What is Whey Protein

what is whey protein
what is whey protein

While a lot of people know what whey protein is, many people are totally unaware of what it actually is or what it does. Even many of those people who know what whey protein does, do not know what it is made up of etc.

What is Whey Protein?

Whey protein is one of the most-popular and most-utilized bodybuilding supplements of all times. It is that one supplement that even those bodybuilders take who are consuming plentiful protein throughout the day. Why? Because protein is never enough. Besides, it is extremely difficult to consume as much protein as one requires because there are not too many protein-rich foods or products out there.

What is Whey Protein Made up of?

During the conversion process of milk into cheese, whey protein is separated. Whey is the best source of protein that is available to us. Whey protein comes in shape of powder that can be mixed in either water or milk. It is also used in many food recipes that body builders consume, such as weight gainers, pancakes, cake, cookies and so on.

Whey protein plays a vital role as an antioxidant which helps support a healthy immune system of the bodybuilders. Whey protein is rich in amino acids, which can be classified in three categories:

  1. Essential Amino Acids
  2. Non-Essential Amino Acids
  3. Conditionally Essential Amino Acids

The essential aminos in most whey protein powder are threonine, valine, leucine, lysine and isoleucine. Non-essential amino-acids, on the other hand, include serine, alanine and aspartic acid. Lastly, conditionally essential aminos are glutamine and proline. Whey protein is also highly famous amongst body builders as well as sports ahtelets because it is rich with calcium and potassium.

Why do Bodybuilders Prefer Whey Protein over Real Food

Whey protein is easy to consume. You can carry it around in a gym bag or a shaker bottle and drink whenever you need. All you need to do is to add water or milk into the whey, shake it and gulp it down. As soon as the whey goes into your system, it starts re-energizing your immune system and repairing the muscle breakdown that you have during your workout sessions.

Risks Associated with Whey Protein

Large doses of whey protein are not recommended as it may overload your liver and you won’t be getting the same results which you would get with a lower dose. High amounts of whey protein may also damage your kidneys, which is why it is advised to consume whey protein shakes on different times throughout the day. Whey protein works best if it is taken first thing in the morning and post workout.

Why Should you use Whey Protein

One scoop of whey protein provides 22 – 26 grams of protein, depending on its formulation and scooper size. If you would have to consume the same amount of protein from real food, you’ll have to cook and eat a chicken breast, beef steak or 6 – 7 egg whites. So what wins in the whey protein vs real food? Yes, you guessed it right; whey is the winner.

Leave a comment


Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here