Whey protein is one of the most effective nutritional supplements required by the body. Owing to its versatile nature, it contains several essential nutrients like amino acids, which have been designed to be quickly synthesised by the body, having a potent biological effect on them.

The protein present in our body is primarily utilised to support the growth of muscle and bone tissue. The consumption of food converts these external sources of protein into amino acids by breaking them down, which then give rise to new proteins. This is mostly the reason why professional bodybuilders and gym-goers rely heavily on whey protein.

It has also been observed that the consumption of whey protein gives rise to maximum nutritional benefits when consumed right before, right after, or during a workout since muscle protein synthesis is at its peak during that time period.

Let us understand more about the effects of consuming whey protein on our body.

Types Of Whey Protein

Before we dive into the effects of whey protein on the body, we must first understand the different types of protein available in the market:

Whey Protein Concentrate: Also known as WPC, this is a form of protein that is highly concentrated using superior processing methods in order to provide the maximum amount of nutrition in a single serving.

Whey Protein Isolate: Whey Protein Isolate is a dairy-free whey alternative for those diagnosed with lactose intolerance. It is chemically processed to be devoid

Whey Protein Hydrolysate: This form of whey protein does most of the heavy lifting for your body as it gets processed into an almost digested state where the proteins present in the compound are broken down into peptides to ensure fast absorption. It also has a distinct, bitter taste owing to its processing methods.

Effects Of Consuming Whey Protein

Here are some of the effects that consuming whey protein can have on your body:

Boosts Weight Loss: Whey proteins are a great way of boosting the body’s metabolism, a process that burns residual fat to provide energy for the proper functioning of the body. People who were supplemented with whey protein in combination with a healthy exercise routine have not only lost significant amounts of body fat but also developed lean muscle and a toned body.

Anti-cancer Properties: Consumption of whey protein has been shown to have a positive effect on obstructing the formation of tumour pathways, making it a practical and economic approach to mitigate cachexia syndromes in cancer patients.

Lowering Cholesterol Levels: Adding whey protein to your daily nutritional intake can be beneficial for reducing the triglycerides and LDL (also known as bad cholesterol) in the body. Patients with elevated lipid and insulin levels were observed to have lower levels after being supplemented with this protein over a period of 12 weeks.

Improving Asthma Symptoms: Consumption of whey protein twice a day for a period of one month, especially among children diagnosed with asthma was said to improve both innate and adaptive immune functioning, as well reducing symptoms such as fatigue and short-breath.

Prevents Heart Disease: The nutrients present in whey protein have a positive impact on eliminating the free radicals present in the body and lowering the oxidative stress exerted on organs such as the heart. This is beneficial for regulating blood pressure and preventing the formation of cardiovascular diseases in the long run.

Boosts Immune System: The amino acids present in whey supplements work to prevent the triggering of catabolism in the body, as well as boosting its immune response so that the body’s healing factor can help the bones and muscles withstand the physical changes experienced during the increased nutritional supplementation of protein.

Gaining Muscle Mass: The natural traces of glutamic acid found in whey supplements helps boost the secretion of enzymes that promote the building of muscle mass by optimising the utilisation of nutrients absorbed via food intake in the body.

Recommended usage:

Typically, medical practitioners recommend consuming whey proteins at spread out intervals throughout the day so to get the maximum health benefits. You can consume it:

1. As soon as you wake up - this helps in reversing the tissue damage experienced by your muscles during the sleep cycle and preventing catabolism.
2. Between meals - this helps in optimising the presence of nitrogen in the body and revitalise the muscles.
3. Before Bed - this helps in keeping the body fueled during the sleep schedule and preventing catabolism and muscle damage.

Here are a few healthy sources of whey protein that you can incorporate into your diet to get the best out of your intake.