Gym Proteins
If you go to gym to lift weights, do cardio or both, or you regularly pound
or pedal the pavement for your fitness fix, eating lots
of protein will help rebuild and repair the damage done to
your muscles for a stronger, leaner body. A quick and easy way to increase your
intake is a protein shake made with whey powder.
If you go to gym to lift
weights, do cardio or both, or you regularly pound or pedal the pavement for
your fitness fix, eating lots of protein will help rebuild and repair the
damage done to your muscles for a stronger, leaner body. A quick and easy way to
increase your intake is a protein shake made with whey powder. So if
you want to build a bigger, stronger and leaner physique, consider investing in
a tub of high-quality whey protein powder, like the ones we recommend below, to
give your muscles all they need to grow.
What is
whey protein?
Whey
is a by-product of the cheese-making process – the liquid left over once the
milk has been curdled and strained. In its powder form, it’s one of the most
popular sports nutrition products in the world because of its availability,
cost and effectiveness. Once consumed whey is rapidly digested and absorbed by
your digestive system so it gets into your bloodstream and then your muscles very
quickly, which is beneficial after training when you need to initiate the
recovery process. Whey comes in four forms, all of which are abundant the crucial elements in rebuilding and repairing the
muscular damage caused by working out.
Why
do I need whey protein?
If
you are following any sort of exercise programme, whether it’s based around
weights, cardio or endurance training, then you may benefit from more protein
than the UK government’s current recommendation of 55g per day. Whey offers a
quick and easy way to increase your daily intake, especially after your
training session when you might not be inclined to cook and eat a full meal.
But it’s important to remember the clue is in the name of supplements – they are designed to fill in the
nutritional gaps of a complete and varied diet. Getting the majority of your
daily dietary protein from red and white meat and fish is the way to go,
because you’ll also consume the essential vitamins, minerals and other
nutrients vital to optimal health.
See related
What
are the different forms?
Whey protein powder comes in four forms: concentrate, isolate,
hydrolysate and native.
Concentrate whey protein is typically lower in fat than other
forms and has higher levels of carbohydrates from lactose, the type of sugar
found in milk products, and bioactive compounds. The protein content by weight
can be anywhere between 30% to 90%.
Isolate whey protein is processed to remove fat and lactose, but
is also lower in health-boosting bioactive compounds. The protein content by
weight is at least 90% .
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Hydrolysate
whey protein is pre-digested and partially hydrolysed, which means water is
added during the production process to break down the constituent compounds to
make them easier for the body to digest, but this increases the cost.
Native whey protein is the purest form because it is extracted
directly from skimmed milk, rather than being a by-product of the cheese
production process like concentrate and isolate. It is very low in fat, lactose
and bioactive compounds and the protein content by weight is typically 95% or
higher.
How
much do I need?
Most
serving suggestions are around 30g, and with good reason. Research suggests
this is the ideal amount to repair the damage done through training and
initiate muscle protein synthesis – the process by which new muscle tissue is
laid down. Studies also show that a diet in high protein help reduce body fat levels,
so you’ll not only get bigger and stronger, but leaner too.
When
do I take it?
After a workout is the most obvious time to consume whey protein
powder because that’s when your muscles need it most. Drinking a shake of whey
mixed with cold water or milk within 30 minutes of finishing your training
session will initiate the recovery process by flooding your bloodstream with
amino acids, which are quickly shuttled into your muscle cells where they can
be laid down as new muscle tissue.
You
can also take whey protein at other times: blend a scoop of your favourite
flavour with an egg and a banana for some high protein breakfast or
dessert pancakes, for example. It’s especially useful to have to hand to mix
with water when you’re out and about and don’t have time to eat a proper protein rich meal.
The
Best Whey Protein Powders
Myprotein
Pro THE Whey+
The whey in this powder is a high-quality mix of concentrate,
isolate and hydrolysed whey, and each 32g serving contains 26g of protein.
Myprotein’s beadlet tech also promises phased absorption of the BCAAs in the
powder to best promote muscle growth. The chocolate brownie flavour is a
winner, especially if you mix it with milk for an especially rich post-workout
treat.
