Everything You Need To Know About Whey Protein • Hello Healthy
Protein is one of the nutrients that humans need, which functions to build muscles and body tissues. But there are many types of protein itself. One of them is whey protein. Whey protein is widely used by athletes and people who want to increase muscle mass. Here’s everything you need to know about whey protein.
Various interesting facts about whey protein
1. Have a different form and function
There are 3 forms of whey protein: powder, concentrate, and isolate. Whey powder is often used in the food industry, for example meat, bread and snacks. This type of whey protein is more often used in food than sports supplements.
Whey concentrate is a type of whey that has gone through a process of separating water, lactose and a small amount of minerals. This type of whey contains many active components so it is often used by athletes as a sports supplement.
Meanwhile, whey isolate is a source of pure protein because it contains a protein concentration of up to 90% or more. In whey, fat and lactose are completely separated so that it can be consumed by people who have lactose intolerance. However, even though the protein content is high, this type of whey contains a lot of denatured protein in the processing process so that it is less effective for building muscle.
2. Can increase immunity
Whey contains cysteine, an amino acid that contains antioxidants. Cysteine can help the body fight various diseases. Several studies have also shown that people who eat whey protein are less likely to be infected with bacteria or viruses
3. Inhibits the breakdown of body protein
Whey protein contains BCAAs, which are a group of amino acids that have an important role in increasing protein synthesis and inhibiting protein breakdown in the body. Therefore, BCAAs can maintain protein levels in the body.
4. More effective than casein protein
Casein is a type of protein component that can be found in milk and gives milk its white color. Casein is absorbed by the body longer and slowly than whey protein. In addition, research has shown that whey consumption increases protein formation by 68% compared to casein which is only 31%.
5. Best consumed before, after, or during exercise
Consumption of whey immediately before, after, or during exercise will increase muscle mass and maximum muscle recovery in athletes.
6. Helping muscle recovery after exercise
The BCAAs contained in whey can also help the muscle recovery process after exercise. Besides that, the feeling of soreness due to exercise will also disappear faster by consuming whey protein.
7. Can improve sports performance
Apart from cysteine, whey contains the amino acid tryptophan. During exercise, this amino acid is consumed by the brain so that it will produce serotonin, a substance that causes feelings of fatigue. When tryptophan levels increase, this can reduce serotonin production so as to reduce fatigue.
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