Protein, the body's major building material, is composed of amino acids. It is responsible for tissue growth, manufacturing antibodies and transporting nutrients. On top of that, protein also plays an essential role in maintaining the body's water balance. Although you should receive most of your protein from whole food sources, research indicates that taking protein supplements can supply a plethora of health benefits that enhance overall health.
Combats Diabetes and Obesity
Whey protein is a popular protein supplement that makes up 20 percent of cow's milk. Its ability to lower blood sugar levels might help combat diabetes and obesity. Brent Petersen led a team of researchers who examined the effects of adding a whey protein supplement to a glucose drink. Healthy subjects consumed a 50 g glucose drink with 0, 5, 10 or 20 g of whey protein. At the end of the study, scientists observed that whey protein reduced blood glucose levels in a dose dependent manner. Researchers are unsure of the mechanism behind the results, but suggest that it may have to with the increase of insulin secretion, according to the October 2009 issue of the "Nutrition Journal."
Boosts Muscle Protein Synthesis
Protein supplements are often useful around workouts, since their fast absorption rate can boost muscle protein synthesis, or the building of muscle proteins within muscle cells, and enhance recovery. Jason Tang and colleagues from McMaster University in Canada investigated the effects of fast digesting protein supplements whey hydrolysate and soy protein isolate and a slow digesting protein casein on protein synthesis. They discovered that consuming whey hydrolysate and soy protein isolate after resistance exercise increased protein synthesis higher than casein protein. Researchers believe that whey and soy proteins quick digestion is the reason for the results, according to the July 2009 issue of the "Journal of Applied Physiology."
Improves Heart Health
Whey protein ability to boost blood vessel function might improve heart health. Dr. Jeff Volek and colleagues studied the impact of a whey protein supplement on vascular function in healthy subjects. They discovered that participants taking in five grams of whey protein for two weeks experienced increases in blood flow and improvements in blood vessel function compared to those receiving a placebo, according to research reported in the July 2009 issue of the "Nutrition Journal."
References
- "Nutrition Journal": A whey protein supplement decreases post-prandial glycemia
- "Journal of Applied Physiology": Ingestion of whey hydrolysate, casein, or soy protein isolate: effects on mixed muscle protein synthesis at rest and following resistance exercise in young men
- Nutra Ingredients: Whey protein may improve heart health: Study
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