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Choosing The Best Whey Protein
What is Whey?
Whey is a natural dairy protein that is derived from the cheese making
process. Most commercial whey supplements are derived from cow's milk, which
is comprised of 6.25% protein: 20% in the form of whey. Whey protein
supplements utilize the concentrated protein, eliminating the lactose and
milk fat making it a remarkable source of protein.
Whey is a complete protein, meaning it contains all essential amino acids,
which are vital to your metabolism, and to making your body function
properly for good health. Whey also boasts the highest concentrations of
branched chain amino acids (BCAA's) found in nature. Branched chain amino
acids are an important source of energy during exercise and play a key role
in protein synthesis.
Whey protein, when properly processed has the highest biological value of
all proteins. Biological value relates to how much of the protein consumed
is actually absorbed, retained and used by your body. More specifically,
biological value is the measure used to rate protein quality through
nitrogen retention. The higher the quality of protein, the more nitrogen is
absorbed and retained by your body.
Why Whey Protein?
Compared to all other protein sources, whey is the highest biologically
active protein known to measurably enhance muscle recovery after extremely
intense exercise. A high biological value means it may yield more usable
grams of amino acids. It also contains the highest concentration of
branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) of any single protein source. BCAAs are
essential amino acids that are part of muscle protein and help reduce the
amount of protein breakdown during exercise. This BCAA content is important
to active people because BCAAs are an integral part of muscle metabolism and
are the first amino acids sacrificed during muscle protein breakdown. This
makes whey protein a vital supplement for most conditioning programs.
Major forms
Whey protein typically comes in
three major forms: concentrate, isolate, and hydrolysate.
- Concentrates contain a low
level of fat and cholesterol but, in general, have
higher levels of bioactive compounds, and carbohydrates
in the form of lactose - they are 29%-89% protein by
weight.
- Isolates are processed to
remove the fat, and lactose, but are usually lower in
bioactive compounds as well - they are 90%+ protein by
weight. Both of these types are mild to slightly milky
in taste.
- Hydrolysates are predigested,
partially hydrolyzed whey proteins that, as a
consequence, are more easily absorbed, but their cost is
generally higher. Highly-hydrolysed whey may be less
allergenic than other forms of whey. They are very
bitter in taste.
Who needs Whey Protein?
Whey protein is very important for athletes, dieters, elderly people, and
just about everyone. Since athletes workout often, protein levels become
depleted and the content from high quality whey protein promotes muscle
recovery by bringing up the levels of protein. For dieters and those wishing
to lose some extra fat, whey protein can be very useful because a good
intake of protein balances blood sugar levels. Keeping blood sugar levels
balanced is the most effective way to ward off binge eating. In a study
published in June 2001, it was also suggested that the Recommended Daily
Allowance (RDA) for protein might not be adequate to completely meet the
metabolic and physiological needs of all older people.
Most people trying to change their body's lean muscle composition can
benefit from adding protein to their diets. However, since protein is
naturally found in many food items, deficiency is not always the problem.
What is a problem, however, is that many protein-laden foods are associated
with high levels of fat and cholesterol. Supplemental whey protein can
ensure that your protein needs can be met in a healthy way.
Other possible benefits of Whey Protein:
Numerous studies have shown that whey proteins help enhance the body's
immune system by raising glutathione levels. Glutathione is a powerful
anti-oxidant with the ability to help the body reduce the risk of infections
by improving the body's immune response. There is also some evidence to
suggest that whey protein potentially plays a role as an anti-carcinogen.
Are There Side Effects of Taking Whey Protein?
There are no documented side effects provided a person does not have an
allergy to dairy proteins or is lactose intolerant.
Whey protein supplements to consider:
PhD Pharma Whey
PhD Pharma Whey Eco Pouch
Reflex Instant Whey 908g (2Lbs)
Reflex Instant Whey 2.27Kgs (5Lbs)
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