Whey protein constitutes 20 percent of milk protein and contains all the essential amino acids that are needed for bodily functions. Whey protein can undergo filtration, a process that removes most of the fat, carbs and lactose sugar. This results in a form of whey protein known as whey isolate, a protein source consisting of 90 to 98 percent protein. Research indicates that whey isolate provides a wide range of health benefits. Consult with your health care provider before taking any supplements.
Increases Body Fat Loss
In findings reported in the 2006 issue of the "International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism," researchers examined the effects of whey protein isolate and resistance training on strength and body composition. Participants with resistance training experience received whey protein isolate or casein protein for ten weeks while following a weight training program. At the end of the study, scientists found that the whey isolate group lost more body fat and gained more lean mass compared to the casein protein. Furthermore, the study also revealed that the whey isolate group also experienced greater gains in strength than the casein group.
Improves Glutathione Levels
In research published in the 2009 issue of the "Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology," researchers studied the impact of whey isolate supplementation on glutathione levels, a potent antioxidant produced by the body, on patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, a form of liver disease that often has no symptoms. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis patients often have glutathione deficiency. Subjects were given daily doses of whey isolate for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, patients experienced increases in antioxidant capacity and glutathione levels.
Reduces Muscle Damage
Researchers from Victoria University, Australia examined the effects of whey isolate consumption on exercise-induced muscle damage, according to research reported in the 2010 issue of the "Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition." Participants without training experience received whey isolate or carbohydrates while undergoing exercise-induced muscle damage. Scientists found that the group taking whey isolate had less muscle damage seven days after the training sessions compared to the carbohydrate group. Whey isolate reduces muscle damage by decreasing lactate dehydrogenase, a blood marker of muscle damage, according to researchers.
References
- PubMed: The effect of whey isolate and resistance training on strength, body composition, and plasma glutamine
- Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology: Open-labeled pilot study of cysteine-rich whey protein isolate supplementation for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis patients
- Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition: Whey protein isolate attenuates strength decline after eccentrically-induced muscle damage in healthy individuals
Member Comments