Whey Protein

Much has been written and said about whey protein and its benefits to the human body. It is difficult to sieve through the medical jargon and the advertising hype. We give you a concise and informative guide on whey protein - what it is and how it is produced. Find out the benefits of including whey protein powder in your diet.

Whey protein powder

Whey protein is derived from milk when it is turned into cheese. The high protein liquid that is derived contains whey and casein proteins. Whey is a natural by-product of the cheese-making process. Whey protein isolates (WPI) and whey protein concentrates (WPC) are created after processing.

Whey protein is used in preparing ice cream, bread, canned soup, infant formulas and milk shake powders. Whey protein contains ingredients similar to those found in mother's milk and is therefore used in many baby formulas. This protein is full of essential amino acids that promote good health and improve body composition and enhance athletic performance.

These amino acids also go a long way in building healthy muscles, skin, nails and other body tissue. Whey protein is a rich source of BCAA - Branched chain amino acids. Since these amino acids are the directly metabolized into muscle tissue and are used first during exercise and resistance training, whey protein powders are used by athletes.

Benefit of whey protein

The benefits of whey protein are many:

• Whey protein helps in preventing bone loss. It also helps in healing wounds and surgical incisions. High quality protein such as that found in whey is ideal to initiate the growth of new skin after surgery or burn therapy.
  
  
• Whey protein powder is ideal for those who are lactose intolerant. Lactase and Aminogen digestive enzymes found in whey powder enhance its absorption capacity.
  
  
• Persons supplementing their diet with alpha-lactalbumin have been known to react better under stress since it helps in raising brain serotonin levels.
  
  
• Whey protein increases the body levels of glutathione - a powerful anti-oxidant that is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system.
  
  
• What better way to supplement a low glycemic Index diet plan than to include whey protein powder that has little or no fat or carbohydrates!

High-quality whey protein powder is packed with the goodness of leucine, which is essential to preserve lean muscle tissue and promote fat loss. Whey protein contains more leucine than milk, egg and soy protein. It allows slow absorption of glucose into the bloodstream thereby keeping a steady level of blood glucose. Lower insulin levels make it easier for the body to burn fat.

It has been noticed that whey protein contains CCK - cholecystokinin and GLP-1 - glucagon-like peptide-1, both appetite-suppressing hormones. Including a whey protein shake can give a high level of satiety and work wonders on your weight loss diet plan. The benefit of whey protein extends to those suffering from Type 2 Diabetes too.

The need for a nutritious diet becomes all the more imperative, what with increasing instances of hypertension and heart disease. It is essential that you pack your diet with high-protein whey powder shakes. Pregnancy is a time when there is increased protein demand on the body. Expectant mothers can benefit from whey protein supplements. Infant formulas often use whey protein since they contain the same components found in human breast milk. Those who are allergic to dairy products may react to whey protein too. Excessive intake as in the case of all proteins may impair kidney functioning.

Athletes benefit from whey protein powders as they help build muscle mass and reduce injuries associated with working out. Supplement your diet with whey protein shake to feel better during workouts. Leucine - an important amino acid found in whey protein plays a significant role in promoting muscle growth and protein synthesis. Since this protein is soluble, it is easier to digest and absorb for the body. Athletes can take about 25 grams of whey protein a day but it is not advisable to exceed 1.2 grams per 2.2 pounds of body weight.

Whey protein

Whey powder is an excellent way to increase daily intake of protein without packing in excessive carbohydrates and fat. Protein plays a vital role in many vital body functions such as immunity, protection against free radicals and growth and development of body tissues. Cheese whey is condensed to form whey powder - packed with the goodness of lactose, alpha-lactalbumin, ß -lactoglobulin and water.

The process of centrifugation removes the fat content in the whey. Some whey protein powders are richer in immunoglobulins than others. While ion-exchange protein isolates are high in protein, they are low in some bioactive peptidesa and lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase.

Whey protein shake

Whey protein shakes make an excellent breakfast drink. Team it up with strawberries or kiwi or any fruit and you have a delicious protein drink. Whey protein shakes are available in a variety of flavors - vanilla, chocolate and berry. Whey protein shakes are easy to make since the powders blend easily. A whey protein shake taken at teatime can keep you going till dinnertime without resorting to calorie-rich snacks.