Are protein powders necessary for women?

Clinical nutritionist and founder of Nutrition Basics Co. Hayley Lim weighs in.

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"Protein is important for repairing and rebuilding muscle tissue that breaks down during exercise, and protein powders are popular because they seem like a quick way to top up our daily protein needs, especially after workouts.

Women who consume protein powders often do so after their workouts, as that's when the body uses protein for muscle repair and recovery. However, simply eating more protein - whether from powders or food - won't automatically build muscles.

Muscle growth only happens when exercises (such as resistance training, sprinting or kettlebell workouts) create tiny microtears in the muscles, which then repair and strengthen with adequate protein. In short, microtears form when you push your muscles beyond their normal workload.