Whey protein has been around for awhile, it's actually the most popular protein supplement on the market today. Convenient, versatile and easy to use, whey protein has been adopted by many fitness enthusiasts, weightlifters and bodybuilders around the world because it's a great muscle builder. Here are a few reasons why whey protein is good for building muscle:

Rich in protein

If you lift weights or exercise regularly, you should know by now the importance of protein for your body. Protein is simply a chain of amino acids which are essential for our bodies whether it is to repair and rebuild muscle tissues or other bodily functions. One scoop of whey protein contains about 20-30 grams of protein which is quite a lot.

To calculate how much protein you need everyday, consider 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight, so if you weigh let's say 150 pounds, you'll need 150 grams of protein per day. Divide that into 6 small meals, that's 25 grams of protein per meal.

Contains branched chain amino acids(BCAAs)

Whey protein contains branched chain amino acids called Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine and these 3 important amino acids play a key role in building muscle. Actually BCAAs trigger key enzymes which are essential for protein synthesis and better protein synthesis equals to better muscle gains. In addition, BCAAs prevent muscle catabolism and boost muscle recovery. 1 scoop of whey protein has 4-6 grams of BCAAs.

Contains glutamine

Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid found in the human body. Glutamine helps protein synthesis, minimizes muscle breakdown by acting as an anti-catabolic agent and aids protein metabolism. During intense workouts, glutamine levels become depleted and this reduce recovery, strength and stamina. Proper glutamine supplementation is vital and whey protein contains a good dose of glutamine per scoop at 4-5 grams. Another major benefit of glutamine is it increases your natural growth hormones meaning more muscle mass. According to a study, just 2 grams of L-Glutamine can boost growth hormones by a staggering 400%.

Fast digestibility

Whey protein ranks highest in the protein biological value(BV) ladder notably whey protein isolate which has a BV of 156. The higher the BV value, the faster the digestion and absorption rate. Whey protein isolate is a fast-digesting protein which is really effective and convenient for building muscle fast primarily post-workout when your muscles are starving for nutrients and feeding your depleted muscle tissues with fast-acting protein is crucial at this critical point in time. A sample post-workout protein shake would include 6 oz skim milk + 1 medium frozen banana(to replenish depleted glycogen stores aka energy storage cells) + 1 scoop of whey protein isolate. Mix in a blender for a nice refreshing shake.

Low in carbs and fats

If your goal is to build muscle and stay rather lean and shredded, you should limit your carbs and fat intake and whey protein should definitely be one of your protein sources. Whey protein notably the whey isolates contain only 3-5 grams of carbs and 0.5-1 gram of fat.

Used as meal replacement

Since whey protein is convenient and handy, it's really practical for anyone building muscle. Although your nutrition should rely mostly on whole foods, there are times when a protein shake is handy since you might not have time to cook a meal. Whey protein can be used as meal replacement at times, hence you can still get your protein intake for the day fast even if you're busy.

Great for hardgainers

Whey protein can easily be used by hardgainers to gain more muscle mass. Nowadays weight gainers containing whey protein and other ingredients like Maltodextrin are popular on the market. Another alternative is to simply buy a whey protein isolate and add your own ingredients like whole milk, bananas, berries, peanut butter to boost the calories and create your own homemade weight gainer.

Easy to maintain muscle mass

When you're not training as often as you should, say taking a break or vacation, it's important to keep up with your nutrition to maintain your muscle mass and if you can't keep up with your nutrition 100% percent, having a few whey protein shakes per day is very convenient to sustain your muscle mass. Mixing one scoop of whey with skim milk is a very fast way to have a quick protein meal.

Below are some of the best whey protein for building lean muscle mass.

Nutricost Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate (Vanilla) 5LBS - Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Natural Flavors

PROMIX:Undenatured Grass Fed Whey Isolate.Cold Processed with Multi-stage Micro-filtration.30G Protein/6.9G BCAA/.5G Fat/2G Carbs/Lactose<1g/serving.Easy to Mix.(5 lb bulk).69 Servings.Unflavored

PROMIX #1 Selling Unflavored, Undenatured 100% California Grass Fed Whey Protein, 5LB Bulk, Preservative Free, Mixes Instantly

Verum Labs Grass Fed Whey Protein Isolate: Undenatured and Cold-Processed, 0g Fat, <1g Carbs, 5lb, Non-GMO, Gluten and Soy Free

NAKED WHEY - 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder - 5lb Bulk

Hormone Free Chocolate Whey Protein Isolate 5lb

Grass Fed Whey Protein | 5lb + Unflavored Whey from Grass Fed California Cows | 100% Natural Whey w/ No Sweeteners or Added Sugars | rBHG Free + GMO-Free + Gluten Free + Preservative Free | PURE Whey

Now Foods Whey Protein, Isolate Pure, 10-Pound

Ascent Native Fuel Whey Protein Powder - Vanilla Bean - 4 lbs -Promote Muscle Repair and Recovery - Made with Native Whey - Zero Artificial Ingredients - Gluten Free

Dream Protein Whey Protein Powder, Rich Dutch Chocolate, 720 Gram

Primal Kitchen Primal Fuel Whey Protein Powder, Vanilla Coconut, 32 ounce, Paleo, Gluten Free with Beneficial Prebiotics

Levels 5LB Unflavored 100% Grass Fed Whey Protein, No GMOs, Undenatured

Fitness Labs WheyFit Isolate (5 Pounds, Natural Vanilla)

Evogen Isoject Naturals | Premium Whey Isolate w/ Digestive Enzymes | 28 Servings | Vanilla

Bodylogix Natural Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder, Decadent Chocolate, 1.85 Pound