Proteins are vital for good health. They build, maintain, and replace the tissues in our bodies, including muscles. The human body’s immune system consists mainly of protein, as does the heart and other organs.
If you are into fitness or regularly work out in a gym, you have probably heard of protein supplements. They can help boost muscle growth, increase strength, give you more stamina, and improve your overall physical performance.
There are many protein supplements available in the market today, including whey protein, soy protein, casein, pea protein, and more. Whey is by far the most popular.
What is whey protein?
When cheese is manufactured from cow’s milk, the milk gets separated into two parts. The liquid portion is known as whey and the solid part casein (cheese). In other words, whey is the liquid that is left over after milk has been curdled and strained.
The liquid part is further processed to form whey protein supplements. In the world of bodybuilding and competitive athletics, whey protein supplements are extremely popular.
There are three main types of whey protein supplements:
1. Whey Protein Isolates
Isolates consist of about 90 percent protein and are processed enough to make them free of lactose, fat, and carbs. Apart from protein, these supplements are also loaded with other vital nutrients. As far as bodybuilders and their trainers are concerned, whey protein isolates are the best.
2. Whey Protein Concentrate
Concentrate is between 70% and 80% protein. Unlike isolates, concentrates do contain fats, carbs, and lactose.
3. Whey Protein Hydrolysate
Hydrolysate whey supplements are about 90% protein and are completely lactose free. They are usually considered suitable as medical supplements and are super easy to digest.
If you are not sure which one to buy, ask your trainer if you have one, the person who runs your gym, other bodybuilders, a nutritionist, or even your doctor.
The Benefits of Whey Protein Supplements
Let us have a look at some of the benefits of regular consumption of whey protein supplements:
Greater Bulk and Strength
They are known to increase strength and promote the development of muscle mass. Regular consumption can help boost your stamina and build endurance.
Rapid Recovery of Muscles and Tissues
Intense workouts literally damage tissues and muscles. They need to be fully repaired before we exercise that part of the body again. Whey protein powder supplements help stimulate protein synthesis in the muscles, which speeds up their repair.
Put simply, they help you recover completely before you work on that same muscle again.
Lean Muscle Development
Whey protein supplements are low in fat, sugar, and contain almost no carbs. They help ensure that every calorie we consume is a useful one, i.e., that we are not consuming empty calories. The fewer empty calories we eat or drink, the greater are our chances of gaining lean muscle mass.
Weight Loss
Obesity is a serious public health problem in most countries across the globe. Hundreds of millions of people are currently trying to lose weight worldwide.
People who exercise regularly, follow a healthy diet, and take whey protein supplements are more likely to reach their bodyweight targets than their counterparts who do the same, but without the whey protein.
What are the Best Whey Supplements?
Here are some of the best whey protein powders in India:
- Myprotein Impact Whey Protein
- ON (Optimum Nutrition) Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein
- MuscleBlaze Biozyme Whey Protein
- MuscleBlaze Whey Protein
- Big Muscles Frotein Refreshing Delicious Juicy Whey
- Ultimate Nutrition Prostar 100% Whey Protein
- MusclePharm Combat 100% Whey
- MB Fuel One Whey Protein Immunity+
- MuscleBlaze Whey Gold Protein
- Dymatize Elite 100% Whey Protein
- MuscleBlaze Whey Performance (70%) Protein
- MuscleTech NitroTech Performance Series
You should consider including whey protein in your diet if you are serious about getting fit, gaining strength, becoming more muscular, and and losing body fat. Remember that regular exercise, a healthy diet, and plenty of good-quality sleep are also crucial.
Interesting related article: “Is weight loss possible without exercise?“