9 Whey Protein Benefits For Your Health [Evidence Supported]

With good reason, whey protein is one of the most intensively studied supplements in the world.

Whey protein benefits are numerous as it has a very high nutritional content, according to studies.

Let's find out some!

A complete guide on whey protein benefits

What Exactly Is Whey Protein?

Milk contains two different kinds of protein: casein and whey. 

Dr. Josh Axe, a clinical nutritionist and certified doctor of natural medicine, claims that whey is the clear liquid portion of milk that is left over after the coagulation and curd removal steps of making cheese.

In addition, the term "whey" can refer to a complex material that is extracted from the liquid and contains protein, lactose, immunoglobulins, minerals, and tiny amounts of fat.

Due to its protein content and a few highly bioactive peptides, it is well-known as a superfood for fat loss and lean muscle growth.

Whey protein

Types of Whey Protein

Concentrate, isolate, and hydrolysate are the three varieties of whey protein powder currently available on the market. 

Each one is processed differently, and they all have varied nutritional values.

Whey protein concentrate

Because it has a low fat and cholesterol content and a higher quantity of bioactive substances in the form of lactose, whey protein concentrate is the best and least processed form of whey protein. 

Based on the brand, this type contains between 25 and 89% protein with the other ingredients being lactose, minerals, fat, and moisture.

Numerous protein drinks, bars, and dietary supplements contain this form of whey protein. Infant formula also contains it.

Whey protein isolate

To remove the majority of the lipids and carbohydrates included in whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate is processed further. 

About 90-95% of the protein in isolates is present.

This ingredient may appear on the labels of protein supplements, such as bars and drinks.

3 types of whey proteins

Whey protein hydrolysate

Larger proteins are divided into more digestible fragments when whey protein isolate is hydrolyzed, which contains 80-90% protein. 

Enzymes, heat, or acids can all be used to break down the proteins in hydrolysates.

It is frequently used in specialized infant formulas as well as dietary supplements prescribed by doctors.

What are the differences between hydrolyzed whey protein isolate vs whey protein isolate? Follow Barcode Live for more information!

Whey Protein Nutrition Facts

Before answering what are the benefits of whey protein, it’s worth looking at its nutrition facts.

Below is what is contained in three scoops of whey protein isolate powder:

However, based on the whey protein source you select, like a bar or powder or bar, the precise nutritional information varies.

For example, Dymatize ISO 100 Whey Protein Powder Isolate, Gourmet Chocolate, 5 lbs contain 120 calories in one scoop (32g).

Whey Protein Benefits

Elite athletes and weekend warriors alike use whey protein to increase their muscle mass, according to Olivia Brant, RD, founder of Olivia Ashton Nutrition.

In fact, whey offers a lot of advantages besides only helping you gain muscle.

Increase muscle growth

Protein is important for the process whether you want to keep or build muscle.

Your body can develop new muscles and repair damaged muscle tissue with the help of protein, which delivers the amino acids it needs. 

Leucine, a branched-chain amino acid that is the most growth-promoting (anabolic) of all the amino acids, is abundant in whey.

Also, according to certain research, whey protein may marginally outperform alternative protein sources like casein or soy for the building of lean muscle

Benefits of whey protein in muscle growth

Reduce inflammation

By lowering inflammation, whey protein may be able to aid with a variety of chronic illnesses. 

Heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, and arthritis are just a few of the potential health issues that chronic inflammation is connected to.

According to studies, routinely including whey protein in your diet may help lower the signs of chronic inflammation and lessen your risk of experiencing poor health impacts.

Lower blood pressure

Dairy product consumption has been associated in numerous studies to lower blood pressure.

Angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors), a family of bioactive peptides found in dairy, are thought to be responsible for this impact.

ACE inhibitors found in whey proteins are known as lactokinins, which have been stated to have positive effects on blood pressure.

Despite that, only individuals who already had high or somewhat increased blood pressure experienced a drop in their blood pressure.

Reduce cholesterol levels

Whey protein can help reduce high cholesterol levels, particularly "bad" LDL cholesterol, according to early research. 

Lowering your cholesterol into a healthy range might have significant positive effects on your health because high cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

Whey protein helps lower cholesterol levels

Moderate blood sugar levels

The National Institutes of Health's research has shown that whey protein is efficient at regulating blood sugar.

The high-quality protein raises blood levels of insulin and restores insulin sensitivity to normal levels.

Because of this, whey protein is efficiently utilized as a supplement to treat type 2 diabetes, much like the widely used diabetic medicine sulfonylurea.

Further, whey protein can help diabetics and healthy individuals with high blood sugar levels by being added to high-carb meals.

Lose weight

Is whey protein effective at losing weight?

The National Institutes for Health's studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of dietary protein, such as whey, as a contributor to weight loss. 

Whey protein benefits for weight loss more than other proteins since it:

• Reduce appetite, resulting in lower calorie intake

• Increase metabolism, causing you to burn more calories

• Assist in keeping muscle mass while reducing weight

Boost immunity

Another advantage of whey protein is that it acts to strengthen your immune system since it encourages the production of glutathione. 

The effectiveness of other antioxidants like vitamin C, ALA, CoQ10, and vitamin E is also increased by glutathione.

Other proteins and vitamins found in whey protein, like vitamin D, also have an impact on immunological health and have antibacterial properties.

Improve energy

In addition to boosting the action of leptin, a hormone that influences energy balance, whey protein boosts glycogen, a source of energy during exercise or intense activity.

Additionally, because whey is readily absorbed by the body and digested, it is swiftly transformed into energy and can aid in naturally boosting energy levels.

You can improve energy by taking whey protein

Boost glutathione

The powerful antioxidant glutathione, which is present in all of your body's cells, is produced more frequently when whey protein is consumed. 

According to research, whey protein contains a lot of cysteines, an amino acid necessary for the production of glutathione.

Glutathione aids in the removal of free radicals, which are responsible for aging-related illnesses like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, cancer, and cell damage. 

It is also necessary for a robust immune system and aids in defending your body against environmental pollutants and drug resistance.

Promote overall health

The body naturally contains antioxidants, which reduce the chance of developing chronic illnesses. 

Natural antioxidants are increased by whey protein and other high-cysteine diets, preventing chronic sickness.

According to one study, whey protein supplements help those with chronic illnesses have better liver function.

Now, let’s look at our info on whey protein benefits discussed in this article!

10 great benefits of whey protein

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