Whey Protein: Types, Benefits, and Potential Side Effects

Whey protein is an important part everyone should get regularly, but it can take time to choose the right kind of protein from the many on the market today. Each protein source has its pros and cons, but whey protein is the most common one. Let this article from WhichChoose help you get the real deal on this protein drink! Don’t pass it up!

1

Protein Types

Protein Types

Here are 6 different types of protein:

  • Whey protein
  • Casein protein
  • Whey isolates protein
  • Hydrolyzed protein
  • Soy protein
  • Egg albumin

1.1. Whey Protein

This is the most basic and popular one. Whey protein concentrate is inexpensive.

This is ideal for those who are just getting started and want to add some protein to their diet on a budget.

This protein can be hard for some to digest and might make you feel bloated and a little gassy.

1.2. Casein Protein

Casein protein is ideal for late-night recovery or for those who prefer a slower digestion breakdown.

Usually, casein protein is used before bed. So, your body uses the protein slowly while you are sleeping for 8 hours or more, feeding your muscles all night long. You could also use it during the day to keep you full and deliver a constant supply of protein to your body.

Casein protein usually takes about 5-7 hours for the body to break it down fully.

1.3. Whey Protein Isolate

Fast absorbing rate with low fat and carbs. Whey Protein Isolate is typically used as a post-workout supplement to aid in muscle recovery, growth, and healthy body composition.

1.4. Hydrolyzed Protein

Hydrolyzed protein is a perfect choice after your workouts. It breaks down quickly, so it gets nutrients to the body quickly and helps you see results quickly. Furthermore, it contains no lactose or other additives and is cholesterol free. Hydrolyzed protein also contains branched-chain amino acids.

1.5. Soy Protein

If you’re vegetarian or just can’t tolerate protein powders delivered from milk or other animal sources, then soy protein is best for you.

Soy protein is easy to digest, doesn’t contain lactose, and has very little fat and carbs. It is a great way to improve your health and fitness and boost your immune system.

1.6. Egg Albumin

This protein has been around for years, and it’s the same as breaking an egg and eating only the egg whites after you cook it first. You could get this in protein powder or liquid egg whites, even at your local grocery store.

2

What is Whey Protein?

What is Whey Protein?

Whey protein is the liquid byproduct when cheese is produced, and it is sold as a dietary supplement in protein shakes and powders.

Whey protein was once thought to be a waste product by cheese manufacturers, who would discard it until they discovered its benefits.

This type of protein is contained in whey, the watery portion of milk that separates from the curds at the time of cheese production. In other words, it’s a mixture of globular proteins isolated from whey.

It is then heated to pasteurize it and dry it into powder form.

3

Whey Protein Types

Whey Protein Types

There are three major forms of whey protein that you could choose from when you’re looking into buying a protein supplement. The prices of whey protein supplements depend on the type, size, and brand.

Choosing a whey protein supplement can be difficult for beginners, but it’s fairly easy and simple.

  • Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC)
  • Whey Protein Isolate (WPI)
  • Whey Protein Hydrolysate (WPH)

3.1. Whey Protein Concentrate

This whey is low in fat and cholesterol, with high levels of bioactive compounds and carbohydrates. Usually, whey protein concentrate is 29% – 89% protein by weight.

This is usually the most inexpensive protein from all three whey protein types, with the lowest amount per 100 grams. Usually, 11-45% comprises fat and lactose and contains higher immune-enhancing peptides.

3.2. Whey Protein Isolate

Lower in bio-activated compounds with 90%+ protein by weight. This is the most popular protein on the market at the moment. It contains minimal lactose and fat. Furthermore, it is also an excellent choice for taking it in the morning, with meals and post-workouts.

3.3. Whey Protein Hydrolysate

Whey protein hydrolysate is an ideal choice after your workout. It breaks down quickly, so it gets nutrients to the body quickly and helps you see results quickly.

4

Whey Protein Benefits

Whey Protein Benefits

All protein types have a close similarity with one another regarding benefits, but getting your protein from a natural food source can be even more beneficial. Though it’s hard to get the required amount just from your daily meals, protein powder shakes are highly recommended to boost your protein intake.

Protein is the most popular supplement because it helps your body do more than just repair and build muscles.

Protein is recommended for patients going through cancer therapy, anorexia, and other serious diseases.

Protein supplements are different in quality and effectiveness, so it’s worth spending a little more on quality.

  • Build lean muscle
  • Burn more fat
  • Help with cancer treatments
  • Increase strength for sports
  • Improve your immune system
  • Highly decreased muscle recovery time and symptoms
  • Lower cholesterol
  • + a lot more other benefits that can improve your overall health and well-being!
5

How Does Whey Protein Work?

How Does Whey Protein Work?

Whey protein contains a high concentration of branched-chain amino acids, also known as BCAAs, which are three of the nine essential amino acids used for repairing and preserving muscle tissue after a hard workout session.

During your workout, your body will start to break down amino acids for extra fuel, such as energy and power. Even though it’s not a big percentage of amino acids that it breaks down, it’s still enough for the body to start breaking down your muscles to deliver those BCAAs used. Breaking down your muscle to deliver amino acids will just take away all your hard work and results, so why would you allow it?

Whey protein plays a big role when it comes to delivering the ideal nutrients, protein, and amino acids to your muscles, allowing them to repair fully without ever having any negative impact on your muscle tissue.

6

Whey Protein Side Effects

Whey Protein Side Effects

Protein does NOT have any serious side effects that would be considered life-threatening. It’s the same as having cheese and milk produced, just a different process, and filtration has been done to it so it can turn into a powder form.

The only type of protein supplements you need to worry about are the ones with extra ingredients added to them for muscle growth, energy, and such that can affect your health.

Remember to get yourself a high-quality pure whey protein.

  • Feeling bloated
  • Gassy
  • Headaches (rare)
  • Cramps
  • Fatigue

None of these are serious side effects and definitely not life-threatening, but they can be very annoying.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, most of the time, it is due to the lactose, usually found more in whey protein concentrate, or it could be from sweeteners used.

The most “talked about” side-effect of a protein that has been going around is that too much protein can be bad for your kidneys. With plenty of research related to that concern, it’s not true for healthy individuals.

If you have kidney disease, eating a lot of protein could worsen your condition.

For a healthy individual with no known kidney disease, there is nothing to worry about when taking high amounts of protein.

If you want to add some quality lean muscle and speed up muscle recovery while minimizing muscle soreness, get a whey protein supplement and see the results yourself! That’s all information WhichChoose wants to bring you. Read it again and make some notes to ensure that you maintain your health and desired weight for as long as possible!

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