Whey protein is a high quality protein powder made from cow's milk. The protein powder has become a popular supplement in sports nutrition and has many purported health benefits. According to "Integrative Medicine," whey protein is also an important ingredient commonly found in products formulated for weight loss, infant nutrition and immune support. As a health supplement, you should speak with a medical professional prior to taking a whey powder supplement.
Whey Protein and Whey Powder
According to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine," whey and casein are the two most important proteins found in milk. The process of making cheese involves clotting milk. After clotting the milk, a fluid remains that is separated from the curd or casein. This fluid is whey. Whey contains approximately 50 percent of the lactose of the milk, proteins, vitamins and minerals. Whey protein comes from the purification of these proteins. Whey powder is dried whey. Whey powder is a low fat, low lactose protein supplement that is highly concentrated.
Whey Protein Benefits
According to "Integrative Medicine," whey protein has the ability to function as an antioxidant, antitumor, antihypertensive, hypolipidemic, antiviral and antibacterial agent. Intracellular conversion of the amino acid cysteine is the primary mechanism by which whey exerts its effects. This process converts cysteine to glutathione. Further clinical research, however, is needed to confirm the benefits of using whey protein for the prevention and treatment of cancer. To date, the trials of whey protein in cancer have been small and have yielded mixed results. However, this nontoxic supplement provides an excellent source of dietary protein.
Whey Powder Benefits
According to "Integrative Medicine," whey powder is the purest form of protein isolate. Therefore, it contains all the benefits of whey protein. According to the Whey Protein Institute, health benefits of whey powder include increased lean muscle mass, increased fat burning, detoxification properties, blood pressure control and cholesterol control. Additionally, whey powder can help you to maintain the health of your major organs including your heart, liver and kidneys.
Evidence on Whey Protein
According to MayoClinic.com, whey protein may offer benefits in several medical conditions. These conditions include the prevention of some allergies and benefits for individuals with atopic asthma or atopic dermatitis. Additionally, whey protein may help to reduce appetite, improve some diabetes symptoms, increase muscle mass and strength, improve symptoms of acne, improve bone density and may reduce cardiovascular risk and improve lung function. However, further research is needed to confirm the effectiveness and safety of using whey protein to treat these medical conditions.
References
- Whey Protein Institute: Benefits of Whey Proteins
- "Integrative Medicine"; David Rakel; 2002
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Dennis Kasper et al; 2004
- MayoClinic.com; Whey Protein; April 2011
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