There are a lot of conflicting information on the internet. One day it’s stated something is healthy, and another it’s on the ‘do-not touch list’. So what are the real facts about protein powder? What is Whey Protein? What are the benefits? Is it right for me?
What is Whey Protein?
In the simplest definition, milk is made of two proteins, casein and whey. Whey protein can be separated from the casein in milk and created into a powder. It is considered a complete protein and contains all 9 essential amino acids and is low in lactose content. But the biggest factor that puts whey protein miles ahead of other forms of protein is digestion rate. Whey digests very rapidly. In fewer than 30 minutes it can fast-track a good portion of its aminos to your muscles, and that rapid delivery of amino acids to muscle cells has been shown to be important for pushing muscle growth.
But not all protein powders are considered equal. In fact many in the market are incredibly low quality and mixed with fillers. Muscle and Fitness described it best:
Scan down the label until you get to the ingredients list. The information contained here is the key to knowing whether a protein powder is really amazing or just simply passable. First you might notice that most whey protein products contain more than one type of whey. To be considered a great whey protein the product MUST list whey protein isolate or hydrolyzed whey protein isolate as the very first ingredient. That’s because whey protein isolates are the purest form of protein you can get, with some being more than 90% protein. Although most whey protein concentrates are somewhere between 70-80% protein, some can be less than 35% protein. This is why most companies make a big deal about their whey protein isolate powders. (This is also why isolates and hydrolysates generally cost more.)
But to really know if a whey protein powder is top notch, you’ll need to do some math. Take the grams of protein per serving listed on the supplement facts panel and divide it by the serving size (in grams). This will give you the percentage of protein in each serving. To be considered a great whey protein powder, the percent protein per serving (or scoop) should be 80% or greater. For example, if a whey protein powder provides 25 grams of protein per 28-gram scoop, that protein powder is about 90% protein and is a great whey protein for the money.
We are proud to have Microfiltered Whey Protein Isolate as our first ingredient and a 89% percentage of protein in each serving.
Health Benefits of Whey Protein
Lose Fat + Preserve Muscle
Researchers in Minnesota conducted a 12-week study where subject’s daily caloric intake was reduced by 500 calories. They then gave some participants whey. Those consuming whey lost a significantly greater amount of body fat (6.1% total) and better preserved their muscles.
Take this into account when you reach for a snack. Throw a scoop of whey protein into your smoothies, granola, and baked goods. Easy to do, and incredible for your figure.
Heart Health
In one study researchers had a group of 20 healthy adult males consume either a fermented milk supplement with added whey protein concentrate or a placebo for an eight week period.
After the eight week period they found that the subjects taking the whey protein supplement had higher levels of HDL (good cholesterol) and supported healthy blood pressure levels.
This is huge when keeping in mind heart health. We want to make sure our saturated fats are low and blood pressure remains under control.
Increase Strength
Researchers at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, took 19 men performing resistance training over a 10-week period and gave some of them 14 grams of whey and casein protein along with 6 grams of free amino acids, while giving the rest a 20-gram placebo. Those who consumed the whey had greater increases in fat-free mass and muscle strength.
We recommend consuming your whey protein one hour before or after exercising.
Reduce Hunger
Australian researchers had 28 obese men consume four different drinks. Those who consumed the beverage containing 50 grams of whey had significantly reduced levels of ghrelin (a hormone that tells your brain you’re hungry) up to four hours later.
Keep this is mind when your stomach is rumbling. Instead of reaching for unhealthy snacks like potato chips, drink a protein shake and watch as your hunger cravings subside.
Improve Immune System
University of Alberta researchers found that male subjects involved in strenuous aerobic activity suffered from significantly reduced glutathione levels that could impact on such things as the nervous, gastrointestinal, and immune systems. However, they also discovered that by supplementing with whey protein, the subjects experienced a significantly lesser reduction in glutathione levels.
Increase your immune system further by adding in an additional scoop of our Line of Defense, an immune boosting (non-stimulating) formula using gluten-free, oat beta glucan (oat B-glucan) – a super nutrient found in oats. Purchase today!
Cope with Stress
Researchers in the Netherlands put 58 subjects through experimental stress and found that those who consumed whey protein experienced fewer symptoms of depression and seemed in a better mood than those who did not. They concluded that there were likely changes in the brain serotonin.
As you can see the health benefits of whey protein are astounding. Because we believe in our product, we are offering an incredible deal on our 37 Superfoods+ and Whey Protein until the 1st of May. Don’t miss out!
Get my FREE 1 Pound Essential Whey Protein Powder when purchasing our 4-pack of 37 Superfoods+.