Sleeping is a beneficial process (and an essential one) for your body, since during this time growth hormone production increases. But your body still needs food while you are sleeping.

Research shows that consuming casein protein right before bedtime, which your body absorbs slowly, can prevent or diminish the breakdown of muscle fibers. When your body starves (like when you sleep) it still needs food to function, which it usually gets from amino acids on your muscles. If you want to make sure that your muscles are well fed while you sleep you may want to try casein protein (found in milk) with which you can prepare a shake right before bedtime. For added benefits add flaxseed oil to your shake and it will slow your digestive process even more.

During the day you may want to try Whey protein, which is also extracted from milk. Whey is a more appropriate protein to ingest during the day because your body can absorb whey protein very, very quickly, making it ideal to consume right before and after your workouts.

If you do indeed decide to get out there and purchase whey or casein protein to add to your diet, make sure to read the labels and compare different products. There are also protein powders which are a mix of different types of protein (for example part casein, part whey), and these may also be good for you.

I have tried different brands, simply because I did not like how they tasted. An all natural doses of protein added to your diet can yield many benefits, but be especially careful if you are (or ought to be) watching your cholesterol. Look out for sugars too; some brands just have ridiculously high contents of sugar!

Have a nice night!

The above photograph is the work and the property of Joi. The image is used under the creative commons license.