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Whey protein, uses and Health Benefits.
What is whey protein? Whey protein is a pure, natural, high quality
protein from cow's milk. It is a rich source of the essential amino
acids needed on a daily basis by the body. In its purest form, as
whey protein isolate, it contains little to no fat, lactose or cholesterol.
The main proteins in whey are beta-lactoglobulin and
alpha-lactoglobulin, which together account for nearly 80% of total
whey protein. Alpha-lactalbumin is high in the amino acid tryptophan,
which the body uses to make the neurotransmitter serotonin. Studies
have shown that supplementing with alpha-lactal can help improve
memory impairment caused by stress.
A growing number of studies has found whey may potentially reduce
cancer rates, combat HIV, improve immunity, reduce stress and lower
cortisol, increase brain serotonin levels, improve liver function in
those suffering from certain forms of hepatitis, reduce blood
pressure, and improve performance, to name a few of its potential
medical- and sports-related applications. Whey also has an
exceptionally high biological value rating and an exceptionally high
Branch Chain Amino Acid (BCAA) content.
In animal studies, whey proteins were found to be protective against
colon cancer, relative to red meat and some other protein sources. A
whey protein diet significantly decreased tumor burden and extended
life in mice with colon cancer, compared to mice with colon cancer
fed-standard diet.
Whey protein is more rapidly digested than other proteins, such as casein (another milk protein) and may prove useful in the
nutrition of some infants and adults. There is some evidence that whey protein may have some immune-modulating and
anticancer effects. Whey protein is often used as a bulk building supplement to support muscle growth in athletes. However,
there is no compelling evidence that whey protein builds muscle faster than other protein sources.
Whey protein, one of several forms of protein derived from milk, is quite possibly the highest quality protein available.
Considered by many experts as the foundation for building and maintaining muscle mass, whey has gained its solid reputation
as the supreme protein supplement because of four key qualities:
- Its high bioavailablity (BV factor), which allows for faster uptake of amino acids into muscle cells than other forms of
protein;
- Its rich amino acid content, including the two vitally important aminos glutamine and cysteine (direct precursors to the
most powerful free-radical fighting amino, glutathione);
- Its enhanced immune-function-promoting levels of glutathione;
- Its ever-present levels of immunoglobulins and lactoferrin (big words for protein peptides that positively trigger the
immune system); and
- Its low levels of lactose (milk sugar), calories, and fat.
While whey is very safe, people with severe allergies to milk and milk products should avoid whey protein. Also, individuals who
experience lactose intolerance (milk sugar digestion complications) should possibly avoid or search for a low or lactose-free
form of high-quality whey protein and start with small amounts.
There is a variety of different types of supplemental whey protein. These include whey protein concentrates, whey protein
isolates, whey protein hydrolysates, and combinations of all of these types. While doses of whey protein are variable depending
on the intended use, some individuals will take 10 to 25 grams of whey protein daily.