SiS
Advanced Isolate+
This powder is made purely from whey isolate and packs 31g of
protein into a 40g serving. There are 9g of BCAAs, including 5g of leucine, and
the carb count is low at 1.7g per serving, 0.6g of which are sugars.
Optimum
Nutrition Gold Standard Whey
This is a popular option with gym-goers, with an easy-mix blend
of hydrolysed whey, whey isolate and whey concentrate providing the 24g of
protein in each serving. There’s a wide range of flavours although we reckon
it’s hard to look past double rich chocolate, and ON’s Gold Standard Whey is
often reduced in annual sales like Black Friday, so keep your eyes peeled and
you might be able to stock up for up to 60% less.
Neat
Nutrition Whey Protein
There’s a refreshing lack of fanfare around this powder, which
delivers 21g of protein per 30g serving and has an ingredient list that
features just five entrants, two of which are whey isolate and whey
concentrate. The powder mixes well and the chocolate flavour has a pleasing
caramel tang to it. Neat mixes up the purchase process by offering protein in a
subscription box, which delivers 12 one serving sachets every week, two weeks
or four weeks, depending on your preference.
10 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Whey Protein
It has a
very high nutritional value, and scientific studies have revealed numerous
health benefits.
Here are
10 health benefits of whey protein that are supported by human studies.
Whey is an Excellent Source Of High Quality Protein
Whey
protein is the protein fraction of whey, which is a liquid that separates from milk during cheese production.
It is a
complete, high-quality protein, containing all of the essential amino acids.
In
addition, it is very digestible, absorbed from the gut quickly compared to
other types of protein
These
qualities make it one of the best dietary sources of protein available.
There are
three main types of whey protein powder, concentrate (WPC), isolate (WPI), and
hydrolysate (WPH).
Concentrate
is the most common type, and is also the cheapest.
As a
dietary supplement, whey protein is widely popular among bodybuilders,
athletes, and others who want additional protein in their diet.
Whey Protein Promotes Muscle Growth
Muscle
mass naturally declines with age.
This
usually leads to fat gain and
raises the risk of many chronic diseases.
However,
this adverse change in body composition can be partly slowed, prevented, or
reversed with a combination of strength training and adequate diet.
Strength
training coupled with the consumption or
protein supplements has been shown to be an effective preventive strategy
Particularly
effective are high-quality protein sources, such as whey, which is rich in a
branched-chain amino acid called leucine.
Leucine
is the most growth-promoting (anabolic) of the amino acids
For this
reason, whey protein is effective for the prevention of age-related muscle
loss, as well as for improved strength and a better-looking body
For
muscle growth, whey protein has been shown to be slightly better compared to
other types of protein, such as casein or soy
However,
unless your diet is already lacking in protein, supplements probably won't make
a big difference.
Whey Protein May Lower Blood Pressure
Abnormally
high blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the leading risk factors for heart
disease.
Numerous
studies have linked the consumption with
reduced blood pressure
This
effect has been attributed to a family of bioactive peptides in dairy,
so-called "angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors" (ACE-inhibitors)
In whey
proteins, the ACE-inhibitors are called lactokinins Several animal studies have demonstrated their beneficial effects on blood
pressure
A limited
number of human studies have investigated the effect of whey proteins on blood
pressure, and many experts consider the evidence to be inconclusive.
One study
in overweight individuals showed that whey protein supplementation, 54 g/day
for 12 weeks, lowered systolic blood pressure by 4%. Other milk proteins
(casein) had similar effects
This is
supported by another study that found significant effects when participants
were given whey protein concentrate (22 g/day) for 6 weeks.
However,
blood pressure decreased only in those that had high or slightly elevated blood
pressure to begin with
No
significant effects on blood pressure were detected in a study that used much
lower amounts of whey protein (less than 3.25 g/day) mixed in a milk drink
Whey Protein May Help Treat Types 2 Diabetes
Type 2
diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by high blood sugar and impaired
function of insulin.
