Go to any juice bar and you’re sure to find whey protein on the menu, a supplement you can add to your beverage for an extra shot of health. So just what is whey and why is it good for you?
Whey protein is a natural protein extracted from cow’s milk. In its purest form, whey contains neither fat, nor cholesterol nor lactose. It is filled with amino acids, essential building blocks for your body.
You can often find whey protein powders in sports and nutrition stores. The reason for this is that whey is the ‘gold standard’ protein for athletes. Athletes require increased amounts of protein to sustain themselves during intense physical work outs. Whey provides a pure source of protein containing all the essential amino acids the body needs on a daily basis. Its composition is ideal for enhancing athletic prowess.
Whey contains the amino acid leucine which promotes muscle growth. Studies have shown that athletes whose diets are high in leucine have less body fat and leaner muscles than those whose diets contain lower amounts of leucine.
What’s more whey protein helps to boost the immune system. Whey aids in the production of the anti-oxidant glutathione, an essential ingredient in keeping a body fit and healthy.
Whey also has been discovered to help manage weight. One reason for this is that your body requires more energy to digest proteins. The effect is that you burn more calories eating proteins such as whey. Whey is pure, meaning it contains little or no carbohydrates and no fats. For those on low carbohydrate diets, whey makes the perfect complement.
Whey contains chemicals which stimulate the release of appetite suppressing hormones. Thus, consuming whey proteins can contribute to your feeling fuller and more sated.
You can purchase whey as a concentrate, isolate and hydrolysate. Isolates are processed to remove any fats and lactose. Concentrates contain a higher about of bioactives, however they do contain small amounts of carbs and lactose. Hydrolysates are preprocessed and thus easier to absorb, however this form tends to cost more.