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In
recent years, the subject of whey protein has come up often in
health discussions. Know what whey protein is, its possible
benefits and side effects and more as you read on.
What is
Whey Protein
Whey
protein is actually a term used to describe a group of globular
proteins that can be separated from whey. When cow’s milk is
used to manufacture cheese, it also leads to the production of
whey, which may or may not be discarded. It is a mixture of
lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin and serum albumin.
Similar
to protein found in egg white, whey protein can also be
irreversibly changed by heat. When made part of the
pasteurization process, it becomes less bio-active. If not, whey
protein naturally becomes bio-active which basically means it
contains a high concentration of cysteine and consequently
glutathione, an antioxidant that is essential to improved
fitness and health.
Bio-active whey protein is an active source for protein but
exposure to extreme heat can easily reduce the amount of
cysteine in it without affecting its protein content and basic
food value. Native whey protein
What
Makes It Good for the Body
Because
whey protein contains an inordinate amount of essential and
non-essential acids, it frequently plays a prominent role in
most low-carb and high-protein diets. Another reason for this is
because of its low content of fats and of course, carbohydrates.
Why Pregnant Mothers Love Whey Protein
A number of OBs have advised their gravid patients to increase
their intake of whey protein because it will provide the basic
amount of amino acids needed by the growing infants inside their
bodies. An increased intake of whey protein will naturally
improve and speed up the development of the baby. Also,
increased intake of whey protein will indirectly improve the
immune system of the baby. In its growing stages, it is highly
vulnerable to different types of illnesses. With the help of
whey protein, it grow faster and better and more equipped to
defend itself against any health complication.
Whey Protein for Bodybuilding Enthusiasts
For bodybuilders, muscle growth is everything and that’s why
they love whey protein so much. Studies have satisfactorily
proven that whey protein can lead to acceleration of muscle
development. This is welcomed news especially for bodybuilders
who are only a few weeks away from the date of competition but
is still in high need of muscle growth.
How it Helps Athletes Busy Recovering from Old Injuries
In this case, whey protein saves the day once more because it
can be used to supplement diets of individuals who are suffering
from compromised immune systems. Basically, it helps athletes
heal faster and feel better.
A Weapon against Degenerative Diseases
Although you can’t truly say that any disease is less painful
than the other if both have life-altering consequences, it is an
inarguable fact however that degenerative diseases are one of
the worst health complications to suffer from. These illnesses
tend to subject people to a protracted form of suffering and
with symptoms with increasing levels of severity. They commonly
affect three systems in particular: the nervous system, the
muscular system and the skeletal system.
Although rarely curable, degenerative diseases can be treated
through chemotherapy, surgical operations and the proper diet.
Whey protein is often a part of this diet because of its
rehabilitative benefits especially when it comes to muscle
growth. Cancer, diabetes and AIDS have symptoms that causes
muscle strength and growth to deteriorate – an undesirable
effect that can be combated with increased intake of whey
protein.
Where to Buy Whey Protein
Are you sufficiently convinced of the benefits of whey protein
then? If so, you should be happy to know that you can avail of
commercial whey protein product in most supermarkets and
specialty food stores specializing in healthy food.
Ending with a Warning
Whey protein is good for the body – no doubt about it – but too
much consumption of anything is never beneficial. Too much
intake of whey protein can lead to unnecessary complications of
your liver. And need we remind you that the liver is the next
most important organ in the body? Lastly, lactose intolerant
individuals must consume whey protein isolate rather than the
normal variety as the former has less lactose content.
Other
Valuable Weight Loss, Health, and Dieting Websites:
WebMD.com
MayoClinic.com
About.com
CNN Health
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