Whey protein has been used by body builders for a long time but recently it has gained a reputation with athletes and exercisers too. In this article, we will tell all about what are whey proteins and why it’s a great way to gain weight, how to use them and what are the benefits and disadvantages of using whey protein.
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What is Whey Protein and Does Whey Protein Make You Gain Weight?
These are the proteins obtained from the liquid by-product during cheese manufacture. It is solid as a dietary supplement in protein powders and shakes. Initially, cheese manufacturers used to discard it as a waste product but then science realized it as a component containing 20 different amino acids, which are body requires for its everyday muscle building.
Our bones muscles and other body parts are all repaired and replenished using the complete set of protein. Whey protein provides the body with the complete set required at once. Of all different protein absorption properties, this one has one of the most popular biological value (BV). It has a BV of 100, which is one of the highest possible numbers.
Whey Protein Benefits
Whey protein acts as a supplement to an on-the-go lifestyle for people who are too busy to go for natural, an unprocessed protein contained food.
Whey protein is a supplement with all these benefits to it:
- Assists in weight loss
- Helps in muscle mass gain
- Helps in cancer treatment
- Reduced HIV symptoms.
- Decreased triglyceride.
- Decreases the cholesterol content in the body
- Increases immune power.
- Increases stamina for sports.
- Decreases fatigue from overtraining.
These are the major reasons whey protein is used as an instant protein supplement for athletes, bodybuilders and enthusiasts. Whey protein is rich in BCAA ( Branched-Chain Amino Acids ). These consists 3 of the 9 essential amino acids required by the body.
These amino acids are broken down into small pieces by your body and converted into (1-5%) fuel.
Whey Protein Side Effects
Sometimes, Whey proteins intake has side effects related to digestion. Here are some of the downsides of using whey protein regularly:
- Complications such as gas, bloating, headaches, fatigue.
- Not suitable for lactose intolerant bodies.
- Ion exchange capacity of the body influences digestion of the protein.
- Long term usage Bad of kidneys and liver.
Types of whey protein
Whey proteins are available in various forms for you to buy and use. Here are some of the available formats in the market.
Whey protein concentrate: (WPC) It is the cheapest f all alternatives and contains the lowest amount of protein per 100 grams of the concentrate. The overall percentage f protein is still high ranging from 55-89% of the concentrate.
Whey protein Isolate: (WpI) It has about 95% weight made up of protein. Lactose and fat are at minimum concentrations and it is generally more expensive.
Whey protein Hydrolysate: (WpH) It is a degraded protein with 99% of weight made up of protein only. It is the most expensive version of all the whey protein types.
Conclusion
Whey protein is widely used by professional body builders for effective weight and muscle gain. However, recently it has become more mass market as a weight gain enabler.
We recommend you to understand your body type first and assess whether Whey protein would suit your requirements and help you gain weight without causing any short or long term risks.