Whey protein is a highly nutritious form of protein that promotes optimum health. Read through the following piece for a more detailed excerpt of why this protein is beneficial for health, and why more and more people have started including it in their daily diet.
Although whey protein has been around for several years, its importance is being recognized only in the most recent years. This protein has been used rather effectively to achieve optimum health by several people. And even though athletes and people into sports have long known about the benefits that it offers, the layman is becoming aware of the same in the more recent years. The connection of this protein and weight loss is the most publicized of these benefits. However, apart from promoting weight loss, whey protein is also beneficial for promoting a healthy immune system.
In the following sections, we will delve into the details of what comprises this protein, how it is different from other proteins and what are its sources.
Whey Protein
When cheese is made, the milk is curdled using different agents like rennin. When milk curdles, it separates into cheese and a liquid material–whey. Whey contains soluble protein in one of the highest available amounts, along with 5% lactose, minerals and lactalbumin.
Whey Protein Powder
The whey which is left out after the milk coagulates is dried up to get this powder. The amount of protein can also be increased by getting rid of lipids and other non protein material from the liquid. Often, spray drying techniques are used for the same. In this process, membrane filtration is used to separate protein from the whey. The other method which can be used is denaturing.
In this process, high amounts of heat is used which leads to the denaturing. Normally after the acidification process, whey protein does not aggregate. However, the denaturing process often tends to cause hydrophobic interactions with other proteins and the powder forms a gel. Some people may be allergic to the powder made by denaturing.
Whey Protein Isolate
The isolate is more expensive than whey protein concentrate because the isolate contains a higher quality of protein and has a higher biological value. Yet, it contains less fat and lactose content. In percent, whey isolate contains as much as 90 to 98% protein, while the concentrate has about 70 to 85% protein.
Uses
This protein is essentially used for body building. Digestion of this protein does not take long, due to which protein is available for muscle building almost as soon as it is consumed. It helps in building muscles, which in turn causes more fat to be used. This protein is also beneficial in protecting one from heart diseases, cancer, and other health conditions. Organic whey protein powder is often used in infant formulas as well. It can also be given as protein supplements for medical reasons.
Even though there are numerous health benefits that this form of protein offers, there are certain side effects as well. Therefore, it is better to consult your health care professional before you start taking this protein supplement. If you are lactose intolerant, one option you have is to use the protein isolate, which contains less than 0.1 gram of lactose per tablespoon of whey protein.
