What's in Whey Protein?
For anyone who’s trying to transform their body, alterations to diet and exercise need to be made – whether you want to trim down or bulk up there are a number of methods that are suited to different people in those different circumstances.
Finally science has caught up with the gym bunnies and body builders that have increased in numbers over the years. There are now several fields of research showing how whey protein can aid various changes, including losing fat, gaining muscle and increasing training recovery, to the human body. A by-product of milk production, it contains essential amino acids and other nutrients that the body can use quickly and effectively.
How is protein used in the body?
The body needs to take in protein every day to assist in the growth and repair of its cells. As one of the major food groups, protein is found at its highest concentration in certain foods such as eggs, fish and red meat. They supply the building blocks needed for the body to keep building cells, and burning fuel as part of a balanced diet. They are the fastest-acting way to rebuild cells – which is why it is so popular with athletes and can now be found in a range of health supplements.
Once protein is inside the body, enzymes in the digestive system begin to break it down as soon as it enters the stomach. The digestive juices begin to split it into amino acids that are absorbed into the blood stream to be used as the body requires
What is whey protein?
Whey protein is the ‘purest’ form of protein; a concentrated source of branched chain amino acids. It is one of two types of protein – the other being casein protein – and is a by-product of cow’s milk turning to cheese. Its high natural value means that whey protein can be absorbed into the body faster than other sources of protein like cheese or beef.
Why should I use whey protein?
Taking a protein supplement such as whey protein is beneficial to just about anyone. For example, it can be extremely useful as part of a weight loss diet. The complex structure of protein means that the body finds it harder to break down into calories to be burned. In the absence of anything easier to break down, it will begin to absorb the body’s stored fat instead, while also signalling a feeling of fullness to the brain sooner than on a regular diet, meaning that a high-protein diet will involve the intake of less calories.
For those undergoing training of any sort the rate of absorption is extremely important for muscle building and recovery. Whey protein absorbs at a rate of 8 -10g per hour, meaning the average time taken to complete the digestion process is 1.5 hours. This makes it ideal for athletes, body builders and the health conscious as a supplement to a balanced diet.
