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What You Need to Know About Whey Protein
You may have heard a ton of good things about whey protein, especially if you are a fitness junkie looking to build muscle or lose some fat. Whey protein is isolated from whey, one of the milk components, making it an excellent source of amino acids and other health benefits. Since it is packed with branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) that aid in muscle building, whey protein is an increasingly popular sports nutrition drink for post-workout recovery.
The promising benefits of whey protein can entice you to try it out as a protein source. When you look online or enter your local store, however, you may be surprised to find so many whey protein powder choices. Aside from brands, you will also find different types like iso whey protein and whey protein concentrate, as well as others that each target various health goals. Thus, it will be better to familiarise yourself a bit more before you purchase anything.
Uses of Whey Protein
The most common use of whey protein is to stimulate muscle growth, making it ideal for gym enthusiasts or bodybuilders who are trying to build muscle. This use is attributed to the rich leucine content of whey protein, which is known as the key amino acid that promotes muscle protein synthesis and helps maintain muscle mass.
You can also use whey protein to promote weight loss since it gives you the protein that you would otherwise get from whole foods. For example, you can make a protein shake as a meal or snack replacement, or drink one before you eat your meal, so you feel fuller and avoid overeating. You can also take whey protein after a workout to help with muscle recovery, though you will likely be putting less of it in your shake.
Whey Protein Isolate vs. Concentrate
When purchasing whey protein, the two most common kinds that you will encounter are whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate. The main difference lies in the way the proteins are processed or filtered, resulting in a different breakdown of content.
1. Whey Protein Isolate
As its name suggests, iso whey protein goes through a more intensive filtration process, so it has a higher protein percentage - typically around 90% or more, and a lower amount of carbohydrates and fats. Since they are low in fat and carbohydrate contents, you can digest this much faster. This makes it ideal for taking after your workouts to aid in muscle growth and recovery. Whey protein isolate is also low in lactose, which makes it suitable for people who may have trouble with dairy products.
2. Whey Protein Concentrate
Whey protein concentrate is the most common type of whey protein that you will find. It usually has 80% protein, with the remaining being carbohydrates and fats, so it is still a rich source of protein and amino acids. Aside from workout purposes, whey protein concentrate is also suitable for times when you may want a protein source that is easy to digest while not being too high in carbohydrates or fats.
Whey protein, undoubtedly, has significant benefits for your health. It is not limited to avid gym-goers as it also serves as a protein source for people who might not be getting enough of this macro from their food or who are looking for something that can be easily absorbed.
Author Bio: Jack Sylvester is a freelance writer, He is extremely fond of anything that is related to ghostwriting, copywriting and blogging services. He works closely with B2B businesses providing digital marketing content that gains social media attention. His aim to reach his goals one step at a time and He believes in doing everything with a smile.
