Whey protein

whey protein; the difference between whey concentrate and isolate

Not all protein powders are created equal, some are better than others. We are talking about different brands, but also different types of proteins, such as whey concentrate. Whey proteins contain a large amount of essential amino acids, these can be quickly absorbed by the body. 

Many athletes therefore use whey protein to increase their strength, build more muscle and to burn significant amounts of body fat. Whey proteins contain many other nutrients in addition to essential amino acids. 

Are you looking for a high quality protein powder? Then a product based on whey proteins is a good choice. However, there are different types of whey protein. Here you can read more about this product, so that you can make the right choice. 

What is Whey Protein?

Whey protein is a mixture of proteins isolated from whey. Whey is the liquid part of milk that is separated during cheese making. Milk contains two types of protein: casein (80%) and whey (20%). Whey is in the watery part of milk. In cheese production, fat parts of milk solidify, whey is in the watery part. It is therefore a by-product of cheese. You have probably opened a box of pure cottage cheese. There is always a part of liquid floating on top, that is whey. Cheese makers used to throw it away until its value was discovered. 

Whey is made by separating it from cheese during production. It then goes through several steps before becoming recognizable as a whey protein. The powder is then used for protein shakes, meal replacements and protein bars. The taste of pure whey is not particularly good, which is why most manufacturers add flavorings. The most popular flavors are chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. Most flavored whey protein powders taste great. They can therefore be used as an addition to a healthy recipe such as smoothies. 

If you are going to buy whey protein, such as a whey concentrate, it is important to read the ingredients list. Some products contain a lot of added sugars and other unhealthy additives. 

For strength athletes who want to provide their muscles with sufficient protein on a daily basis, taking a whey protein is a convenient choice. However, a supplement is always intended as a supplement, never as a replacement. A solid diet is therefore always the best way to take in sufficient nutrients. Most people tolerate whey protein well. Are you lactose intolerant? Then you have to pay close attention to which product you buy, Whey isolate contains much less lactose. is an example of whey isolate Iso-whey.

What does whey protein do in the body?

You can see proteins as the building blocks of our body, they are used to form tendons, organs and skin. In addition, they are important in the production of hormones, enzymes, neurotransmitters and molecules. However, proteins are mainly known for being important in building muscle. Proteins are rebuilt by amino acids, which are small molecules that are linked to each other like beads. Certain amino acids are produced by your body itself. We have to get others from our diet, which is why they are called essential amino acids. There are 9 of these. Proteins that supply all these 9 amino acids are seen as high-quality amino acids, whey protein has this. Whey protein is especially full of the important amino acid leucine (one of the BCAAs). Leucine is the most growth-promoting amino acid. Whey proteins are therefore very effective for stimulating growth. 

The different types of whey protein: Whey concentrate, isolate and hydrolyzate

If you are looking for a whey protein, you will notice that there are different types. The main difference is in the way they are processed.

• Whey concentrate: This whey consists of approximately 70-80% protein. The powder contains lactose (milk sugar) and fat and usually has the best taste;
• Whey Isolate: This is a whey powder that consists of 90% protein, sometimes even more. This whey contains less lactose and fat. One downside is that it lacks many of the beneficial nutrients found in whey concentrate;
• Hydrolyzate: Also known as hydrolyzed whey, this type has been treated so that it is absorbed more quickly by the body. As a consequence, however, it produces a 28-43% greater spike in insulin levels than isolate.

Whey concentrate is the best option for most people. In most cases, this is also the most economical of the three. In addition, all useful nutrients that occur naturally in whey are retained. Many athletes choose whey concentrate because it often tastes the best. This is due to the presence of lactose and fat in the product. 

Do you have trouble digesting whey concentrate or are you lactose intolerant? Do you want a product that contains no sugars? Then you can opt for whey isolate or even hydrolysate. You can also choose this if you are looking for a product that is as lean as possible. 

Whey proteins at VNMshop

At VNMshop you can find a wide range of whey proteins. The most well-known form is natural protein powder. We offer different brands and types of whey powder. Some products contain a mixture of different types of whey, such as Gold Standard Whey from Optimum Nutrition. In other types, only one type of whey is used, such as whey concentrate or whey isolate. Well-known protein products based on whey isolate are Iso-Whey and Ultimate Isolate. 

You can use the whey protein powders daily as a supplement to your diet. The best time to take them is after a workout. Just after getting up is also a good time to feed the muscles with high-quality proteins. This way you ensure optimal recovery and build-up of your muscles. 

Do you want to increase your protein intake even more? Then you could also opt for protein-rich snacks such as Mars High Protein or Twix High Protein. Whey proteins are added in these chocolate snacks. You can take these products as a snack in between, as an energy snack before a workout or as a protein-rich snack after a workout.