7 Health Benefits of Whey Protein

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Whey protein helps in enhancing muscle growth. (Image via Unsplash / Lyfe Fuel)
Whey protein helps in enhancing muscle growth. (Image via Unsplash / Lyfe Fuel)

If you are into fitness at any level, chances are you have heard about whey protein. You may have a general understanding that whey protein is good for you, but do you understand how and why?

Whey protein is one of the most effective supplements on the market today when it comes to improving your performance in the gym or enhancing recovery time between training sessions. The great thing about whey protein is that it's natural, gives you more energy and body mass, which is beneficial if you're trying to build muscle.


Why Whey Protein Is Beneficial for You?

Here're seven reasons why whey protein can be beneficial for you:

1) Top-quality Protein

One of the best sources of protein. (Image via Unsplash / Kelly Sikkema)
One of the best sources of protein. (Image via Unsplash / Kelly Sikkema)

During the production of cheese, a liquid separates from the milk; this liquid is called whey.

Part of the whey is pure protein,which is used to create protein powders and other high-quality supplements. Whey protein is considered one of the best sources of protein available for human consumption.

The three primary varieties of whey protein powder are:

  • concentrate (WPC)
  • isolate (WPI)
  • hydrolysate (WPH)

The most typical and least expensive kind is concentrate. Whey protein is very well-liked as a dietary supplement among bodybuilders, athletes and anyone who want more protein in their diet.


2) Promote Muscle Growth

Helps in promoting muscle growth. (Image via Pexels / Samer Daboul)
Helps in promoting muscle growth. (Image via Pexels / Samer Daboul)

As people age, their muscular mass gradually decreases. Whey protein encourages muscle growth.

Typically, that causes weight gain and increases the chance of developing several chronic conditions. However, a combination of strength training and a healthy diet can partially halt, avoid or reverse this undesirable change in body composition.

It has been demonstrated that combining strength training and eating high-protein foods or protein supplements is an efficient prophylactic measure. High-quality protein sources like whey are particularly beneficial.


3) May Lower Blood Pressure

Helps in lowering blood pressure. (Image via Pexels / Photomix Company)
Helps in lowering blood pressure. (Image via Pexels / Photomix Company)

Hypertension, or abnormally high blood pressure, is one of the main risk factors for heart disease.

Dairy product consumption has been associated in numerous studies to lower blood pressure. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, a family of bioactive peptides found in dairy, are thought to be responsible for this impact (ACE-inhibitors).

The ACE-inhibitors found in whey proteins are known as lactokinins. Numerous research on animals has shown that they have positive impact on blood pressure.


4) Help Decrease Inflammation

Reduces inflammation on the body. (Image via Pexels / Towfiqu Barbhuiya)
Reduces inflammation on the body. (Image via Pexels / Towfiqu Barbhuiya)

A part of the body's reaction to harm is inflammation. Although temporary inflammation can be advantageous; in some cases it can also become chronic.

Chronic inflammation poses a risk for many diseases and can be hazardous. It might be an indication of underlying medical issues or unhealthy lifestyle choices.

In a major review study, it was discovered that high dosages of whey protein supplements—more than or equivalent to 20 grams per day—significantly decreased C-reactive protein (CRP), a crucial indicator of cellular inflammation.


5) Help Treat Type 2 Diabetes

Regulates blood sugar and insulin levels. (Image via Pexels / Artem Podrez)
Regulates blood sugar and insulin levels. (Image via Pexels / Artem Podrez)

Chronic type 2 diabetes is characterised by elevated blood sugar and decreased insulin action.

A hormone called insulin is designed to promote the uptake of blood sugar into cells and maintain it in normal range. It has been discovered that whey protein is efficient in regulating blood sugar by raising insulin levels and improving the body's sensitivity to its effects.

Whey protein appears to offer an advantage over other protein sources, like egg white or seafood.


6) Help Lose Weight

Speeds up metabolism and reduces weight. (Image via Pexels / Ketut Subiyanto)
Speeds up metabolism and reduces weight. (Image via Pexels / Ketut Subiyanto)

Studies conducted by the National Institutes for Health have demonstrated the beneficial effects of dietary protein, such as whey, as a contributor to weight loss. When it comes to fat removal, whey protein performs better than other proteins, as it:

  • speeds up metabolism
  • preserves and sustains muscular mass
  • reduces appetite.

To boost outcomes, include whey protein in your food plan for weight loss.


7) Improve Overall Health

Promotes overall wellness. (Image via Unsplash / How to gym)
Promotes overall wellness. (Image via Unsplash / How to gym)

The body naturally contains antioxidants, which reduces the chance of developing chronic illnesses. Natural antioxidants are increased by whey protein and other high-cysteine diets, preventing chronic illnesses.

According to a study, whey protein supplements can help those with chronic illnesses have better liver function.


How to Incorporate Whey Protein in Your Daily Diet?

With a few exceptions, most people can tolerate moderate whey protein supplementation.

Whey protein hydrolysate or isolate may be preferable than concentrate if you're lactose-intolerant. Before using a protein supplement, talk to your doctor if you've ever experienced liver or renal issues.

Whey protein is eventually more than just a practical way to increase your protein intake, as it also might offer some significant health advantages.


Bottom Line

It’s best to assess your goal, fitness level and diet before selecting a protein supplement. Whey may be beneficial as a muscle builder, or if you'relooking to stay in shape without gaining weight. However, if you're trying to lose weight, a plant based protein would likely be more beneficial for you along with healthy eating and exercise.

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