Insulin is
a hormone that is supposed to stimulate the uptake of blood sugar into cells,
keeping it within healthy limits.
Whey
protein has been found to be effective at moderating blood sugar, increasing
both the levels of insulin and the sensitivity to its effects
When
compared with other sources of protein, such as egg or fish, whey
protein seems to have the upper hand
These
properties of whey protein may even be comparable to those of diabetic drugs,
such as sulfonylurea
As a
result, whey protein can be effectively used as a supplementary treatment for
type 2 diabetes.
Taking a
whey protein supplement before or with a high-carb meal has been shown to
moderate blood sugar in both healthy people and type 2 diabetics
Whey Protein May Help Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation
is part of the body's response to damage. Short-term inflammation is
beneficial, but under certain circumstances it may become chronic.
Chronic
inflammation can be harmful, and is a risk factor for many diseases. It may
reflect underlying health problems or bad lifestyle habits.
A large
review study found that high doses of whey protein supplements significantly
reduced C-reactive protein (CRP), a key marker of inflammation in the body
Whey Protein May Be Beneficial For Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory
bowel disease is a condition characterized by chronic inflammation in the
lining of the digestive tract.
It is a
collective term for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
In both
rodents and humans, whey protein supplementation has been found to have
beneficial effects on inflammatory bowel disease
However,
the available evidence is weak and further studies are needed before any strong
claims can be made.
Whey Protein May Enhance The Body Antioxidant Defence
substances that act against oxidation in the body, reducing oxidative stress
and cutting the risk of various chronic diseases.
One of
the most important antioxidants in humans is glutathione.
Unlike
most antioxidants we get from the diet, glutathione is produced by the body.
In the
body, glutathione production depends on the supply of several amino acids, such
as cysteine, which is sometimes of limited supply.
Whey Protein May Enhance The Boody Antioxidant Defence
For this
reason, high-cysteine foods, such as whey protein, may boost the body's natural
antioxidant defenses
A number
of studies in both humans and rodents have found that whey proteins may reduce
oxidative stress and increase levels of glutathione
High
cholesterol, especially is a risk factor for heart disease.
In one
study in overweight individuals, 54 grams of whey protein per day, for 12
weeks, led to a significant reduction in total and LDL (the "bad")
cholesterol
Other
studies did not find similar effects on blood cholesterol but the lack of effect might be due to differences in study design.
Further
studies are needed before any conclusions can be made.
Whey Protein is Highly Satiating Which May Help Reduce Hunger
Satiety
is a term used to describe the feeling of fullness we experience after eating a
meal.
It is the
opposite of appetite and hunger, and should suppress cravings for food and the
desire to eat.
Some
foods are more satiating than others, an effect which is partly mediated by
their macronutrient fat)
composition.
Protein is
by far the most filling of the three macronutrients ..
However,
not all proteins have the same effect on satiety. Whey protein appears to be
more satiating than other types of protein, such as casein and soy.
or those who need to eat fewer calories and
lose weight.
Whey Protein Can Help You Lose Weight
Increased
consumption of protein
- Suppressing appetite,
leading to reduced calorie intake .
- Boosting
metabolism, helping you burn more calories.
- Helping to
maintain muscle mass when losing weight.
Whey
protein is very easy to incorporate into the diet.
It is
sold as a powder that can be added to smoothies, or simply mixed with water or milk.
There is a wide selection available
25-50
grams per day (1-2 scoops) is a commonly recommended dosage, but make sure to
follow the dosage instructions on the packaging.
Keep in
mind that taking too much protein is useless. The body can only utilize a
limited amount of protein at a given time.
Excessive
consumption may also cause digestive problems, such as nausea, pain,
cramping, flatulence, and diarrhea.
However,
moderate consumption of whey protein supplements is well tolerated by most
people, with a few exceptions.
If you
are lactose intolerant, whey protein hydrolysate or isolate may be more
suitable than concentrate. If you have ever had liver or kidney problems, then
consult with a doctor before taking a protein supplement.
At the
end of the day, whey protein is not just a convenient way to boost your protein
intake, it may have some powerful health benefits as well.
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