There are a variety of protein powders to choose from – different flavors, different types, and different protein quantities. The types of protein powder that are most commonly used and considered to be most effective are Protein Whey isolates and concentrate.
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Why is whey protein preferred to other protein powders?
All forms of protein are formed from different blocks of amino acids chained together. Some powders contain less leucine, for example, which makes them less effective for muscle growth.
Whey protein has a 100 PDCAAS protein quality score, which means it contains all the essential amino acids and is high in leucine. The essential amino acids that whey contains also help your tendons, organs, skin and joints recover from prolonged periods of stress.
Protein powders that contain all nine of the essential amino acids are the ones most commonly used for bodybuilding. Whey is one of them, leading the charts with high-quality BCAAs.
Whey protein is derived from milk and might not be ideal for people who are lactose intolerant. Whey Isolate contains less lactose than whey concentrate and is recommended for users who experience digestive issues.
For everyone who can handle lactose, whey is considered to be the best option out there both for muscle gain and weight loss. It gives you a feeling of having eaten and makes you less hungry afterwards, aiding you in weight loss.
Another thing to consider is if you are not a fan of artificial sweeteners, stabilizers and emulsifiers, then you should consider a more expensive form of clean unflavored whey protein, extracted from grass-fed only cows.
How is whey protein made?
Whey protein is manufactured through a complex process of extracting it from milk, which is heated to kill the bacteria within. Afterwards, higher temperatures are used to split milk into curd and a liquid form of whey.
The whey part is filtered and dehydrated by being dried into becoming a powder. Some forms of protein are further processed with enzymes and heating to reach an even cleaner state by eliminating carbs and fats.
The packaging of protein is also important since all proteins have an expiry date and can lose quality if exposed to bad conditions. Before packaging, however, high-quality brands test all their products to see if the content provided is enough for their standard.
FAQs about whey protein
Is soy protein better than whey protein?
Soy protein has one advantage over whey protein – it promotes muscle synthesis at a higher rate. However, soy products contain isoflavones which are estrogen-like compounds that promote breast cancer and impair female fertility. In high quantities, soy products can be dangerous for your health.
What are the side effects of whey protein?
Whey protein in higher qualities might cause acne, digestive stress, diarrhea or constipation. Higher protein intake in general can lead to all of these things. Whey, in particular, contains lactose, which can be hard to digest for lactose-intolerant people.
When is the best time to drink a whey protein shake?
The best time to drink a shake is either in the morning with your breakfast or post-workout. The reason for this is to supply your body with the much-needed amino acids to start muscle repair and growth. Combining protein with carbs and fat is even better and lets you digest it at a slightly slower rate than usual, which is preferred.
