Whey: A Healthier Form of Protein To Ensure Fit & Healthy Body

Posted by Gaurav Bisla on March 16th, 2016

Whey is one of the two proteins found in milk, with other being casein. Essentially, it is a liquid byproduct of cheese making process that is used as a dietary supplement in protein powders & shakes. Considered as healthier form of protein, it contains all 9 essential amino acids with low lactose content. When a food has all 9 amino acids, it is called a complete meal, thus whey is a complete meal. Apart from this, it gets rapidly absorbed in the body than any other protein, thus it is beneficial for increasing muscle protein synthesis and attaining fitness goals in less time. Whey protein has the highest Biological Value of 100 , due to which all the amino acids are very easily digested in the body and all the benefits are delivered in less time.  

Intake of
whey protein it delivers a high amount of L-cyteine( an amino acid) in the body. It results a decrease in deficiencies that crop up during aging and diabetes. Additionally, it aids in attainment of fitness goals, by providing assistance in fat loss and increasing metabolism rate. For its nutrient value, biological value score and amazing health benefits, it is widely used in the processing of health, fitness and sport nutrition supplements as main ingredient.

Though, this milk protein is considered as a complete meal, but still it cannot replace a whole diet, natural or unprocessed food. It is essentially beneficial for people with a busy & hectic lifestyle and for bodybuilders & athletes. It can be used in the form of a supplement pre or post workout or in combination with other protein sources for numerous benefits.

Here is the small list of whey protein benefits:

• Weight Loss
• Assists in increasing muscle mass
• Assist in cancer treatment
• Increase in glutathione levels (your body’s main water-based anti-oxidant)
• Decreases HIV symptoms
• Decreases triglycerides
• Decreases total cholesterol level while increasing HDL (good cholesterol)
• Increases immune system functionality
• Increases strength for sports activity
• Decreases recovery time and symptoms of over-training

Healthy Weight Loss

Whey has been proven out to be immensely beneficial in healthy weight loss. As per a study stated in Journal Nutrition & Metabolism, individuals who consumed specialization whey fraction, reported notable fat loss along with greater lean muscle mass preservation. Intake of whey protein can reduce body fat nearly 6.1% of total.

Protects From Cancer

According to the journal of Anticancer Research, whey protein concentrates (WPC) and glutathione modulation render amazing benefits in cancer treatment. Additionally, other studies have found that whey can aid in fighting some common forms of cancer such as prostate & colon.

Reduces bad Cholesterol Level

A study in The British Journal of Nutrition confirmed that intake of whey for 12 weeks can significantly decrease total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.

Promotes Heart Health

In accordance with a research published in the International Dairy Journal, beverage with whey protein remarkably decreases blood pressure with the risk of heart disease or a stroke. Thus, intake of whey protein promotes cardiovascular health by decreasing hypertension, unhealthy fat and maintaining cholesterol level.

Improves Immune Response

Individuals engaged in rigorous workout suffer from lowered glutathione level that further affects nervous, gastrointestinal and immune system. Researchers of University of Alberta found that with whey protein intake there is lesser reduction in glutathione levels.

Also, its intake can enhance immune response in children with asthma. A research in International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition exclaims that when asthmatic children are supplemented with whey for 30 days can have an improved cytokine response.

Helps Coping With Stress

Intake of whey is proved to be beneficial in decreasing the symptoms of depression and stress. It effectively keeps the user in better mood as it results changes in the brain serotonin.

Reduces Hunger

Whey protein supplement intake effectively reduces hunger and increase satiety level so as curb unhealthy hunger pangs that cause weight gain. Whey essentially reduces the level of ghrelin (a hormone that sends hunger signals to brain up to four hours later).

Repairs & Preserves Muscles

Whey contains Branched Chain Amino Acids that are 3 of the 9 essential amino acids. These work great in muscle repair and preservation. During a strenuous workout session, the body breaks down a small amount of amino acids for fuel and then, the body uses BCAAs. The body essentially breaks down muscles to get BCAAs. But, whey intake provides the body with needed amino acids to preserve muscles and stimulate protein synthesis. BCAAs also help to maintain muscle mass. In addition to this, with highest biological value, it gets quickly absorbed in to the body and promotes speedy recovery of muscles post tiring workout.

Lean Muscle Mass Growth

Enriched with amino acids, whey stimulates protein synthesis to promote muscle building. Leucine (one of the BCAAs) sends a signal to the body to enhance the storage of amino acid and body does it by packing on muscles.

A study published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism exclaimed that individuals who consumed whey protein during rigorous exercise plan had greater lean tissue mass gains.

 Above-mentioned are some of the benefits of using whey protein supplements.