Milk is a composition of two proteins- casein and whey. Whey is the liquid component whereas casein is formed as a result of the curdling of milk. The liquid part is made to undergo various processes to obtain whey protein as a powder.
Whey protein has high nutritional value since it contains all the 9 important amino acids. It has a low lactose concentration. Cow’s milk comprises 80% casein and 20% whey protein, whereas human milk comprises 30% casein and 70% whey protein.
Proteins are macronutrients that are crucial for the development and upkeep of our muscles, bones, enzymes, etc. If you add optimum amounts of whey protein to your diet, you ensure yourself a high nutrient protein-based diet that contributes towards your overall well-being.
In fact, due to the increasing importance of whey protein powder, its market is expected to reach $15.4 billion by 2024 from an evaluated worth of $9.19 billion in 2020. Now, let’s take a deeper dive into the health benefits associated with whey protein:
1. Whey protein is an excellent source of protein
In addition to it constituting all the 9 essential amino acids, it gets digested quickly in comparison to other protein types. Primarily, whey protein is of three types namely, Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC), Whey Protein Isolate (WPI), and Whey Protein Hydrolysate (WPH) with WPC being the most common among them all.
Whey protein is gaining a lot of importance and popularity as a nutritional supplement among bodybuilders and athletes. For this reason alone, there are several companies worldwide like Peak Nutritionals that specialize in scientifically proven WPI (Whey Protein Isolate) formulas and products.
2. Whey protein boosts muscle development
Due to a depletion in muscle mass as a consequence of aging, fat accumulates inside our bodies. This increases the incidence of us suffering from chronic ailments. Whey protein helps in delaying or preventing this change from occurring inside your body. By combining resistance training with the consumption of a whey protein-based diet, you can effectively facilitate this process.
Its ability to perform this function is mainly because of the presence of a branched chain of an amino acid called Leucine in it. But, make sure that your diet is already protein-rich for whey protein to perform its job with maximum efficiency.
3. Whey protein helps in lowering blood pressure
Various studies indicate that consuming dairy products that constitute bioactive peptides helps in reducing blood pressure. Whey proteins consist of bioactive peptides called cytokinins, which prevent your blood pressure from rising.
4. Whey protein satisfies your appetite, thus decreasing hunger
Proteins are the most effective to satiate your hunger, where whey protein tops the list! This is particularly beneficial for you if you are working on losing those extra kilos by consuming fewer calories.
5. Whey protein can help you shed weight
In addition to satisfying your hunger, whey proteins also help you in other ways to lose weight. It helps in increasing your body’s metabolism, thus helping you to be more active and burn calories. It also keeps your muscle mass intact during this process.
6. Whey protein might help mitigate inflammation
Your body triggers a response in the form of inflammation during damage. Based on some studies, the intake of whey proteins may help reduce C-reactive protein (CRP), a leading indicator of inflammation.
7. Whey protein helps in boosting immunity
Whey proteins constitute certain components that help in the production of antibodies, required to fight diseases and infections. Further, they also stimulate the production of antibodies. They also boost the production of Glutathione- an effective oxidant to combat inflammation and other reactions after an intense workout.
8. Whey protein helps in muscle recovery
After a strenuous workout session, your body requires protein for recovery and the repair of muscles. A whey protein shake after a workout is feasible for helping you to recover since it contains amino acids like glutamine and BCAA.
Over to you…
Some benefits pertaining to whey proteins are still under scrutiny and research. But, to summarize, this class of protein is certainly beneficial to your overall health and can do wonders if consumed in optimum quantities. Keeping in mind its benefits and limitations, you may consume them and witness the magic yourself!
