Why Whey Protein is One of the Most Valuable Supplements
You Can Buy
Why is Whey Special?
Whey protein is the king of protein sources. Its nutritional
advantages are believed to come from its unique amino acid
profile. Whey is rich in essential amino acids, especially the
branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) leucine, isoleucine, and
valine.
The large levels of BCAAs, especially leucine, is believed to
have the greatest impact on protein synthesis, although the
complete group of essential amino acids likely plays a role in
whey’s other benefits.
Body Composition and Health Benefits of Whey
Body composition improves when muscle is added or fat is lost, or
both. Because whey supports the development of lean body mass, it
helps improve body composition.
Whey appears to impact the growth of muscle tissue in two ways ―
by increasing protein synthesis and decreasing protein breakdown.
But it also might support reductions in fat mass.
The amino acids in whey support better blood sugar levels and
improve the functioning of insulin, which allows fat to be used
as a more significant fuel source. Because whey protein supports
muscle development, the additional lean body mass also creates a
way for incoming carbohydrate to be more readily stored as
glycogen instead of being converted to fat.
Also studies have shown that higher protein diets can reduce
cravings by up to 60% and adding protein in the form of a
supplement like whey can be as effective as extra food protein.
Whey Isolate or Whey Concentrate?
Grass-fed whey concentrate is the ideal protein source for those
who can tolerate a little more lactose and who are looking for
something to consume between or in place of meals. It has more
functional properties which support the immune system. This is
part of the reason Life Time Fitness uses grass-fed protein from New
Zealand in our Whey Protein.
However, those who are sensitive to lactose can have trouble with
whey concentrate. In those cases, they may need whey
isolate.
Should You Supplement?
Although most individuals would benefit, each person is unique.
Better body composition and recovery from exercise sound pretty
good. So does a reduced appetite, better immune function, and
better measures related to metabolic function.
Of course, you’d still need to eat well and exercise to get the
best benefits. The only way to know whether whey or any other
nutritional supplement works for you is to give them a serious
try by making whey protein a regular part of your diet for a
month or two. If you tolerate it you might be surprised at the
effect whey has on how you feel and function.
Do You Have to Eat Protein Immediately After a
Workout?
Click here to learn why the advice
to “optimize in 45” may still hold true.
Are You Protein Poor?
Since 2010 the USDA has recommended that adults over 18 eat
0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight daily, which
works out to roughly 55 grams of protein for a 150-pound
person. But that amount may be too low for most active
people, according to a 2015 study by a team of researchers in
Canada and Texas, published in Applied Physiology, Nutrition,
and Metabolism.
Click here to read
more.
Protein Power: What You Need to Know
You need protein to build muscle, manage your metabolism, and
support tissue repair. But how much? What kind? And can you get
too much? We answer your top-12 questions about protein -
Click here.
