Natural Whey Protein

Whey Protein Supplement

Whey protein is a popular nutritional supplement used by many consumers for various reasons, including boosting muscle metabolism, promoting weight/fat loss, improving athletic performance and strength, and providing a quick source of protein on the go.

There are three main types of Whey protein used to make protein powder supplements:

• Whey protein concentrate can contain anywhere from 25 to 89% protein.
• Whey protein isolate contains over 90% protein and is lower in carbs, fat, and lactose than whey protein concentrate.
• Whey protein hydrolysate is a form that is broken down to accelerate digestion and absorption.

Whey protein supplements often feature blends of concentrate, isolate, and hydrolysate. But it’s important to know that while all of these forms of protein will support the body's tissues and promote overall health and wellness, they each offer distinct advantages. For instance, whey isolate is “purer” than most whey blends, with a higher percentage of protein and less fat and lactose, so it is ideal for those sensitive to lactose. Indeed, pure whey isolate supplies at least 90% protein by weight. Because of that, it is also often more expensive than whey protein blends.

On the other hand, whey hydrolysate goes through an additional process where the protein is exposed to heat, acid or enzymes that break down the bonds that hold amino acids together. The result is a protein that is essentially 'pre-digested,' which enhances the bioavailability, making it more rapidly absorbed and increasing protein synthesis. Pure whey hydrolysate is, thus, ideal for anyone who is looking to make serious muscle gains.

Benefits of Whey Protein

• Boosts Weight Loss/Fat Loss
• Easily Digestible
• Highly Bioavailable
• Speeds Post-Exercise Recovery
• Superior Source of Complete Protein

Who Needs Whey Protein Supplements?

Whey protein is considered la crème de la crème of protein sources because of its unique and optimal amino acid composition, providing each essential amino in specific proportions required by the body. This includes a hefty dose of Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs), leucine, isoleucine, and valine, which have been scientifically demonstrated to reduce muscle soreness, increase power output, improve time to exhaustion, decrease lactate production, support weight loss, and boost muscle protein synthesis. Given this, a quality whey protein supplement is the optimal choice to support just about anyone's busy lifestyle. It is ideally suited to athletes, bodybuilders, weekend warriors, spinners, yogis, and active men and women throughout life. The over 50 crowd may also significantly benefit from daily whey protein supplementation to help prevent age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia) – an all too common condition.

Whey Protein Supplements

Whey protein supplements abound. They can be purchased in powders, bars, and capsule form. As previously mentioned, whey protein may feature pure concentrate, isolate or hydrolysate, or, more often than not, a blend of these. Always refer to the label to select the mix that best caters to your health status and goals. Most whey protein supplements supply 20 to 30g of protein per serving, though bars typically offer a little less.

Final Thoughts

Of all protein sources, whey protein is considered the ultimate because it boasts the highest concentration of amino acids and absorption rate. Whether your goal is to gain muscle mass, optimize body composition, or boost your protein intake, you cannot go wrong with whey protein.

Whey protein powder can be mixed with the milk of your choice (dairy or plant-based), juice, coconut water, or even simply water to create a satisfying breakfast smoothie, or it can be blended into a healthy post-workout protein shake. It can also be added to yogurt, applesauce, and myriad other recipes, according to your taste.

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