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Realities of Protein Drinks: When Do You Need Them?

From the Show: Train Your Body
Summary: There are different kinds of proteins that can assist your body in muscle growth and repair, but which one is right for you?
Air Date: 10/21/14
Duration: 10
Host: Melanie Cole, MS
Guest Bio: Jennifer Sacheck, PhD
Screen shot 2012-05-03 at 10.57.05 AM Jen in blue pearl 1Dr. Jennifer Sacheck is an Associate Professor of Nutrition at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University. She also holds a faculty appointment in the Tisch College of Citizenship at Tufts. Dr. Sacheck earned her Master's degree in Exercise Science, her Ph.D. in Nutrition Science from Tufts University, and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School in muscle physiology. She is a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine and an active member of The Obesity Society.

Dr. Sacheck's research focuses on the impact of both diet and physical activity on health across the lifespan. Past research studies include examining the effects of nutrition and exercise on muscle inflammation and repair in young and older adults and on fitness and cardiovascular disease risk factors in children. With funding from the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Sacheck is currently conducting a large clinical trial on vitamin D deficiency and associated health risks in youth. Other current research includes examining the impact of physical activity and cognitive health. She has authored several pivotal reports on obesity and physical inactivity in New England and was an appointed member of the Institute of Medicine's committee on Fitness and Health Outcomes in Youth. She teaches courses on Exercise Physiology and Nutritional Biochemistry to graduate students at the Friedman School. Dr. Sacheck also recently co-authored her first book on nutrition, fitness and health, Thinner This Year. She is a competitive Masters level rower and avid runner and frequently speaks to athletes of all ages on optimizing nutrition for performance.
Realities of Protein Drinks: When Do You Need Them?
Protein drinks promote muscle building and growth, but just which one is right for your individual needs?

Soy, whey and casein are three types of proteins used to help build and repair your body.

Each protein has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, whey is fast-digesting, which is optimal for getting to your muscles quickly post-workout. On the other hand, too much whey protein just turns into extra calories.

To help decide which protein is best for you -- whey, soy or casein -- Dr. Jennifer Sacheck joins Melanie Cole, MS, to give you the facts and help you decide.
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