Thursday 10 May 2012

Whey Protein

Whey Protein is said to be a high quality protein that everyone can benefit from, but what is it? and how do we benefit?

Whey protein is a collective term for a group of globular proteins that are a by-product of the manufacturing of cheese. So essentially a dairy product.

What are globular proteins and what effect do the proteins in Whey have on our bodies?

A globular protein is a spherical protein that is more or less soluble in water.

PROTEINS FOUND IN WHEY:
Betalactoglobulin - makes up 50-55% of whey protein and is rich in BCAA (Branched chain amino acids - building block of muscle and tissue).

Alphalactalbumin - An essential amino acid which aids in the production of serotonin and regulates sleep cycle, amongst other things.

Glycomacropeptide - Helps control and prevent dental plaque.

Immunoglobulins - Help fight infection and antigens in the body.

Bovine Serum Albumin - Used to stabilise certain enzymes in the blood.

Lactoferrin - Inhibits growth of bacteria and fungi due to its interaction with iron.

Lactoperoxidase - Natural antibacterial agent.

Lysozyme - Immunity enhancing properties.

As whey protein is a dairy by-product it contains approximately 6% lactose. So for people that are sensitive to lactose, Whey protein isolate is recommended, which is achieved through a different filtering process. Whey protein isolate can be so refined that it can be virtually lactose free, carbohydrate free, fat free and cholesterol free.

EFFECTS:
- Increased lean muscle
- Increased strength
- Improved immunological responses
- Supposed prevention of cancer
- Improves speed of recovery following illness
- Prevent weight loss and promote immune function in patients with HIV

POSSIBLE SIDE-EFFECTS:
- Bowel and digestive irritation (These symptoms may however be a result of the artificial sweetener that is used to flavor the protein and switching to an unsweetened whey may alleviate these symptoms).
- Suggested liver and kidney problems when taken in high doses, but this has not been adequately researched.


HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH?
The recommended maximum intake of protein for adults is 0,9grams per 1pound of body weight (Roughly 2grams per kilogram body weight). This amount however needs to be spread across the entire diet and not just taken from whey protein. Dosage and concentration of whey protein is specific to each brand.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whey_protein_isolate
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whey_protein
http://www.nationaldairycouncil.org/EDUCATIONMATERIALS/HEALTHPROFESSIONALSEDUCATIONKITS/Pages/WheyProtein.aspx
http://wheyoflife.org/home/health-nutrition/protein-requirements/protein-calculator/
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-833-WHEY%20PROTEIN.aspx?activeIngredientId=833&activeIngredientName=WHEY%20PROTEIN
http://www.bodybuildingforyou.com/protein/whey-protein-sideeffects-information.htm

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