Bodybuilding great Arnold Schwarzenegger is after any edge he can get when it comes to muscle building, especially as he’s gotten older. In his latest Arnold’s Pump Club Newsletter, he revealed whether or not protein can fight against the aging process while helping those over 40 maintain strength, muscle, and mobility.
“Do Protein Powders Help Fight Against Aging?
New research analyzed 78 studies to determine if protein powders help maintain strength, muscle, and mobility after the age of 40.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger has always been focused on his health. As he has gotten older, maintaining his longevity has been at the forefront of his mind. Between his belief that exercise is the best medicine and that sweat is the ultimate way to combat aging, it’s safe to say Schwarzenegger hasn’t lost a step in his pursuit of fitness.
In addition to his healthy addiction to working out, Schwarzenegger’s diet has also become vitally important. After struggling with his blood pressure, he made the switch to a 70% plant-based diet and immediately had positive results.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Reveals If Protein Powders Help Maintain Strength, Muscle, and Mobility For People Over 40
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Just because his diet is mainly plant-based doesn’t mean he is sacrificing his protein intake. Instead, ‘The Austrian Oak’ supplements with eggs, lentils, beans, and a pea-based protein powder. However, Schwarzenegger has repeatedly warned that not all protein powders are created equal. He has cautioned his followers to pay attention to labels to ensure they know exactly what they are getting.
In his latest Arnold’s Pump Club Newsletter, Schwarzenegger is now shedding light on what protein can offer to adults over 40.
“Overrated or Underrated: Protein Powders
Trying to figure out which protein powder is worth your money? A recent study sheds light on the best options for muscle gain, especially for older adults hitting the weights.”
Schwarzenegger shared a research study representing individuals over 40 and discovered that those who consumed protein saw increases in muscle and mobility.
“New research suggests that whey, milk, and soy protein might be a little more effective at helping you build muscle and strength as you age.”
“The researchers examined 78 clinical trials involving people over 40 years old. Taking protein — even without resistance training— helped improve muscle and mobility. However, the real benefits were seen when combining protein and resistance training.”
The researchers focused on six different proteins but most of the participants had varying workout regimens that limited the findings.
“The scientists analyzed six types of protein (whey, milk, soy, casein, peanut, and meat) across more than 5,000 participants.
The most significant limitation is that the participants came from different environments (including community dwellings and hospitals) and followed different workout programs.”
Schwarzenegger explains that as you get older, protein sources become more important to ensure adequate amounts are being ingested.
“Prior research has suggested that total protein per day is more important than protein source or timing. That’s true, but starting around age 40, most people begin to experience a gradual and continuous loss of muscle mass, which can lead to problems with mobility and quality of life in older age.
That’s partially because your protein needs shift as you age, and you need more protein and essential amino acids.”
He recommends whey protein, explaining that it is most effective powder at increasing muscle, strength, and speed.
“So, if you’re getting enough protein, it’s possible that prioritizing specific proteins could lead to better outcomes. And if you’re looking for the best-performing protein, whey protein was most effective at increasing muscle, lower body strength, and walking speed. We recommend Momentous as our go-to source of whey protein. Remember, no matter what protein you select, look for one third-party tested by NSF Certified for Sport or Informed Sport.”
“The verdict: They still aren’t magic, but protein powders are underrated as a quality source of protein that is convenient, cost-effective, and repeatedly performs well in research.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger continues to provide his followers with the most accurate information regarding their health and fitness. Concerning protein, he has previously debunked myths such as whether high-protein diets can cause kidney stones. Thankfully, studies have found no direct link between protein and kidney stones.
To help encourage his fans to increase their protein intake, he has shared some of his tried-and-true recipes. These include his homemade protein bars as well as his go-to protein shake. If anyone knows protein, it is seven-time Mr. Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger. If you are over 40, perhaps you should give whey protein a try and see if you notice increases in strength, muscle, and mobility.
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