Whey Protein Powder

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.


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.

Added: September 3rd 2002
Reviewer: IM Staff
Related Link: Whey Protein Powder
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