The Benefits of Whey Protein

utilized and absorbed by our body very efficiently and quickly.

Containing an amazing 18 different amino acids, including all of the essential aminos, makes whey an amazing source for amino acids.

Not all whey protein is the same. There are three main types of whey:

-Whey Concentrate: Has a low percentage of protein by weight. Around 29-89%. The remaining content is mostly carbohydrates from lactose and there are small amounts of fat and cholesterol.

-Whey Isolate: Isolates are processed to remove the fats and lactose. Containing 90%+ protein by weight, whey isolate is a great option for supplementation.

-Whey Hydrolysate: Partially hydrolyzed (chemically pre-digested) whey is generally more expensive, but is easier for your body to absorb than the other forms of whey. One sacrifice, other than cost, is taste. Hydrolyzed whey usually has a less desirable taste than whey concentrate or whey isolate does.

BENEFITS OF WHEY:

I must say, there are so many benefits to whey, that I couldn't possibly cover them all here in detail. But!... I have provided a good summary here.

Physical Performance: -An ideal combination of amino acids that help improve body composition and athletic performance.

-Great source of leucine, an essential amino acid. Leucine is key in promoting muscle protein synthesis.

-Increases levels of glutathione, an antioxidant that is required for a healthy immune system.

-High levels of Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA's). combined with carbohydrates following resistance training, increases insulin output by 221%. This is extremely important in protein synthesis.

-Easy to digest and gentle on the digestive system.

-BCAA's and other aminos promote better wound healing through protein synthesis.

Weight Management:

-Protein requires more energy to digest, resulting in more calories being burnt after a high protein meal.

-Whey isolate is nearly pure, with little to no fats or carbohydrates. A great compliment to low glycemic index diets.

-Leucine preserves lean mass while promoting fat loss.

-Protein helps stabilize blood glucose levels, reducing hunger.

BCAA's:

Whey protein is made up of high levels of BCAA's (Branched Chain Amino Acids). BCAAs make up about one third of skeletal muscle in humans, and play quite an important role in protein synthesis. It has been shown that supplementation with BCAA's, along with carbohydrate consumption following resistance training, increases insulin output by 221%. That insulin spike will result in more macro-nutrients being pushed into your muscle cells, resulting in better recovery and hypertrophy.

BEST TIME TO TAKE WHEY:

While whey is an amazing protein source, it is not always the most ideal form of protein. The times when whey will provide your body with the most benefit are whenever you need a quick absorbing form of protein (i.e. When you first wake up in the morning, or right after a workout.). One time that you definitely do not want whey over another form of protein, is before bed. Just before going to sleep, you need a form of protein that will last throughout the night. Whey would be processed by your body in less than an hour, thereby starving your body for the rest of the night. Prior to sleep, your best bet is either casein (a slow digesting protein), or a combination of fast and slow digesting proteins. Just prior to a meal, is a great time to take whey.

IN SUMMARY:

Whey is best taken after any period of time that your body has used up or been starved of food/protein. By drinking whey, you will kick start your metabolism again. That will put a stop to any catabolism (when your body starts breaking itself down for protein as a source of energy) your body is experiencing.