subject: What Is Whey Protein [print this page] Whey protein is arguably the most efficient source of protein, and the most useful form of protein, that should be incorporated in your daily diet. As it does not appear naturally in foods, it is one of the most vital sports nutrition supplements to help improved performance and recovery if any extreme training or exercise routine is followed. Whey protein can be integrated in any regular diet through various supplements including bars, powders and ready to drink shakes, all containing optimum amounts per serving.
Whey protein is a by-product stemmed from cows milk whilst being churned into cheese. It is formed of two types - whey isolate and whey concentrate. Whey isolate is protein in its purest form; it contains around 90% of protein after having fat and lactose removed. Whey concentrate normally contains around 75% protein and whilst still low in fat, carries more than whey, as these nutrients get left remaining in the final product.
Quality whey protein also contains a wealth of amino acids, known as the building blocks of the human body. These are a vital ingredient to help lean muscle growth and aid recovery. They also help the running of a general healthy lifestyle and immune system.
As stated, whey protein is vital to those who are actively involved in training or exercise. Whether a complete beginner, athlete, power lifter or general gym goer. If you want to increase performance, mass, strength or recovery, whey protein is a key supplement to include in your daily diet. It is also important to take with fat loss aims in mind as it can increase the metabolism and help you feel fuller. You should aim to intake 1.25 to 1.5 grams of protein per day times your body weight in pounds. If you are training for strength or size then you should be heading for the higher ratio.
You can consume whey protein whenever though out the day to compliment your whole food protein intake. As whey is digested extremely quickly by the body however, it is ideal first thing in the morning when your body requires protein after a good nights sleep or within thirty minutes post workout when your body is crying out for it to help and fight against cortisol build up. Cortisol is a catabolic hormone, which increases through large quantities of energy and stops the body from building new muscle tissue. It is best to combine whey protein alongside a high GI carbohydrate shake when taking post workout. Not only will the combination help you to repair faster for your next workout it will also result in an insulin spike causing your body to digest the nutrients quicker hence carrying them to your hard working muscle faster.
When buying a whey protein supplement you can choose between isolate, concentrate, and a combination of the two. The latter seems to be the most common choice, as it combines the two to offer a high quality and cost effective product.
