herbalife Formula 1 Replacement shake.