Not all proteins are made equal and not all proteins are the same, however, out of all types available on the market, it seems that whey is among the best ones so far. Whey protein represents a combination of proteins isolated from whey. To understand it better, this is the liquid part of the milk that separates (floats above) during cheese production.

Milk is a natural product that contains two types of protein in its composition – casein 80% and whey 20%. An important thing you should know before you buy whey protein is that it tastes bad which is why the one sold in stores is usually flavoured to mask the real taste. Whether you choose chocolate, vanilla or strawberry flavour, make sure the chosen powder doesn’t contain any refined sugar or other additives in its list.

What Is Whey Protein Powder Good For?

Taking supplementation in the form of whey protein powder on a daily basis is a good way to add more protein to your daily intake. Whey is rich in essential amino acids that are absorbed quickly in the body and result in providing the person with improved muscle mass, increased strength, and loss of body fat.

Types

An important thing you should know about this protein is that you can choose between several types of whey protein powder, the main difference between them being in the way they are processed.

Concentrate

Practice shows that 70 – 80% of protein contains some lactose and fat and it is one of the best-flavoured types of protein.

Isolate

This is 90% protein and in some cases even higher, and it contains significantly less lactose and fat. However, you should keep in mind that this type of protein contains less beneficial nutrients than the concentrated type of whey. This protein also causes some spikes in insulin levels.

Hydrolysate

This protein is also known as hydrolysed whey which is pre-digested for faster absorption. When compared to isolate protein, it’s said that this one causes a 28 – 43% greater spike in insulin levels. One of the most commonly used option of protein these days is the concentrate one because it is the most affordable, beneficial and tastier and all because of its lactose and fat content. However, if you have problems with lactose or simply digesting this protein, you can always opt for some of the other two types.

Benefits

Increased Muscle Mass and Strength

In order to obtain and feel this benefit from whey protein powder, you should consume it right before, during, or after a workout. That’s because muscle protein synthesis is maximised best after training. However, consuming it daily can also provide you with the same results no matter if you have consumed it during or after a workout.

The main reason for increased muscle mass is because it contains amino acids and protein which are perfect for this. Plus, it also increases the release of anabolic hormones which are also perfect for increased muscle growth. Given the fact that this protein is also high in amino acid leucine, this goes to show why it is known for stimulating muscle protein synthesis.

Improved Weight Loss Journey

As you may know by now, protein in general is good in helping one lose weight and fat. Practice shows that practising weight lifting and replacing other sources of calories with this protein can cause weight loss of about 3,5kg. As a result, there will also be an increment in lean muscle mass which is the goal of many.

Lower Blood Pressure

It’s not a secret that hypertension can lead to the risk of developing a heart disease which is why taking therapy for this condition is essential to reduce it and stay healthy. However, practice shows that consuming dairy products may help in reducing blood pressure, and since this protein contains bioactive peptides known as ACE inhibitors (angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors) it seems that it can positively affect reducing blood pressure.

May Manage Type 2 Diabetes

Given the fact that some types of this protein can increase insulin levels, this means that whey may also help in managing type 2 diabetes. This chronic disease is characterised by high blood pressure and poor insulin function which is a hormone responsible for keeping blood sugar in healthy limits.

May Reduce Inflammation

Inflammation is the body’s immune system’s response to some kind of damage or irritant. While short-term inflammation goes with ease and can be beneficial in some cases, the long-term or chronic one isn’t good at all. In fact, it can be harmful and lead to the development of numerous diseases. When it comes to consuming protein, it is said that high doses of it have shown to be great in reducing blood levels of CRP (C-Reactive-Protein) which is an indicator of some kind of inflammation in the body.