People always want to know, Why use whey protein? Check out the shelves of any health or supplement store. You’ll find no shortage of protein powders and bars. Sometimes there so many that you don’t know what you’re looking at or what you’re looking for. One thing’s for sure though – you’ll find a ton of whey protein on those shelves, because they’re one of the most in demand protein supplement ingredients out there.
Where does Whey Protein Come From?
Whey protein supplements are oddly enough, the result of the cheese making process. It’s a byproduct that has some very nice benefits, hence the reason it’s so popular today.
Whey isn’t perfect, but following the directions on the label closely will decrease your chances of having any problems with it. Don’t overdo it and don’t skimp either. Striking the right balance is key.
Why Use Whey Protein?
Soy is another popular source of protein, but many feel whey is superior because it contains 50% more leucine than soy isolate protein does. What is leucine and why does it matter anyway? Well, leucine is a branched chain amino acid. Branched chain amino acids, or BCAAs, are metabolized in the muscle tissue, making them great for muscle growth and health. Aside from muscle building (which not everyone is interested in), foods high in BCAAs have a reputation for increasing physical and mental energy to a small but satisfying degree.
Whey Protein Helps Immune System
A surprising benefit of taking whey is a boost to your immune system. Whey contains high levels of an amazing antioxidant – glutathione. Glutathione is the king of antioxidants. The reason it’s so much more powerful than many other antioxidants (which help us by neutralizing some harmful free radicals) is because it exists within our cells. This is the single best position for neutralizing free radicals. It also boosts the power of other antioxidants.
The benefit that makes it the most popular protein supplement is its speed. It acts quickly and can be prepared in just a minute or two. After working out, our cortisol levels are on the rise. This rise isn’t significant, but it can bothersome to anyone who’s concerned about muscle health because this hormone is catabolic, meaning it breaks muscle down. Getting calories into your system quickly after exercise helps to normalize cortisol levels. A snack that includes whey protein is a great way to do just that.
Great as it may be, it shouldn’t be abused either. You don’t want to consume it in ridiculously high amounts or without drinking extra water. It’s better to be conservative than end up wishing you had been. High amounts of protein could lead to increased fat storage and some even speculate that it’s bad for organs like your kidney and liver (although this hasn’t been proven). Being responsible is literally the first and most important step you need to take.
Whey protein can be found in a number of different sources including powders, shakes, and energy supplement bars. It’s a great option for those who want to supplement for health or muscle growing purposes. The reasons why use whey protein is to build muscle mostly but there are these other benefits as well.
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