Whey protein makes up approximately 20 percent of milk's protein and is often used by athletes to improve body composition or muscle-to-fat ratio in the body. It is found in foods such as yogurt and ricotta cheese. Research suggests that whey protein consumption is beneficial for overall health.
Prostate Cancer Prevention
According to ScienceDaily, researchers from Ohio State University studied the impact of whey protein on prostate cancer cells. The study revealed that prostate cancer cells exposed to whey protein experienced increases in the potent antioxidant glutathione, which helps control free radicals that play a role in the development of prostate cancer. Whey protein contains the amino acid cysteine, which is required for the synthesis of glutathione.
Body Composition
Scientists from Minnesota Applied Research Center investigated the effects of whey protein consumption on body composition in obese subjects. For 12 weeks, participants followed a calorie-reduced diet with or without whey protein. At the end of the study, which was published in the March 2008 issue of the journal "Nutrition and Metabolism," researchers observed that people in the whey protein group lost more body fat and less muscle mass compared to people in the group without whey protein.
Blood Vessel Function
Whey protein might boost heart health, according to a study conducted by researchers from the University of Connecticut. In research published in the August 2009 issue of the "Nutrition Journal," scientists discovered that health subjects receiving 5 g of whey protein per day for two weeks experienced improvements in blood vessel function compared to those consuming a placebo.
Satiety
Researchers from the University of Toronto performed a review of the clinical studies regarding the effects of whey protein on food intake and satiety. At the end of the study, which was published in the September 2007 issue of the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition," scientists concluded that whey protein consumption decreases appetite and reduces short-term calorie intake, both of which might be effective for weight management.
References
- Science Daily: Eat Your Whey: It May Protect Against Prostate Cancer
- "Nutrition and Metabolism"; A Whey-Protein Supplement Increases Fat Loss and Spares Lean Muscle in Obese Subjects: a Randomized Human Clinical Study; Joy L. Frestedt et al.; March 2008
- Nutra Ingredients: Whey Protein May Improve Heart Health: Study
- "Journal of the American College of Nutrition"; Whey Proteins in the Regulation of Food Intake and Satiety; Bohdan L. Luhovyy, PhD, Tina Akhavan, MSc and G. Harvey Anderson, PhD; September 2007
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