Best Whey Protein

Whey protein is extracted from whey, a watery by-product of the cheese making process. It is a very high quality protein that is found in cow's milk. Milk is made up of two types of proteins, namely, 80 percent casein and 20 percent whey protein, of which the former is difficult to digest. Whey protein comprises beta-lactoglobulin (65%), alpha-lactalbumin (25%),and serum-albumin (8%). As we know, proteins are the building blocks of the human body, that help repair body cells and are also a source of energy. It is generally thought that whey protein is beneficial only for professional athletes and body builders, but that is not so. Nowadays, whey protein is also gaining wide acceptance among the common people, due to its health benefits. So, the best whey protein would be the one that suits your specific requirements well. Whey protein can be divided into three major groups.

Types of Whey Protein

• Concentrate: Concentrate whey protein has low cholesterol and fat content, but comparatively higher levels of carbohydrates in the form of lactose.
• Isolate: Isolate whey protein is filtered for the removal of lactose and carbohydrates.
• Hydrolysate: Partly hydrolyzed whey protein is called hydrolysate. Hydrolysates are very easily absorbed by the body, but are bitter in taste.

The most purest form of whey protein is whey protein isolate. It contains very less amount of fat and has the highest content of protein at 90 percent. Whey protein concentrate contains 29-89 percent protein, depending on the product type. Whey protein products are mostly found in the powdered form and there are a variety of flavors available in the market. Powdered whey protein can be mixed with milk, yogurt or even water to make a tasty and nutritional drink. If you're lactose intolerant, then whey protein isolate might be better for you, as it contains less than one percent lactose. Whey protein hydrolysate is very quickly absorbed by the body and is effective as a post-workout meal.

Whey Protein for Weight Loss

Whey protein supplements are a great choice for people trying to lose fat. This is because building muscle and maintaining them helps in increasing the body's metabolism, which in turn reduces the tendency of your body to store fat. Whey protein supplements are considered to be the best post-workout meal as it is digested quickly, giving the body much-needed energy. Whey protein supplements are considered to be an ideal choice, if you want to lose weight. It has been found that combining them with a good exercise regime helps in losing weight. Whey protein stimulates satiety. Casein glycomacropeptide (CGMP), present in whey protein concentrate, is also believed to have a controlling effect on satiety. Whey protein supplements can be safely used, as long as they do not replace regular food.

Whey Protein for Building Muscle

The key ingredient of whey protein are amino acids, which help in the development and sustenance of muscles. Whey protein supplements are the most cost-effective way of supplying enough amino acids to the body. Amino acids are nothing but a chain of nitrogen sub-units. Since, it's not possible for the body to produce all the important amino acids like isoleucine, lysine, etc., additional protein supplements like whey protein are essential. The best whey protein is the one which provides all the essential amino acids like arginine, methionine, phenylalanine etc., and non-essential amino acids like alanine, aspartate, cysteine, glutamate etc., which are essential for muscle building.

It is found that whey protein also helps in strengthening the immune system of the body. It is not unusual that bodybuilders consume a lot of whey protein. Their body is put under tremendous stress while lifting heavy weights, and as such, taking nutritional supplements is necessity, which if not done, there will be a tendency of weakening the immune system. A weakened immune system may result in minor health problems, like sore throat, and if whey protein supplements are not taken over a long period, it is likely to cause serious problems. Moreover, whey helps in enhancing the levels of glutathione, an antioxidant, found in cells.

Whey Protein for Women

Whey protein benefits women as it increases metabolic rates, helps in increasing lean muscle mass and also prevents the onset of osteoporosis. Of all natural foods, whey protein contains the highest amount of protein and is an excellent source of protein for women who require more protein in their diet. It also contains calcium, which is an important nutrient for a woman's body. Whey protein for women can be in the form of protein shakes, bars and powders. The best whey protein for women is hydrolysate, as it contains amino acids essential for the body in the correct proportion.

In addition to providing muscle building nutrition, whey protein also works as an antioxidant to strengthen the body's immune system. The more active a person is, more is the requirement of protein by the body. However, proper precaution should be taken before using whey protein indiscriminately, as the side effects of whey protein are liver and kidney damage, osteoporosis and allergic reactions. The best whey protein is one which suits your body without causing any side effects. The high quality protein of whey makes it an ideal choice for patients, who suffer from diabetes and high cholesterol.