09 May The Ins and Outs of Whey Protein

Are you looking for a way to get more protein in your diet?  While experts agree that most Americans do not need to get more protein in their diets unless they are serious athletes, in which case they may need to consume a little extra protein, you diet and workout routine may benefit from adding extra protein to your diet. 

You may be surprised to learn that there are actually many different types of protein out there for you to select from.  One of these types of protein is whey protein.  But, what exactly is whey protein and why might you want to include it in your diet?

Manufacturing Whey Protein

You may be surprised to learn that whey protein is actually a by-product of the cheese manufacturing process.  So, when cheese is made from cow’s milk, whey protein is made as well!  This is why whey protein contains a number of different nutrients and essential amino acids. Consuming foods containing the essential amino acids is important, as our bodies cannot produce these amino acids and the only way we can get them is through the foods we eat.  These essential amino acids include:

· Histidine
· Isoleucine
· Leucine
· Lysine
· Methionine
· Phenylalanine
· Threonine
· Tryptophan
· Valine

The Benefits of Using Whey Protein

If you do need to get more protein in your diet, there are many benefits associated with choosing whey protein.  Some of these include:

· It is absorbed quickly by the body
· It increases lean muscle mass
· It assists with fat and weight loss
· It is increases energy levels
· It improves the function of the immune system
· It helps stabilize blood sugar levels
· It encourages the growth of bone

Some research has also indicated that consuming whey protein can help prevent prostate cancer as well as chronic periodontal disease.