Whey Protein explained

Proteins are known to be the main building blocks upon which our bodies are built. In fact, proteins are known as body building foods for that very reason. They are very important in the development of one’s body.

Proteins are responsible for a lot of activities in the cells as well. They are responsible for growth, maintenance of structure, functioning and regulating of all body tissues.

There are several sources of proteins which include and are not limited to animal products like milk, beef, chicken, fish, pork and eggs. You can also get them from plants such as vegetables, legumes, grains, fruits, seeds like sunflower and nuts like groundnuts, peanuts and cashew nuts.

We may not be able to get protein in the right amount every day and a supplement like whey protein can work just as well.

Just what is whey protein?

Whey is a milk supplement that contains proteins, fats, minerals and lactose. That said, protein is the major component of this supplement. It is made up of smaller protein units such as immunoglobulins, glycomacropeptides and bovine serum albumin.

Research has shown that the different micro proteins that make up the whey protein have different functions that are known to be quite beneficial to our bodies. All these micro proteins can be obtained separately from the animal or plant sources though it is hard to get them in the correct quantities. The good thing about whey protein is that it gathers them all into one product. Whey is one of the most popular supplements used by body builders mainly because of the benefits associated with its intake.

One of the benefits of whey protein is that it helps in boosting your immunity levels. It contains immunoglubulin which is an antibody in concentrations of up to 15% and this comes in handy in helping the body to fight different infections.

Another benefit of whey protein is that it helps one to maintain their body weight. Whey protein is a key component in weight loss and it also helps your body to reduce the chances of suffering from diseases caused by being overweight such as heart attacks or high blood pressure.

Your body burns more calories when breaking down proteins and this is what happens when you take whey protein. When more calories are used it means you body fat is getting burnt up. This translates to weight loss.

Whey protein also has appetite suppressing hormones which reduce a person’s urge to eat. When one uses whey protein they always have a feeling of being full and this hastens the weight loss process. Taking it in between meals also reduces the urge nibble on snacks which are often a major contributor as far as gaining weight is concerned.

The benefits of whey proteins can also be looked at from the perspective of the amino acids it contains and what benefits they have on one’s body. Branched chain amino acids which are present in whey protein help increase energy levels, improve mental performance, prevent fatigue while helping improve endurance at the same time.

Phenylalanine boosts memory, improves mood, decreases pain, suppresses appetite, relieves depression and promotes nervous system health.

Arginine protects the body against heart diseases, lowers blood pressure, improves blood circulation and increases growth hormone levels.

Glutamine boosts immune system function, helps maintain muscle mass, promotes healing while reducing recovery from exercise. Proline is known to rebuild cartilage bones, speed injury repair and promote tissue recovery from exercise.

People suffering from diabetes should include whey protein as part of their diet because it delays the intake of glucose into the bloodstream and thus delaying insulin release.