What Is Whey Protein and Its Health Benefits?

Many athletes, bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts know that whey protein benefits lean muscle growth, muscle recovery and overall health and wellness.

So what is whey protein?

Whey is a term that describes the liquid by-product that is created when milk is curdling. Protein is an essential building block of muscles, bones, skin, cartilage and blood. Unlike fat and carbohydrates, the body does not store protein so it can only be obtained from food. Let’s look at what whey protein can do for you.

What Is Whey Protein?

Whey protein is a complete protein source, which simply means that it provides all 9 essential amino acids, which are, in essence, the complete building blocks of life.

Whey protein can be produced from whey through a variety of different membrane filtration methods depending upon the desired protein content. Some filtration methods include microfiltration and ultrafiltration. Once done, the whey protein is spray dried to give it the desired powdered consistency.

Whey Protein Benefits

Protein is one of the key ingredients in muscle growth, development and wellness. On the smallest scale, proteins are built up of amino acids which are needed for the construction of various bodily systems and tissues as well as other physiological functions. These include neurotransmission, brain metabolism, immune system function and strength, cardiovascular function and energy production. Due to these dynamic building blocks, proteins then are the important for building and maintaining strong muscles.

There are a number of whey protein benefits that are all directly linked to the biological roles and properties of essential amino acids. Due to its high amount of L-leucine, whey protein is an important part of muscle protein production and other functions.

What Does Whey Protein Do?

• It can provide anti-catabolic properties during extended periods of aerobic activities
• It is quickly and easily absorbed and digested.
• It boosts insulin sensitivity which can in turn boost metabolism and result in weight loss.
• Improves and enhances the immune system (especially for physically active individuals)
• Helps maintain muscle mass/prevent muscular loss as a result of aging.

Whey protein can be found as a powdered supplement but it is also present in some dairy foods. These include yogurt, bread, crackers, ricotta and cottage cheese, dairy butters and creams and cow’s milk.

The best way to find out if a certain food naturally contains whey protein is to read the label! If you do not want to purchase powders or other whey protein supplements, you can easily add these foods to your everyday diet. It is important to remember, however, that too much dairy can result in some gastrointestinal problems (bloating, constipation, etc.), so remember to eat these foods in moderation.

MORE WHEY PROTEIN BENEFITS REVEALED 

Now that you have a basic understanding of what is whey protein and why it’s good for you, you may want to add it to your diet. Bear in mind though that not all whey products are created equal. Watch this short video that reveals more information on whey protein and how some protein products are loaded with artificial sweeteners, flavours and colours or sourced from cows treated with potentially dangerous hormones. But, if you combine the consumption of top quality whey protein with proper eating habits, regular exercise and getting enough sleep, you could begin to see the lean, healthy body you’ve always wanted.