What is Whey Protein?

Whey protein is most commonly consumed by athletes and bodybuilders. They routinely undergo muscle tears and require additional protein for building muscles as well. Hence, their diet is supplemented by whey protein in the form of protein drinks.

Whey protein refers to a group of eight proteins found in milk and milk products. These are Beta-lactoglobulin, Alpha-lactalbumin, Glycomacropeptide, Immunoglobulins, Bovine serum albumin, Lactoferrin, Lactoperoxidase and Lysozyme.

TYPES OF WHEY PROTEIN

The whey protein liquid is dried into any of these three forms:

· Concentrate

Such products vary widely in their lactose, protein, and fat content. This form is used in many energy drinks, protein bars and various nutrition supplement products. It is also used in baby formula products. It has approximately 30% protein.

· Isolate

This form is very high in protein content and low in lactose and fat. It is commonly listed in the ingredients of protein bars and protein drinks. This is especially beneficial for those who are lactose-intolerant. It is almost 90% protein.

· Hydrolysate

This form is the easiest to digest. It is also known as hydrolysed whey protein. It is easy to digest as it has pre-broken peptide chains. Certain specialised infant formulas contain this type of whey protein. Some prescription nutritional supplements also contain this as an ingredient.

HOW WHEY PROTEIN IS MADE?

Enzymes are added to milk which separates the liquid whey from the milk solids. The liquid whey is pasteurised to be free from any bacteria. It is then dried to produce whey protein powder.

It is common knowledge that milk is made of two proteins—whey and casein. Whey protein can generally be separated from casein as a by-product of cheese making. It is considered the most complete protein—it contains all nine essential amino acids. It is also low in lactose content.

BENEFITS OF WHEY PROTEIN

· Aids weight loss: One study found that those given whey protein drinks lost weight faster and were able to retain lean muscle as compared to the control group.

· Asthma: Whey protein improved the immune response of children diagnosed with asthma. It was observed that when children were given 10-gram whey protein twice a day for one month, their immune response improved.

· Heart disease: Those who consume whey protein significantly reduced blood pressure, and the risk of stroke and cardiovascular diseases is reduced manifold, as per one study.

Whey protein is an important supplement, especially for those who go to the gym. It aids wound healing. It can also be used by vegetarians to increase their daily protein intake; vegetarian sources of protein are very limited. Certain amino acids in whey protein aid in building muscles. Have a glass of whey protein after your workout and reap the benefits of that extra dose of protein today.

Shrey Mittal

(Shrey Mittal is the founder of Koshika Wellness Pvt. Ltd. A young entrepreneur, he has been working relentlessly in the field of health and wellness with his innovative range of products customised for the Indian fitness enthusiasts)