Why Use Whey Protein?

Whey protein is made by isolating whey during the transformation of cow’s milk into cheese (the liquid part of milk that is separated) and is considered to be the best source of protein for muscle growth. But why use whey protein when you can get the protein from natural animal and plant sources in your diet?

 

The liquid that is separated has actually only 1% protein but because it is concentrated and dried, you get a high percentage protein. Protein is made up of amino acids and are essential for building muscles, they are the building blocks of your body. Without sufficient protein consumption, it is basically impossible to build lean muscles.

Cow’s milk has 20% whey protein and 80% casein. Red meat, chicken, turkey, fish, cheese, eggs, legumes are the common foods that contain protein but none of them fortunately have whey and the protein from foods are not as fast ingesting as protein from whey.

Whey protein is believed to be beneficial for boosting immune system, preventing certain diseases- cancer, diabetes and heart disease and treating them: anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties by increasing glutathione antioxidant in the body to defend from the damage of toxins and free radicals can cause, it is believed to be especially beneficial for people living with HIV. Whey protein is also used in weight loss and wound healing these days.

Potential side effects of whey protein in some individuals are due to lactose intolerance: fatigue, headaches, cramps, nausea, increased bowel movements, thirst, reduced appetite, bloating and gas. As long as you don’t have an allergy to dairy products, you are not likely to experience any side effects.

But try not to use it while pregnant or breastfeeding as there is not enough research or data to support whey protein use during this period. Also, taking whey with antibiotics might reduce the impact of antibiotics so give it at least 1 hour after you take your antibiotics or have a break from whey protein while you are on antibiotics for a few days or a week.

There are three types of whey protein: Whey protein isolate normally has more than 90% pure protein and contains zero fat, lactose and carbohydrates while whey protein concentrate has about 75% and low in fat. Whey protein blend is the third type of whey and it combines the isolate and concentrate, comes with a great amino acid profile and costs less.

Many experts believe that if you work out at a gym, you will benefit from using a whey protein supplement regularly, at least 1 serving after the gym. It is known to help with strength, boost metabolism, build lean muscle mass- size and help your muscles recover and repair quickly, decrease the muscle breakdown after the workout.

 

You may take a serving of whey protein with some orange juice as soon as you wake up and roughly half an hour before your work out to have the energy to work out properly, but the most important time to consume whey protein is right after your workout: Take a serving of whey with some carbs straight after your workout or within 45 minutes. The reason you want to take it with carbs is the insulin rush you will get from it, which will activate your glycogens and energy. Whey / carb combination also causes a growth hormone release.

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