Whey protein comprises a set of globular proteins found in dried, powdered whey. Whey is derived from the manufacture of cheese made from cow’s milk and has the highest known biological value of any source of protein.
Whey protein isolate powder is processed to remove both the lactose and fat. As a result, this type of whey protein product generally contains lower levels of bioactive compounds than concentrates. However, whey protein isolate powder by weight is greater than 90% protein. In fact, the ionic whey protein that is found in WPI powder has the greatest value for providing the body with the branched-chain amino acids that it needs for building, retaining and repairing muscle tissue (bodybuilding).
Whey protein is typically made up of a mixture of three main types of protein. These are approx 65% beta-lactoglobulin, approx 25% alpha-lactalbumin, and approx 8% serum albumin. These proteins in their native form are soluble independent of pH. It also contains four of the major protein fractions, which are alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin, immunoglobulins and bovine serum albumin. These major protein fractions each have important disease fighting properties.
Most bodybuilders and athletes know of the importance of ingesting high levels of proteins and supplementation is one of the easiest ways to do this. By using whey protein isolate powder as the main supplementation method, sportsmen and women are taking advantage of the most easily assimilated form of protein to take into their bodies. When this powdered form of protein is re-hydrated, it has a mild and slightly milky taste and is easily digestible.
Scientific studies have compared whey protein to several other sources of protein and have found that for optimal body performance, nothing else compares to whey protein. It contains the perfect levels and combination of all the amino acids in the perfect concentrations. Hormonal as well as cellular responses have also been found to be enhanced by supplementing with whey protein.
The immune system also gains major benefits, which also plays an important role as a powerful antioxidant to help prevent cellular damage as well as supporting the immune system to help prevent illness. Documented studies have shown time and time again that whey protein intake on a consistent basis coupled with regular, strenuous exercise results in measurable and consistent muscle and strength building.
Whey protein isolate powder provides these benefits when taken as a supplement on a regular basis as part of a fitness and exercise program. |
