Whey Protein Our age recognizes the importance of proper nutrition intake and at the same time realizes the lack of it due to busy schedules and diet imbalances. Protein gets prime importance due to its role in enhancing energy levels and strength, muscle development, immune system support, bones, metabolism and suggested favorable effect on cardiovascular health. Protein sources are abundant milk, soy, whey, eggs and more. Why then is whey considered a gold standard in protein nutrition regime? Well, whey protein is the best combination of essential and non-essential amino acids derived from cows milk. It contains just the right combination of these amino acids and in right proportion and concentration to have an optimum effect on the functioning of human body. It is a by-product of cheese making process. There are two forms in which whey protein is processed which gives us Whey protein isolate (WPI) and Whey protein concentrate (WPC). It is also available in combination of protein varieties and in liquid form. Whey protein facts give an insight into to the benefits of whey protein and the possible reasons for their preference over egg, soy and other proteins in various cases. Highest biological value of all proteins: Biological value is the measure of how well is the nitrogen from the protein absorbed and used by the body. Nitrogen not only has a role in boosting up muscle strength but also in recovery from stress, injury and even genetics. Whey protein has the highest biological value (104) amongst all proteins above eggs (88), milk (85) and soy (59). Thus, primary benefits of whey protein include nitrogen retention in the muscle thus accelerating muscle growth and recovery. Richest natural source of branched chain amino acids: Whey protein is a rich source of branch chain amino acids (BCAA) which may prevent muscle degeneration from intensive stress, exercise, heat and medical treatments and helps revitalize the body. They have highest naturally occurring leucine, isoleucine and valine which are directly and quickly absorbed into the muscles improving muscles mass and repairing the depleted tissues. A rich source of Leucine: Leucine is an amino acid responsible for keeping the muscle tissue lean yet strong. Whey protein has high amounts of leucine which makes it an obvious choice not only for athletes and body builders who want to keep their muscles lean yet strong and also for people who want to lose fat and manage weight. It is suggested that whey protein has more leucine than egg protein, milk protein and can have about 50% more leucine than soy protein. Apart from leucine helping in keeping muscles strong and lean, whey proteins benefits into weight management go a step further. Rich source of calcium: The calcium in whey protein may also help in prevention of bone loss and stress fractures in athletes. Benefits of whey protein can be immense at old age as people can progress into healthy ageing as whey protein supplements may help in deterrence of bone loss, may assist in revitalization, may support metabolism, may prevent muscle degeneration and may help manage age relating weight gain problems. There is a lot to gain from whey protein supplement for people of almost all ages and differing requirements. It is being suggested to people with more protein requirements like sportsmen, body builders, expectant mothers, and elderly people and even for premature infants. The choice of product though should be made with caution as the strength of the product should match your requirement and medical consultation would help determine your exact needs. Also, with modern techniques, denaturing of the protein can be prevented and products are available that give optimum benefits. |
