How Does The Gold Standard Protein Work?

"Gold Standard Whey" is a term used by many brands to describe their premium whey protein product--the one closest to the ideal of being pure protein. Most commonly utilized by athletes, especially weightlifters, whey protein of this level of purity enhances body composition by aiding rapid muscle growth and decreasing body fat. Furthermore, studies suggest that it may prevent conditions such as cancer and type-2 diabetes.

Identification

Whey protein consists of globular proteins derived as a by-product of cheese production. Because it is a naturally complete protein, it contains all of the ideal essential amino acids that are essential to sustain muscles.

Function

According to Phyllis and James Balch, authors of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing,, whey protein is used extensively by bodybuilders as it is easily digested and absorbed by the body. It is usually ingested after workouts to promote higher levels of amino acids in the blood, which are metabolized by the muscles and facilitate the repairing and building of lean muscle mass. However, if ingested prior to a workout, it improves blood flow by freeing up blood vessels, ultimately providing more nutrients for muscle tissue growth.

The Facts

Gold standard protein contains the highest levels of branched chain amino acids--BCAAs--compared to any other food source. Unlike other amino acids, BCAAs are the first amino acids to be metabolized during exercise, which is why they are so effective at building lean muscle mass and, says one study by the School of Molecular and Biomedical Science at the University of Adelaide, decreasing body body fat. Whey protein itself contains little to no carbohydrates or fat, and is thus an effective accompaniment to a low GI or low carbohydrate diet. Not only does consuming whey protein lead to the burning of more calories, since more energy is required to digest it, it also slows down the absorption of glucose in the bloodstream, which subsequently lowers insulin levels and improves your body's ability to burn fat. Gold standard protein also contains a high concentration of leucine--higher than in egg, milk and soy protein--an essential amino acid that aids protein synthesis and muscle tissue growth.

Types

Whey protein is available in three forms, namely concentrate, hydrolyslate, and isolate. Concentrates--30 percent to 90 percent protein--are generally lower in fat and cholesterol, but higher in lactose; hydrolyslates are more easily absorbed and may be less allergenic than other forms of whey; and isolates, the most popular form of whey found in gold standard protein products. These are free of fat and lactose and provide 90 percent protein or more.

Considerations

Because whey protein contains little to no fat or cholesterol--the two main contributors of obesity and heart disease--and helps to control blood glucose levels, it is highly beneficial for people with type-2 diabetes and may even prevent the onset of the disease itself. In addition to assisting type-2 diabetes patients, it is also suggested that it could prevent cancer as it tends to, say researchers at McGill University in Montreal, "exert an inhibitory effect on the development of several types of tumors."