Whey protein facts and figures

It is with good reason that whey protein is considered the “gold standard” of protein for athletes, but it is not just for athletes

Whey protein may sound like a “super protein” and it’s not far off. More typically taken as a supplement by athletes and bodybuilders, it is also a useful addition in the diet of many other people. Whey protein is a very high quality protein derived from milk. It is made using ultra filtration of sweet dairy whey, a product from cheese manufacturing. The whey is passed through a complicated series of ceramic filters and the fat and lactose are removed to leave a concentrated whey protein in liquid suspension. Whey protein has been used in connection with a variety of conditions including cancer, stress and HIV infection. Whey protein isolate is the purest form of whey protein, which is why it is absorbed so quickly and efficiently into the body and favoured by dieters everywhere. Whey protein is a soluble, easy to digest protein and is efficiently absorbed into the body. It is often referred to as a "fast" protein for its ability to quickly provide nourishment to muscles. For this reason it is beneficial to anyone recovering from a debilitating illness. Whey protein is an excellent source of the essential amino acid, leucine. Leucine is important for athletes, as it plays a key role in promoting muscle protein synthesis and muscle growth. Research has shown that individuals who exercise benefit from diets high in leucine and have more lean muscle tissue and less body fat compared to individuals whose diet contains lower levels of leucine. For people trying to lose weight, whey protein is an excellent supplement to take combined with some exercise. Whey is a naturally complete protein, meaning that it contains all of the essential amino acids required in the daily diet. It has the ideal combination of amino acids to help improve body composition. Whey protein helps people maintain a healthy immune system by increasing the levels of glutathione in the body. Glutathione is an antioxidant required for a healthy immune system. Whey protein is a rich source of branched chain amino acids (BCAAs), containing the highest known levels of any natural food source. BCAAs are important for people wishing to build up muscle, since unlike the other essential amino acids, they are metabolized directly into muscle tissue and are the first ones used during periods of exercise and resistance training. Whey protein provides the body with BCAAs to replenish depleted levels and start repairing and rebuilding lean muscle tissue. Reflex Nutrition Limited is a first class manufacturer of sports nutrition supplements, weight loss supplements and supplements for healthier living. To find out more about whey protein, call us today on 0870 757 3353.