Information Whey Protein Supplements
If there is one thing that continues to perplex me, it is
the disparity between how popular whey protein supplements
is and how much confusion there is regarding this
immensely popular supplement. Why are people so confused
about whey protein supplements? I have to conclude that
it is part deceptive advertising by some unscrupulous
supplement companies, poorly researched articles put out
by self proclaimed "guru" types, and the fact that whey is
indeed a complicated protein. In this article I will
endeavor to clear it all up once and for all…lift the vale
of secrecy, strip away the myths, and shatter the
hyperbole surrounding this ultra popular supplement.
What is whey protein?
When we talk about whey we are actually referring to a
complex ingredient made up of protein, lactose, fat and
minerals. Protein is the best known component of whey and
is made up of many smaller protein subfractions such as:
Beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin, immunoglobulins (IgGs),
glycomacropeptides, bovine serum albumin (BSA) and minor
peptides such as lactoperoxidases, lysozyme and
lactoferrin. Each of the subfractions found in whey has
its own unique biological properties.
Up until quite recently, separating these subfractions on
a large scale was either impossible or prohibitively
expensive for anything but research purposes. Modern
filtering technology has improved dramatically in the past
decade, allowing companies to separate some of the highly
bioactive peptides -such as lactoferrin and
lactoperoxidase-from whey.
Some of these subfractions are only found in very minute
amounts in cows milk, normally at less than one percent.
For example, although it is one of the most promising
subfractions for preventing various diseases, improving
immunity and overall health, lactoferrin makes up
approximately 0.5% or less of whey protein derived from
cows milk (whereas human milk protein will contain up to
15% lactoferrin). Over the past few decades, whey protein
powders have evolved several generations from low protein
concentrates to very high protein isolates.
What is so great about whey protein?
Whey protein supplements have become a staple supplement
for most bodybuilders and other athletes, and for good
reason: it makes a great protein with a wide variety of
benefits. Whey has more recently caught on with the
anti-aging/longevity-minded groups also.
A growing number of studies has found whey may potentially
reduce cancer rates, combat HIV, improve immunity, reduce
stress and lower cortisol, increase brain serotonin
levels, improve liver function in those suffering from
certain forms of hepatitis, reduce blood pressure, and
improve performance, to name a few of its potential
medical- and sports-related applications. Whey also has an
exceptionally high biological value rating and an
exceptionally high Branch Chain Amino Acid (BCAA) content.
One of whey proteins major effects is its apparent ability
to raise glutathione (GSH). The importance of GSH for the
proper function of the immune system cannot be overstated.
GSH is arguably the most important water-soluble
antioxidant found in the body.
Because GSH is known to be essential to immunity,
oxidative stress, and general well being, and because
reduced levels of GSH are associated with a long list of
diseases, whey has a place in your nutrition program.
Reduced GSH is also associated with over training syndrome
(OTS) in athletes, so whey may very well have an
application in preventing, or at least mitigating, OTS.
Pertaining directly to athletes, some recent studies
suggest whey may have direct effects on performance and
muscle mass, but this research is preliminary at best.
Some studies have found oxidative stress contributes to
muscular fatigue, so having higher GSH levels may allow
you to train longer and harder, as some recent data
suggests.
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