Whey, pronounced like "way," is a protein found in milk. A common form of protein powder found in health food stores, whey powder is created as a by-product of the cheese-making process. After the ingredients necessary for cheese are separated from milk, the remaining whey is purified through ion exchange and dried to powder form. The powder is used as an alternate source of protein and for many other health benefits.
Source of Protein
Protein is a structural component of every cell in your body, and it functions as enzymes, hormones, and other important molecules in bodily functions. Most Americans get adequate protein through diet, but many people choose protein powders like whey as a dietary supplement to aid in fitness and weight loss. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines Advisory committee says you need .8 grams of a good-quality protein per kilogram of body weight each day. Whey protein is considered an excellent source of protein, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is a healthful way to obtain protein besides eating meat, which contains higher levels of calories, saturated fat and cholesterol than whey protein powder. Some vegetarians who, for health reasons, can't eat solid food, can also enjoy whey protein without serious side effects.
Muscle Building
Whey protein powder contains essential amino acids that help your body build muscle and shed fat. According to "The Abs Diet Eat Right Every Time Guide," whey protein powder contains the highest amount of protein you can get with the fewest calories. People who use it for exercise performance often take it as a pre-workout shake. "The Abs Diet" says doing so helps increase protein synthesis by having a measure of protein available when blood flow to the muscle starts to increase through working out. That blood then gets more protein to deliver as needed throughout your body, and you develop more muscle mass and increase your strength.
Dietary Health
According to the Mayo Clinic, whey protein can help prevent some hereditary conditions, such as eczema, allergies and acne. In addition, it may suppress your appetite and help control your blood sugar. When taken as a supplement to a low-calorie diet, researchers report that whey protein helps increase fat loss while preserving lean muscle mass.
Food Supplements for HIV+ People
People who are HIV positive take whey protein to help them gain weight. The powder also reduces diarrhea and increases T-cell counts, which are important for immune function and protection against infections. It also helps them to fight fatigue and stop losing muscle mass.
Protein for Bariatric Patients
The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements says that, as you age, and after gastric bypass surgery, it's almost impossible to take in the recommended grams of protein you need through food alone. It suggests "a good protein powder supplement is essential for good health" in those cases. It is often recommended as part of the dietary regimens that bariatric patients follow to get adequate nutrient intake. When you get too little protein following the surgery, you run the risk of muscle and hair loss, as well as difficulty with skin tone. Whey protein is favored because it is easy to digest and is efficiently absorbed by the body.
Assistance in Cancer Treatment
Whey protein powder also contains an antioxidant called glutathione, which may help fight cancer. In research, investigators have looked to various ways to get protein into patients' blood cells. In a very small sample, whey protein helped shrink the size of tumors and stabilize hemoglobin and lymphocyte counts in a study published in "Anticancer Research." The authors were hopeful that whey protein would help treat those patients whose cancers were resistant to chemotherapy.
Other Functions
The safety and effectiveness of whey protein powder has been studied in the treatment of high blood pressure, immune function, psoriasis, hepatitis, hearing loss, dental plaque, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis and bone density. Before you attempt to start a protein routine, talk with your health care provider or nutritionist first.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Whey Protein
- Nutrition & Metabolism: A Whey-Protein Supplement Increases Fat Loss and Spares Lean Muscle in Obese Subjects
- Clinical and Investigative Medicine: Whey Proteins as a Food Supplement in HIV-Seropositive Individuals
- Anticancer Research: The Use of Whey Protein Concentrate in the Treatment of Patients with Metastatic Carcinoma
- USDA: Report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010
- Diabetes Health: Whey Proteins May Increase Insulin Secretion and Improve BG Contro
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