Whey protein is one of the two major proteins that constitute milk protein. It's filtered and processed to produce whey protein powder, a low-fat, low-carb, high-protein product. Evidence suggests that whey protein has a wide range of health benefits, from preventing cancer to improving body composition. Consult your health care provider before taking any whey products.
Combats Cancer
Whey protein might play a role in preventing and treating cancer, according to a review of literature studies reported on by the Food Navigator website. Whey protein has been shown to inhibit growth of breast cancer cells and tumors in cancer patients. In addition, whey protein might be twice as effective as soy protein in preventing cancer. Whey protein helps to increase or maintain levels of glutathione, a potent antioxidant that is reduced in cancer patients during radiation and chemotherapy.
Improves Body Composition
Researchers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture studied the impact of whey protein versus soy protein and carbohydrate on body composition, or fat to muscle ratio in the body. Overweight and obese participants were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: whey protein, soy protein, or carbohydrate for six months. At the end of the study, which was presented at the April 2009 Experimental Biology meeting in San Francisco, scientists discovered that the whey protein group experienced greater body fat loss, especially from the waist, than the other groups. Furthermore, the whey protein group preserved more muscle mass compared to the soy and carbohydrate groups.
Reduces Blood Pressure
Consuming a whey protein beverage might lower blood pressure, according to lead researcher Susan Fluegel and colleagues from Washington State University. In a study reported in the December 2010 issue of the "International Dairy Journal," scientists discovered that prehypertensive and hypertensive young adults consuming a whey protein beverage per day for six weeks experienced improvements in blood pressure levels compared to those taking a placebo.
References
- Food Navigator: Whey could prevent cancer - study suggests
- California Dairy Research Foundation: Study finds whey protein improves body composition, reduces waist circumference
- Science Daily: Whey Supplements Lower Blood Pressure: Low-Cost Protein Gets Big Results in People With Elevated Blood Pressure
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