Said to be one of the purest form of Protein, Whey Protein is a much talked about Protein supplement. It not only pervades the diet of athletes and the bodybuilders, indeed, it is widely used by the various age groups either.
But after having been discovered for more than 25 years now, Whey Protein has gradually transcended the boundary of bodybuilding and athletic performances respectively.
Understanding ‘Whey’ Protein
Before we go any further, it is important to understand, what is Whey and what is Whey Protein.
The watery liquid that is left over after extracting cheese from the cow’s milk is called Whey. And Whey contains not only high level of Proteins but also Lactose-the milk sugar.
Therefore, the Whey Protein is a Protein supplement that enhances the nutrient portion in your diet and thus takes good-care of your body’s immune system.
It is to be noted that:
- Human Milk contains 60 per cent of Whey Protein and 40 per cent of Casein Protein (an important component of Cheese)
- Whereas, Cow’s milk consists of 20 percent Whey Protein and 80 per cent Casein Protein
Types of Whey Protein
The by-product of Cheese processed from the Cow’s milk, which are called Whey, is further concentrated into Powder. Thereafter, it is turned to be the Protein supplement in three forms of Whey Protein, namely:
1. Concentrate Whey Protein
- contains 50-90 per cent of the Protein
- low level of Cholesterol and fat
2. Isolate Whey Protein
- contains 90-95 per cent Protein
- processed form where fat and milk sugar are extracted
3. Hydrolysate Whey Protein
- also contains 90-95 per cent Protein
- the substances like Carbohydrate are further broken
Basically, the difference is only due to the ways of processing and also how much Protein content is finally left.
Benefits of Whey Protein
The Whey Protein consists of ample amount of Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA’s), which forms few of the eight essential amino acids that are required by the human body.
The researchers have found that the increased intake of Whey Protein in the human body therefore, results in increased life span. In other words, the Whey Proteins have additional benefits of longivity.
Moreover, apart from muscle building and increasing athletic performance, Whey Protein is now significantly used to treat major health problems like:
- Asthma
- Heart Disease
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- High Cholesterol
- Kwashiorkor (disease caused due to the lack of Protein)
- Weight Loss et cetera.
Moreover, there are studies which have found anti-cancer elements in the Whey Proteins either.
Other facts about Whey Protein
- for best results the Whey Protein is taken in harmony with a disciplined time
- it is recommended to take 1.5 gms/kg of the body weight respectively, of the Whey Protein daily (however, it may differ from individual to individual bodily requirements)
- taking the Whey Protein an hour before the workout and then again after the workout would bring great results
- Whey Proteins have been recognized as “Safe & Convenient” by the International Society of Sports nutrition
According to the result of a recent research, 20 gms of the Whey Protein if taken after every three hours is good for your health. However, if your body weight is more than 80 kgs then it is suggested that you should take approximately 160 gms of Whey Proten daily.
Whey Proteins are easily digestable. It can be taken with water, milk or juice. It adds nutrient content which keeps you in high esteem and provides you with a good health.