Numerous studies show that whey protein can help you increase your strength, help build muscle and that whey contributes to the loss of body fat. Whey doesn't just contain proteins, however. It contains even more nutrients that have powerful biological effects. Of all the supplements in the world, whey protein is probably the most studied.
Are you planning to start taking protein shakes? In this article you can read all about whey protein, how it works, whether it is right for you, and how it can help you achieve your goals.
What are proteins and why are they important for muscle growth?
You can see proteins as the building material of our body. That's why protein is a macronutrient, you need a lot of it in proportion. Proteins are built from amino acids, which provide structural support for every cell in your body. Cells are built up by proteins and are therefore part of the skin, joints, bones, nails and muscles. In addition, proteins are involved in the functioning of the immune system, hormone regulation and the transmission of signals from one organ to another.
We get the protein we eat from sources such as meat, chicken, fish and legumes. This protein consists of small compounds called amino acids. There are 20 different types of amino acids, nine of which are considered essential amino acids. That's because our body needs them and they have to be obtained from food. We also get the other amino acids from our diet, but if you don't eat these, the body will form them by breaking down other proteins. These are therefore considered semi-essential amino acids.
What is Whey Protein?
Whey is the liquid part of milk that is secreted during cheese making. Milk contains two types of proteins; casein and whey. When you open a container of yogurt or cottage cheese, you often see some kind of moisture on the top; that's whey. Previously it was thrown away by cheese makers, but later its value was discovered.Obviously, some steps are required to make a whey protein from the aqueous product. Whey itself does not taste very good, which is why it is usually provided with aromas. That is why you can now choose whey with many flavors, of which chocolate, vanilla and strawberry are the most popular. In the early years of whey products, these were usually sweetened with sugar and contained other unhealthy additives. Nowadays, the products are getting cleaner, this is important because the product is mainly supplied to people who want to be involved with nutrition. Whey proteins are no longer only taken by bodybuilders, many athletes and people who want to lose weight see the benefits of taking the right proteins.
The modern whey proteins contain almost no additives and all taste delicious. You can of course find them in the VNMshop range.
Generally, whey is well tolerated by humans, but some suffer from lactose intolerance. In that case, it is better to opt for an alternative product based on plants such as vegan proteins.
The different types of whey
If you search for proteins on the VNMshop site, you may notice that there are different types of whey proteins. The difference between these types is in the processing.• Whey concentrate consists of approximately 70-80% protein. It contains lactose, fat and tastes the best.
Whey Isolate consists of 90% or more protein. It contains less to no lactose and fat.
• Whey hydro isolate is a type of whey that has been pre-digested so that it can be absorbed by the body even faster. However, it also creates a higher peak in insulin levels because of this.
The best choice depends on you. Whey concentrate is usually the cheapest option, and it often provides the best flavor. Whey Isolate is the best choice for people who think it is important that they mainly get protein and no other nutrients.