<h3>Whey Protein Benefits</h3>

What is whey protein?
Whey protein is a high-quality protein derived from cow’s milk. Whey protein is also one of the richest sources of naturally occurring branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)—leucine, isoleucine and valine. In comparison to many other proteins, on a gram-to-gram basis, whey protein delivers more essential amino acids to the body and is quickly and efficiently absorbed.

What are the benefits of whey protein?
Whey protein consumption can increase production, or synthesis, of muscle protein, which may improve body composition in combination with exercise.

Why is whey protein good for athletes and people who exercise?
Research shows that consuming a high-quality protein such as whey protein in combination with resistance exercise can boost the rate at which the body makes lean muscle mass and may improve body composition. In fact, a combination of protein intake and resistance exercise yields better results compared to having either of the two alone or combining resistance training with drinking a beverage that contains only carbohydrates.

Can people who are lactose intolerant eat whey protein?
Whey protein isolate, with 90%-plus protein and less than 1% lactose, and whey protein concentrate 80, with 80% protein and less than 4% lactose, are purified forms of whey protein that are unlikely to pose problems for someone with lactose intolerance.

What are essential and non-essential amino acids?
The body is able to make non-essential amino acids from other amino acids in the body. The body, however, is not able to make essential amino acids; the only way to get them is through diet. One of the best ways to ensure you are meeting your needs is by eating high-quality protein foods. Protein sources that contain all of the essential amino acids are called complete proteins. Whey protein is a naturally complete protein.

How much whey protein is needed to stimulate protein synthesis?
Research shows that consuming at least 20g of whey protein following resistance exercise results in an increase in muscle protein synthesis in healthy adults.

Does the addition of whey protein to a food or beverage change its taste?
Whey protein has a fresh, neutral taste and will not usually change the flavor of the foods to which it is added.

What products contain whey protein?
Whey protein can be found in almost every food and beverage aisle of the supermarket. A natural component of cow’s milk and yogurt, whey protein is also found in sports nutrition products, such as drinks, energy bars and powdered mixes for smoothies and shakes. Meal replacements, baked goods, snacks and entrées also may contain whey protein. See a typical nutrition bar ingredient list

Whey protein has been very popular among body builders and athletes because it provides the essential amino acids to build muscle mass. At present, it is not only favoured by athletes but also by common individuals who have shifted their priorities in keeping a healthy lifestyle. This diet supplement is also suitable to people of different age groups. Whey protein has been regarded the purest source of dietary protein and contains vitamins and minerals needed in meeting a person’s daily nutritional requirements.

Among the many whey protein benefits, whey protein has earned a gold standard in nutrition in terms of its protein content. Its protein is easily absorbed by the body and utilized by the muscles. The daily intake of this food supplement helps in maintaining a lean and well-defined physique without the burden of additional weight gain. More whey protein benefits are the maintenance of a strong immune system and resistance to disease causing microorganisms.

Whey protein is not only composed of protein but it also contains glutathione, a very effective antioxidant agent. Glutathione helps to fight oxidative stress which promotes tumour growth and invasion. For cancer patients undergoing treatment, whey protein food supplements are useful in protecting them against the harmful effects of antineoplastic agents and radiation. Laboratory experiments show that whey protein inhibits the growth of tumours in animal models. Furthermore, the protein content in whey protein supplements helps to prevent the complication called cancer cachexia. These evidences support the possibility of incorporating whey protein in the diets of cancer patients.

Whey protein benefits extend even to infants especially those with low to very low birth weight. In such cases, whey protein is incorporated in artificial milk or infant formula. School children who usually lose their appetite because of the stresses in school are given whey protein food supplements as healthy snacks. For adults who are at the prime of their life, a daily intake of whey protein helps in preventing bone loss and muscle atrophy besides the usual whey protein benefits of increased body energy level. The aging population also requires an increase in the intake of whey protein because older people are at a high risk of falling and acquiring infections and other diseases.

Protein is also important in the renewal of tissues like the skin. Whey protein food supplements contain lactoferrin which has antimicrobial activity. Giving whey protein food supplements to patients who have undergone major surgeries is important for fast wound healing.

The benefits of whey protein are innumerable. Prophylaxis is indeed more cost effective than finding a cure. Good nutrition plus a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, smoking cessation and regulation of alcohol intake all contribute in keeping the body healthy and preventing diseases that contribute to an alarming increase in health care costs.