Bodybuilding Warehouse Performance Protein review
Performance Protein is a relatively new protein supplement blend which was introduced into the sports nutrition market towards the end of 2012. The Bodybuilding Warehouse Performance Protein Blend is available to buy in either a 2kg pouch or 5kg tub and comes in four flavours for both the 2kg pouch and 5kg tub; Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla and Chocolate Peanut Butter. With the 5kg tub selling for just £49.94 and 2kg pouch for only £26.95, Performance Protein appears to be extremely good value for money. But is it? We will help you decide.
Using creatine, taurine and glycine for the optimum whey protein blend
Performance Protein is not just a standard whey protein concentrate supplement. It is a Protein Blend which means within it you will find whey protein and milk protein (80% casein) as well as ingredients such as Creatine Monohydrate, Taurine and Glycine. The actual 'Protein Blend' consists of Whey Protein Concentrate, Milk Protein Concentrate, Soy Protein Isolate and Whey Protein Isolate whilst the Creatine, Taurine and Glycine form the 'Power Complex'.
The health benefits of using creatine
Creatine Monohydrate is extremely beneficial to performance athletes for a variety of reasons. You can read about how Creatine affects the human body and Creatine side effects in our article exploring the reasons why you should take Creatine. However in summary you can make significant strength gains and muscle mass gains through ATP production, boost cognitive function and reduce muscle fatigue by supplementing your diet with Creatine. Bodybuilding Warehouse Performance Protein contains 2g of Creatine per serving.
The health benefits of using taurine
Taurine is a very popular supplement, often found in pre workout products and energy shots / energy supplements, because it helps stabalise electrical transmition in the nerves which helps to improve mental focus. Taurine benefits are similar to Creatine, drawing water into cells and acting as a volumiser which, in turn, help to increase muscle mass. It can have very positive effects on your workouts and progression as it helps to draw nutrients into the muscle, aiding recovery and muscle growth.
The health benefits of using glycine
Glycine, an amino acid, has been shown in research studies to help improve lean growth and recovery by promoting the uptake of glucose (vital post workout when glycogen stores need replenishing). Other studies have shown that Glycine can improve the uptake of Creatine which may result in greater strength gains and muscle mass. As a result, with these three ingredients working together, the Power Blend in Performance Protein Blend is perfect for someone looking to build mass and get stronger. It is also suitable for someone looking to build lean muscle because of the low fat, low cholesterol and high protein content.
Protein structure in Performance Protein
Bodybuilding Warehouse Performance Protein contains a huge 30g of protein per serving and with 111 servings per 5kg tub (or 44 servings per 2kg pouch), value for money is certainly evident. With the protein blend consisting of both quick release and slow release protein, this means it is a time releasing protein supplement. In other words, it releases protein into your muscles over a period of time. However this does not mean it should just be used before bed or when you know you will be going for a lengthy period without protein. It means the supplement is versatile and perfect straight after a workout, in the morning at breakfast or before bed. The whey protein concentrate and isolates will feed your muscles quickly (what you need straight after a workout). The filtered milk protein concentrate (a blend of both whey and casein) and soy protein isolate will digest fairly slowly over hours, drip feeding your muscles for a period of up to 8 hours.
Soy Whey Protein Isolate health benefits
Soy Whey Protein Isolate is packed full of protein with a full spectrum of amino acids which, like the food source quinoa, makes it a complete protein (also like whey). This means it is definitely not inferior to whey protein because both are a complete protein. Also, because it is plant based, this means it has no cholesterol, is low in fat and mixes well. If you're on a vegetarian diet, vegan or are lactose intolerant, Soy Protein is an excellent protein supplement for you. It is lactose free, gluten free and GM free making it a popular choice of vegetarian protein when bought as a separate supplement. Soy Protein can therefore be enjoyed by both vegetarians and non vegetarians and has excellent protein health benefits.
How does Bodybuilding Warehouse Performance Protein taste?
When I first tried Performance Protein I was not immediately attracted to the taste. If I was to provide a rating, I would say it was a 6 out of 10 for taste initially (vanilla flavour). My first impression was that it tasted a bit too creamy and was quite sweet. However I always like to thoroughly test sports nutrition supplements and because Bodybuilding Warehouse kindly sent a 2kg pouch, I was prepared to give it more time.
After getting used to the blend, I must admit that my impression of the taste changed. I became accustomed to the creamy taste and slightly grainy texture and went on to enjoy consuming Performance Protein two to three times a day. The vanilla flavour is quite sweet but it has been very easy to get through the 2kg pouch provided.
Does it mix well? Shake for a good 10-12 seconds with 250-300ml of water using 1 scoop and you should experience no problems with mixing.
