Many would be surprised at the importance of protein in the body, considering it’s something we hear about daily. But a body without the proper levels of protein is at greater risk of weight loss, muscle loss, fatigue, depression and anxiety, and even low sex drive! When your body detects issues with metabolism, it starts craving the energy it needs fast – namely, junk food, to get by until the next healthy meal. It’s consequently no surprise that a lack of protein can cause many issues beyond a lack of energy or strength. Let’s explore the all-important protein, why it’s important and what benefits it provides.
Why is Protein Important?
Proteins are one of the most critical elements of our daily health, affecting everything from hair and bones, to skin, blood, hormones, and other bodily chemicals. Considered a “macronutrient” and in the same categories as fat and carbs, your body needs a large amount of protein nutrition to stay healthy and balanced. Sadly, unlike fat and carbohydrates, your body does not store excess protein, making it vital that you incorporate a large amount of it in your daily food intake.
What is a Whey Protein?
Whey protein is the primary protein found in dairy, packed full of amino acids that are vital to the human body. Dairy products contain both casein protein and whey protein, with whey protein remoted from casein when extracted from cheese byproducts. Whey proteins are typically found in powder forms, as they mix easily with drinks or soft foods, coming in a variety of flavors and brands. Because of their easily mixed powder form, and proven ability to improve athletic performance and help with common health issues, whey isolate protein meal shakes, and supplements are popular with fitness buffs and average healthy eaters alike.
What Does Whey Protein do?
Food with protein in high levels, like cottage cheese, tuna and shrimp and avocados, are relied on to help with many physical ailments and to boost overall health. Research shows that whey proteins are helpful in many of these same health-related situations, for athletes and health enthusiasts alike. A few of the issues whey protein supplements are called on to assist with are:
1. Training
– Athletes love whey protein for its reputation for helping increase muscle mass and strength when used in conjunction with a strength training program.
2. Malnutrition
– Whey proteins are used for people suffering from autoimmune diseases like HIV and AIDS, and also helps older adults gain and keep weight on.
3. Healing
– whey proteins are used to treat both chronic wounds and injuries like burns.
4. Enhanced Antioxidants
– Antioxidants help reduce oxidation and reduce the risks of many chronic diseases. Your body’s natural production of glutathione relies on amino acids to operate at the highest efficiency. Whey protein work closely with glutathione to boost your natural antioxidants.
5. Allergies
– Research from the Mayo Clinic says that infants who are given a hydrolyzed form of whey protein are at less risk of recurrent skin conditions like eczema or other allergies.
Benefits of Whey Protein Powder
1. Weight Loss
– In a recent study of 158 weight-focused individuals, Nutrition & Metabolism found that those who added whey protein to their regular food intake lost more body fat and gained more lean muscle than those who relied on other types of nutrition sources. In addition, whey protein supplements are super filling, meaning less risk of abandoning your healthy diet.
2. Reduces Inflammation
– Sufferers of both long and short-term inflammation can use whey proteins to reduce inflammation from the body. While relatively high doses are needed to reduce the amount of C-reactive protein in the body, taking this amount is proven to reduce most types of inflammation.
3. Prevents Heart Disease
– Whey proteins battle high blood pressure, the leading cause of heart disease. One study of those at risk of heart disease found that “54 g/day for 12 weeks, lowered systolic blood pressure by 4%.”
4. Helps Manage Diabetes
– In 2018 nearly 34.2 million Americans suffered from diabetes. There are potentially 7.3 million undiagnosed diabetes sufferers in America, making whey protein a hugely important cure, even over protein-heavy foods like egg white or fish.
Whey Protein Powder Nutrition Facts
How much whey protein do I need to see benefits? The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services advises teenage boys and active men to have around 3 daily servings (7oz) of protein per day. Children, teenage girls, active women, or the average man need 2 servings (6oz) per day. This usually falls somewhere around 2 scoops, if you are talking about protein powder, which is easily mixed with smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt or even water or milk. For more information on the
best isolate whey protein options for all your health needs, turn to AllMax today.
