What is Whey Protein?

Whey protein is a term used to describe a group of proteins that can be separated from whey. When cow's milk is used to manufacture cheese, it also leads to the production of whey, which may or may not be discarded. It is a mixture of lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin and serum albumin.

Similar to protein found in egg white, whey protein can also be irreversibly changed by heat. When made part of the pasteurization process, it becomes less bio-active. If not, whey protein naturally becomes bio-active which basically means it contains a high concentration of cysteine and consequently glutathione, an antioxidant that provides detoxification of our cells and is essential to maintenance of our health.

Bio-active whey protein is the active source of protein that resists the heat degeneration and retains its basic nutritional value.

What Makes It Good for the Body
Because whey protein contains an large amount of essential and non-essential amino acids, it has a high nutritional value. However, the most amazing aspect of whey protein is its effect on the human mind. It has been shown is studies that whey protein satisfies our appetite for longer periods of time when compared to other types of proteins. Hmmmm, interesting.....so that means if we eat the same amount of calories two days in a row, one consisting of whey protein and the other consisting of different protein then we won't be hungry the day we eat the whey protein. Yes, that is interesting.....isn't it?

Why Pregnant Mothers Love Whey Protein
A number of OB-GYN doctors have advised their gravid patients to increase their intake of whey protein because it will provide the basic amount of amino acids needed by the growing infants. An increased intake of whey protein will naturally improve and speed up the development of the baby. Also, increased intake of whey protein will indirectly improve the immune system of the baby. In its growing stages, it is highly vulnerable to different types of illnesses. With the help of whey protein, the infant will grow faster and better and be more equipped to defend itself against any health complication.

Whey Protein for Bodybuilding Enthusiasts
For bodybuilders, muscle growth is everything and that's why they love whey protein so much. Studies have satisfactorily proven that whey protein can lead to acceleration of muscle development. This is welcomed news especially for bodybuilders who are only a few weeks away from the date of competition but is still in high need of muscle growth.

How it Helps Athletes Busy Recovering from Old Injuries
In this case, whey protein saves the day once more because it can be used to supplement diets of individuals who are suffering from compromised immune systems. In general , it helps athletes and non-athletes alike heal faster.

A Weapon against Degenerative Diseases
Although you can't truly say that any disease is less painful than the other if both have life-altering consequences, it is an inarguable fact that degenerative diseases are devastating health problems. These illnesses tend to subject people to a protracted form of suffering and with symptoms with increasing levels of severity. They commonly affect three systems in particular: the nervous system, the muscular system and the skeletal system.

Although rarely curable, degenerative diseases can be treated through chemotherapy, surgical operations and the proper diet. Whey protein is often a part of this diet because of its rehabilitative benefits especially when it comes to muscle growth. Cancer, diabetes and AIDS have symptoms that causes muscle strength and growth to deteriorate. This means all muscle, not just those cool looking biceps, but the muscles it takes to swallow, and for food to move along the digestive tract, an undesirable effect that can be combated with increased intake of whey protein.

In general, if you are working out without whey protein in your nutrition plan, you are missing out!