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Have you ever stood in the health food store, looking at the myriad of whey protein tubs sitting on the shelves, all vying for your attention? It’s a good practice to be diligent when choosing your next protein shake, as they are not all made equal.

But before we get into the best protein shake for you, let’s look at the the product. Made for bodybuilders and gym fans alike, it is widely recognised as an important aid to muscle growth and repair. But the most important time to consume it is within half an hour after working out. This is because the muscles are most receptive in the two hours after exercise to being repaired and fed. However, if you eat an alternative protein source such as a piece of steak, yes it has a lot of protein, but it will take far longer than two hours to digest and you may miss your optimum window of opportunity.

It used to be classed as a byproduct of cheese making and even fed to pigs! But since the important health boosting properties were recognised, companies have fallen over themselves to promote the next best thing in whey protein.

There are only a few guidelines I go by when choosing a my protein shakes. It must be whey protein concentrate, not isolate which is derived from putrid protein. The whey should be from hormone free, grass fed cow’s milk, preferably raw organic. It should be sweetened not with any artificial sweetener, but with a sugar substitute such as stevia. As for brands, I like Dr Mercola and the Ori Hofmekler formulation available at Swanson Vitamins.

Whey protein is not just for bodybuilding or athletes though, it is also a good supplement for older people, since it can help the recovery process after illness and boost energy levels too.

I think it is! Whey protein concentrate is getting a pretty good press these days, not least because of its endorsements by Dr Mercola and Ori Hofmekler. Dr Mercola has his own brand of health supplements and protein powders; such as Pro Optimal Whey, Miracle Whey and Pure Power Protein. Ori Hofmekler collaborated with Swanson Vitamins to create his own recipe, using similar principles to Dr Mercola.

The reason these products are so special is because they are made from the raw, grass fed, hormone free milk of cows able to exist in an organic environment. It is a superior milk product as the beneficial bacteria are preserved live as the milk is not pasturised. This cold processing also preserves the fragile milk proteins. Pasturisation however according to Dr Mercola:

• Makes the whey acidic and strips out the nutrition
• Affects the amino acids and micronutrients beneficial to our immune systems in a detrimental way
• Renders the whey below optimum standard for human consumption

I used to use Whey Protein Isolate but since I found Dr Mercola’s whey, I feel more energetic and I can digest it more easily. The shake is smooth and is filling without being heavy.

I like to add eggs and raw milk to the protein powder, sometimes I will add a spoonful of peanut butter for an extra protein boost.

Because I was used to artificial flavours I found a big difference in taste, it’s maybe not as palatable but knowing that it is a good product containing good whey protein concentrate, I will continue with it.