Whey protein is the liquid part of milk that is produced after curd formation during cheese making, and after fat is separated . Whey contains many types of proteins of high nutritional value that contain complete essential amino acids that the body cannot synthesize, and which enters the building of muscles and tissues in the body.
Whey protein is often used by athletes and bodybuilders, with the aim of improving athletic performance , increasing muscle mass, and enhancing physical strength. Whey protein is also used to maintain the weight of HIV patients, as it is used as a dietary supplement to raise the nutritional value of protein and enhance immunity .
Whey protein is very nutritious, easy to digest, and quickly absorbed compared to other types of protein.
Types of whey protein
Whey protein concentrate
Whey protein concentrate has a high protein content of about 30-90%, a low percentage of fat, and a lactose content of 8%. This type of whey protein is used in the manufacture of sweets , infant formula , and baked goods, and is used in the form of a drink or protein bars .
Whey protein isolate
Whey protein isolate is processed , with all fat and lactose removed , and up to 90% protein. This type of whey protein can be used as a dairy substitute for people who are lactose intolerant . Whey protein isolate is the most expensive type of whey protein because it contains the most protein.
Hydrolyzed whey protein
Hydrolyzed whey protein has the ability to partially hydrolyze , a process the body performs while digesting protein . It is used in the manufacture of infant formula, nutritional supplements for athletes , and nutritional products. Hydrolyzed whey protein is also used in clinical nutrition of patients due to its ease of digestion and absorption.
Benefits and uses of whey protein
Maintaining muscle health and strength
Whey protein supplements can be used by athletes and bodybuilders to increase muscle mass and strength, because it contains high-value amino acids similar to the amino acids found in skeletal muscles. However, food must contain all types of proteins and a person should not rely on whey protein alone to build tissues and muscles.
Whey protein is also used for the elderly , as whey protein helps maintain muscle mass that is lost with age, if whey protein contains the amino acid called leucine , and leucine is the most constructive amino acid that contributes to building tissues and muscles. Whey protein also helps prevent AIDS patients from losing excess weight by supporting their muscle mass.
Lowering the blood pressure level
Some of the proteins in whey protein play a role in lowering blood pressure because it contains lactokinin .
Treating eczema and skin infections
Feeding infants based on whey protein at 3-12 months of age can reduce their risk of eczema and skin infections. Whey protein also helps with psoriasis symptoms.
reduce inflammation
It has been observed that eating a large amount of whey protein reduces the level of C-reactive protein , which has a role in the inflammatory process.
set the mood
Whey protein helps to adapt to stress and nervous tension because it is rich in tryptophan , which contributes to raising the level of serotonin responsible for improving mood.
Help control body weight
Eating whey protein helps you feel full and maintain muscle mass in the body. Whey protein can also be used in high-protein and moderate-carb diets, as it has a higher nutritional value than soy and egg protein. Whey protein also increases the body’s ability to burn fat .
Help treat osteoporosis
Whey contains the basic milk protein, so it helps to stimulate the proliferation of the building cells of the bones , because it contains the protein lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase, which contributes to the treatment of osteoporosis .
blood sugar level control
Whey protein helps increase the body’s sensitivity to insulin , so it is especially beneficial for type 2 diabetics.
Enhance the ability of the immune system
Whey protein is an antioxidant , and it boosts glutathione in various tissues of the body and is responsible for protecting cells from damage, toxins, infection and pollution, as with age, the level of glutathione decreases in the body, and this may cause Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, atherosclerosis and others. Therefore, whey protein is added to HIV patients, the elderly, and children to boost their immunity. The antioxidant properties of whey protein also play a role in preventing cancer, HIV, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
lowering cholesterol
Continuously taking nutritional supplements that contain whey protein helps in the long run to lower blood cholesterol , but there is no conclusive research to prove this.
Risks and side effects of taking whey protein
When taken by mouth, whey protein is considered safe, but when taken in high doses, it may lead to some side effects, such as:
- stomach pain.
Nausea .
Fatigue.
loss of appetite
a headache.
cramps.
sensitivity .
Skin pimples appear.
There are no confirmed studies on whether whey protein is safe in pregnancy and breast-feeding, so it is best to avoid taking it while pregnant and breast-feeding. Also, in the event of an allergy to cow’s milk , whey protein should be avoided.