Benefits Of Whey Protein By Faisal Al Shawa
Not all proteins are created equal. Some are more easily absorbed by the body than others. Some are more efficient than others. Health and nutrition expert Faisal Al Shawa will introduce you to a particular type of protein and its benefits: whey protein.
What is whey protein?
Whey protein is a mixture of proteins isolated from whey, which is the liquid part of milk that separates during cheese production. When cheese is produced, the fatty parts of the milk coagulate and the whey is separated from it as a byproduct. Cheesemakers used to discard it before they discovered its commercial value.
After being separated during cheese production, whey goes through various processing steps to become what is generally recognized as whey protein. Whey protein becomes a powder that is added to shakes, meal replacements, and protein bars. Whey protein doesn’t taste very good on its own, which is why it’s usually flavored.
It is the most bioavailable protein out there, which means that it is easier to digest and absorb whey protein efficiently into your body than proteins from other sources.
Whey protein can be important to bodybuilders and gym enthusiasts, as well as people aiming to lose weight or lacking protein in their diet.
Benefits of whey protein
Here are 5 benefits of whey protein backed up by science!
1. Whey is an Excellent Source of High-Quality Protein
Whey protein is a complete, high-quality protein, containing all of the essential amino acids.
2. Whey Protein Promotes Muscle Growth
Whey is rich in a branched-chain amino acid called leucine. Leucine is the most growth-promoting component present in whey. Thanks to leucine, your body will resist the natural age-related muscle loss and help you improve your strength with a better-looking body. Proteins repair damages done to the muscles but also build new and stronger muscle tissue.
3. Whey Protein Aids In Wound Healing
Whey protein has been shown to benefit people recovering from burns and those with chronic wounds.
4. Whey Protein May Aid In Weight Loss
In a study conducted over more than a thousand people, the subjects given whey protein lost significantly more body fat and showed greater preservation of lean muscle compared to subjects given the control beverage.
5. Whey Protein May Aid In Weight Gain
Yes, confusing. Let us explain. People who need to gain weight can benefit from whey protein. It’s also helpful if a person has a long-term illness and needs extra nutrition. If you can’t get enough protein from whole food sources, a whey protein supplement can help. It’s beneficial for people who have chewing or swallowing disorders or a lack of appetite.
When and how much to consume whey protein?
The best time to consume whey protein is after your workout. The protein will repair any damage done to your muscles during training and reshape them. For the people who fast train, Faisal recommends consuming whey protein before training on an empty stomach. That way you can ingest some protein and kickstart the recovery process early on. This will ensure that you have enough proteins to protect against protein-muscle breakdown.
Now, since most whey protein comes in flavored powder, it is best to add your scoops to your daily smoothies. You need between 20 and 30 grams of whey protein per day or 1 to 2 scoops.
Keep in mind that if your protein intake is already high, adding whey protein on top of your current intake may be completely unnecessary.
For lactose-intolerant people, traditional whey protein powder may cause you some discomfort; however, there are alternatives available for you.
We’d love to know how you feel about whey protein and its effects on your body! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.