Hydrolyzed protein is a variety of whey protein isolate that is processed to remove all lactose leaving nothing but the protein, minerals, and peptide fractions, which allow them to be absorbed more quickly. A byproduct of cheese production, hydrolyzed whey protein has been lauded in the treatment of some disorders, and can serve as an adjunct to a healthy diet and exercise program during your weight loss quest.
Hydrolyzed Protein and Appetite
Proteins of many varieties have shown that they are excellent appetite suppressants that perform far superior to fats and carbohydrates. Researchers attribute this to a hormone called cholecystokinin, which is released following meals to let your brain know that you are full. Cholecystokinin can be modulated by hydrolyzed whey consumption, according to Life Extension Foundation scientists who had subjects consume a scoop of hydrolyzed whey protein powder mixed with water and then gave them access to an all-you-can-eat buffet. Those fed whey ate significantly fewer calories than subjects who consumed another type of protein powder.
Insulin Sensititvy and Hydrolyzed Protein
Hydrolyzed protein powders may help improve insulin sensitivity — the ability of your body to utilize insulin — according to Dr. Douglas Belobrajdic's research, published in the June 2004 edition of Journal of Nutrition. Belobrajdic demonstrated that regular consumption of protein powder resulted in 40 percent higher insulin sensitivity and significantly less fat storage when compared to subjects fed the same amount of calories in red meat. Improve your insulin sensitivity by consuming 1 to 2 scoops of hydrolyzed protein powder each day.
Hydrolyzed Protein and the Brain
Weight loss programs involve burning more calories each day than you consume, which is perceived by the body to be a threat, a stressor. With stress, the body increases the production of the hormone cortisol and decreases the availability of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which leads to more fat storage, loss of muscle tissue, mood depression, and difficulty sticking to your dietary plan. Research by Dr. Chris Markus published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition demonstrated that consuming a single scoop of protein powder significantly reduced the rise in cortisol and the drop in serotonin during acute stress.
Protein and Immune Function
Stressful dieting can suppress the immune system and put you at an increased risk of illness. Supplementing with hydrolyzed protein can help boost the immune system while dieting by increasing the level of glutathione, which works to detoxify the body and protect the immune cells from damage. According to 2001 research by Dr. Per Micke of the University of Stuttgart, subjects consuming at least 30 g of refined protein powder each day had elevated levels of glutathione and decreased illness.
Warning
Speak with your doctor prior to beginning any weight loss diet, supplement, or exercise program to ensure that you are healthy enough to do so and your actions will not lead to undue harm or injury.
References
- "Life Extension Magazine"; How Whey Promotes Weight Loss; Will Brink; March 2006
- "Journal of Nutrition"; A high-whey-protein diet reduces body weight gain and alters insulin sensitivity relative to red meat in wistar rats; Douglas Belobrajdic, PhD; June 2004
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; The bovine protein alpha-lactalbumin increases the plasma ratio of tryptophan to the other large neutral amino acids, and in vulnerable subjects raises brain serotonin activity, reduces cortisol concentration, and improves mood under stress; Chris Markus, PhD; June 2000
- "European Journal of Clinical Investigation"; Oral supplementation with whey proteins increases plasma glutathione levels; Per Micke, MD; February 2001
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