If you are a bodybuilder or serious athlete, you probably know what whey protein is.
Others may be hearing of it for the first time.
Whey protein is taken as a supplement for a variety of reasons and offers a number of health benefits.
Protein is very important to the functions of your body and it is necessary in order for you to be truly healthy.
Whey protein is a high-quality source of protein that is usually found in powder form so it is convenient to take wherever you go.
Remember, exercise is also an important component of your overall health. If you are looking for an exercise routine, look no further. Go PRO today for access to certified personal trainers, workout plans, and more.
Where Does Whey Protein Come From?
Whey protein is actually a natural byproduct of cheese making. When cheese is made, whey refers to the liquid portion that is left over.
The curds of the cheese separate and take the cholesterol, fat, and allergens with it. The liquid that remains contains the minerals and vitamins from the milk.
Why Is Whey Protein so Good for You?
Each protein is measured according to its quality and given a rating known as the biological value, or BV. Whey protein actually has a very high biological value, in fact, one of the highest.
When the biological value of a protein is high, your body is able to absorb, use, and hold on to more nitrogen. Along with this, whey protein contains a high number of essential amino acids and nutrients.
Because there is no fat or cholesterol and there are numerous minerals and vitamins, whey protein is a low-fat source of quality protein. Whey protein is also lactose-free, even though the original source of it was milk.
For more information about protein, including whey protein, feel free to visit the Harvard School of Public Health’s website.
Are There Different Types of Whey Protein?
When you are looking for whey protein, you may notice that there are different names associated with it. This is because whey protein is available in three different formulas in whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, and whey protein hydrolysate.
Whey protein concentrate actually contains low levels of carbs and fat. Whey protein isolates are popular because they contain no lactose or fat. Whey protein hydrolysates are the most expensive types of whey protein as they can be easily digested.
Keep these types of whey protein in mind when looking for whey protein products and refer to our protein supplement guide for even more insight.
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What Are Some of the Health Benefits of Whey Protein?
There are a variety of ways that whey protein is beneficial to the human body. Because protein is the building block of muscles, when you have a diet rich in whey protein, your body is able to develop and build lean muscle faster.
Athletes also take whey protein because it can help their body and muscles recover faster than they would without extra protein in their diet.
Along with building lean muscle, whey protein may help increase fat loss in the body. For this reason, it is an ingredient in many of the popular weight loss products.
Whey protein can be used as a meal replacement for those who are trying to lose weight because it provides energy without fat. Whey protein also helps to steady the levels of blood sugar so your hunger levels decrease and you don’t have cravings.
Outside the world of fitness, whey protein has other benefits as well.
Whey protein may decrease levels of LDL cholesterol, which can prevent atherosclerosis and heart disease.
Another area that whey protein can help with includes increasing the activity of antioxidants in the body, which helps fight off many ailments.
And remember to keep in mind that whey protein alone is not enough for your overall health and fitness needs. Exercise is important. Go PRO today for access to certified personal trainers, workout plans, goal trackers, and more!