Whey protein is one of the two types of protein found in cow's milk. Milk is approximately 87% water and 13% milk solids. The milk solids are comprised of fat, lactose, protein and a small amount of other minerals. The protein portion of the milk solids is approximately 80% casein protein and 20% whey protein.
Whey protein is much more quickly digested by the human body than casein protein and it has a higher biological value, which makes it the most nutritious protein
available.
Where does whey protein come from?
As mentioned above, whey protein comes from cow's milk. To make whey protein supplements, the whey protein is separated from the fat and lactose, using one of several methods in order to create a powder of concentrated whey protein.
What is whey protein isolate?
Whey protein isolate is a more expensive form of whey protein. Whey protein isolate contains 90% or more protein and very little fat compared to whey protein concentrate, which could contain between 29% and 89% protein. The difference between the two types of whey protein is that whey protein isolate comes from a longer and more complicated filtering process.
How is whey protein made?
Ion exchange is one method used to make whey protein. When the casein or curd and milk fat are separated from milk in order to make cheese, the remaining liquid whey goes through a series of filters to separate the whey protein from lactose and other ingredients. This concentrated liquid whey then enters an ion exchange vessel, which then uses electrical charges to purify the whey protein. The purified whey protein is then dried to remove moisture.
Why is whey protein so popular?
Whey protein is extremely popular among bodybuilders for several reasons. The biggest reason is because whey protein is the most complete, and most quickly digested protein available. It has the highest biological value and contains branched chain amino acids, which are critical in building muscle mass. The second reason why whey protein is so popular is because compared with other proteins, it is much less expensive.
Who can benefit from supplementing with whey protein?
Anyone involved in sports activities, especially bodybuilding, will benefit greatly from supplementing properly with whey protein. In addition to supplying the body with all the essential and nonessential amino acids, whey protein is especially rich in naturally occurring
branched chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, and valine). These particular amino acids are used directly by skeletal muscles, and therefore are in great demand during exercise or strenuous sports activities.
