Whey protein: discover the most important benefits and harms
Whey protein is used as a nutritional supplement to increase muscle mass for the body, and it consists mainly of whey protein, which is one of the main proteins found in dairy products. In this article, we will talk about the benefits and harms of whey protein, so continue reading with us.
What is whey protein?
Milk contains two main types of protein: casein (80%) and whey (20%).
Whey protein is a by-product of the cheese-making process. After being separated during cheese production, the whey goes through various processing steps to become what people know as whey protein.
Protein provides large amounts of essential amino acids needed to perform the functions that proteins perform in the body.
Whey protein can be added to liquids or soft foods, such as applesauce, or mixed with ice and fresh fruit to make a smoothie.
Types of whey protein
There are several types of whey protein, and these types differ according to the method of processing the protein, to include the following:
1. Whey Protein Concentrate
It is about 70% to 80% protein; high in lactose and fat; Therefore, it is not suitable in times of drying.
2. Whey Protein Isolate
It is about 90% protein or more; contains less lactose and fat; Because of their isolation, whey isolate protein is suitable for drying times.
3. Hydrolyzed Whey Protein
It is the fastest absorbing type; As long protein chains are broken down into shorter chains, it is also suitable for drying.
Benefits of whey protein
The most popular use of whey protein supplements is to increase muscle mass and strength, and it is very popular among athletes, bodybuilders, as well as people looking to improve their performance in the gym.
Ways that whey promotes muscle gain include:
- Building blocks: Whey Protein provides protein and amino acids, which act as building blocks for increased muscle growth.
- Hormones: It increases the release of hormones that can stimulate muscle growth, such as insulin.
- Leucine: Whey protein is high in the amino acid leucine, which is known to stimulate muscle protein synthesis on a molecular as well as genetic level.
- Fast absorption: Whey protein is absorbed and used more quickly by the body than other types of protein, such as soy protein or casein protein.
Other whey protein benefits include:
1. Helping lose weight
In one study of 158 people, those given whey protein lost more body fat and showed greater lean muscle preservation than people who didn’t take it.
2. Anti-cancer properties
Promising results have been published in the journal Anticancer Research when using whey protein concentrate in the treatment of cancer, but more research is still needed.
3. Lower cholesterol
A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, when 70 overweight men and women were given whey protein supplements for 12 weeks, measured a number of factors, such as lipid and insulin levels.
A significant decrease in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol was found at week 12 in the whey protein group compared to the casein protein group.
4. Asthma treatment
Studies have found that whey protein can improve the immune response in children with asthma.
One study included 11 children with asthma who were given 10 grams of whey protein twice a day for a month, and when measured, they had an improved immune response.
5. Reducing blood pressure and cardiovascular disease
Research published in the International Dairy Journal found that beverages supplemented with whey protein significantly lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients, as well as reduce the risk of heart disease or stroke.
6. Reducing weight loss in people with HIV
A study published in a scientific journal found that whey protein may help reduce weight loss among patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Damage to whey protein
Usually, whey protein does not cause negative symptoms, but despite this, taking very high doses of it can cause the following:
- stomach pain.
- cramps.
- lack of appetite
- Nausea.
- Headache.
- Fatigue.
- young love.
Some people who are allergic to milk may be particularly sensitive to whey protein.
Dosage of whey protein and how to use it
It is recommended to follow the instructions on the packaging, and the recommended dose is usually about 25 to 50 grams per day, and studies have differed on when whey protein can be taken during the day?
Whey protein has been shown to be particularly effective in increasing muscle growth when taken directly before, after or during exercise, but muscle protein synthesis usually takes place in the time period after training; Therefore, it is preferable to take it after exercise.
One of the best ways to use whey protein for beginners is to mix one scoop of the powder in about 350ml of cold water, milk, or any other beverage.
Shake and mix well until the protein is dissolved, then use as a post-workout snack.
Whey protein price
It should be noted that the price varies from country to country, and prices may vary from time to time as well, depending on the changes that occur in the market. The average price of whey protein ranges as follows:
- In Egypt: the price of a packet of whey protein ranges between about 200 to 1900 Egyptian pounds.
- In Saudi Arabia: the price of a packet of whey protein ranges from 159.85 to 309.35 Saudi riyals.
Whey protein and creatine
After we learned in the article about the benefits and role of whey protein in building muscle, some may also resort to using other proteins such as creatine; To get a body beauty body.
Creatine helps:
- Reducing the feeling of fatigue after a strong sporting effort.
- Helping the athlete withstand the pressure of exercise.
- Increasing the percentage of muscle in the body compared to fat during exercise.
But does creatine cause side effects on the body? Is it recommended to take it for bodybuilding, or to improve the body of people looking to improve their gym performance?
Whey protein and deca
Deca supplements are used to treat joint pain, by building up the soft tissues around the joints, leading to their repair. Deca also reduces friction in the joints and relieves pain and inflammation in conditions such as osteoarthritis.
Dica can be used alone or with another medication such as protein whey, but it is best taken with food. To prevent stomach upset. Deca should be taken regularly as instructed by the doctor.
Dica may cause some common side effects, such as nausea, indigestion, and heartburn. So if you are experiencing any side effect, tell your doctor; to help you prevent or reduce them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does whey protein cause infertility?
Whey protein does not cause infertility for those who take it, but caution must be taken when consuming it, especially in the case of pregnant women or those who want to become pregnant.
Does whey protein cause hair loss?
One of the side effects that can appear when using whey protein is hair loss.