Whey protein is simply the bi-product you get when making cheese. Once you remove water and casein content from this bi-product, you are left with whey protein concentrate. Whey protein is quite possibly the most popular sports supplement on the market today and has been a staple in the athletic diet for many years. Whey protein can be used by the body in several biochemical processes and is essential for muscle contraction, growth and repair. Whey protein is also used for controlling body composition.

General Benefits of Whey Protein

Whey protein concentrate, such as our Whey Protein 80, is widely considered to be the most efficient and economical form of protein for the human body to digest and use. Whey protein is rich is glutamine and branched chain amino acids (BCAAs). These are considered essential amino acids for anyone who trains by providing an energy source to counteract muscle breakdown and support recovery. Whey protein can be used in several biochemical processes and is essential for muscle contraction, growth and repair. Whey protein is also used for maintaining several metabolic processes and for controlling body composition.

Whey Protein and Muscle Growth

Protein is essential for muscular growth and repair. Muscle growth relies on adequate protein being available and this is itself reliant on the balance between protein intake and re-synthesis and protein breakdown. As whey protein is the most efficient source of protein that the body can use, it is therefore excellent for supporting muscle growth.

During a heavy weights session your muscles are forced into protein breakdown, with the body splitting the amino acids to be oxidised into energy and/or used to synthesise new protein. Consuming whey protein is useful in obtaining a positive protein balance. This means that protein intake and synthesis is higher than protein breakdown. This positive balance is thought to underpin muscle growth. A post-workout whey protein shake is one of the best ways to get protein into the body so that it can be delivered to your muscles to restore the conditions of positive protein balance. Taking whey protein is also a great way to increase your daily protein intake. The general consensus in sports nutrition is that strength athletes can gain benefits between 1.7-3 grams of protein per kg of bodyweight. Whey protein is often considered a highly cost effective way of getting sufficient protein to support muscle growth.

Whey Protein and Fat Loss

Taking whey protein can have several positive effects on body composition and fat loss. Increasing your whey protein intake will stimulate the metabolism far more than carbohydrates or fat. This is because of the energy demands of amino acid utilization. Experts believe consuming a whey protein shake will stimulate the metabolism and burn more calories by as much as 30%. In comparison, fat or carbohydrates which increase it by around 4%.

A whey protein shake will also heighten the metabolic rate for around 12 hours after consumption. At the same time, a whey protein shake increases the feeling of satiety and therefore helps reduce cravings and hunger. Whey protein also contains high levels of the amino acid leucine. Research has shown leucine to aid the fat burning process, even alongside regular diet and exercise habits. If you’re trying to lose weight, whey protein can be a powerful ally and help you achieve your fat loss goals.