Whey Protein

Whey Protein buy at American Supps

Whey protein, together with casein, forms milk protein and has long been viewed as waste, as it is produced in the production of cheese and was often simply disposed of. That whey protein, which with a biological value of at least 104 is the highest quality of all individual proteins, only gradually became clear.

What is whey protein?

Whey protein is a quickly digestible protein, the amino acids of which can already be detected in the bloodstream approx. 30-45 minutes after ingestion, which makes it the ideal "pre" and "post-workout protein" for the stressed muscles during the Training and to supply them with high-quality amino acids immediately afterwards. Another advantage of the rapid availability of amino acids is an anabolic effect, since the protein biosynthesis is stimulated in a direct way. The disadvantage of rapid absorption, on the other hand, is that part of the protein supplied is burned for energy purposes, which is why it should always be given with carbohydrates. However, since the amino acid concentration in the blood does not remain constant for long (between two and four hours depending on the amount and processing), whey protein is therefore not recommended as a meal replacement or anti-catabolic diet or night protein - here the slowly digestible casein should clearly be given priority.

Whey protein contains a lot of glutamine

Whey protein is particularly rich in glutamine and also contains all the essential amino acids, i.e. the amino acids that the body cannot produce itself and must be taken in through food. In addition, it directly stimulates the production of glutathione (a powerful antioxidant) and thereby supports the immune system. This strengthens the body against immune diseases. The reason for this could also be the high content of cysteine, which is considered a precursor to glutathione.

Whey protein comes in different types

Nowadays, whey protein is offered in different forms. Concentrates, isolates, hydrolyzates, cross-flow microfiltered (CFM) and ion-exchanged (Ionic Exchanged Whey) whey protein are available. Whey concentrates usually contain everything the whey has to offer. They have a higher carbohydrate, fat and lactose content, which can cause problems for people with lactose allergies. However, the concentrate also contains all other bioactive growth factors and immunomodulators. Concentrates contain between 70 and 80% protein and have a biological value of 104. The so-called "cross-flow microfiltered" whey protein is quasi the whey protein in its pure form, in which the valuable protein is filtered out of the whey mass in a gentle way without the addition of heat. The pure protein content of CFM-Whey Isolate is over 90%, the biological value remains unchanged at 104.

An ion exchange increases the bioavailability of the whey protein, but some protein fractions are destroyed in this process, which makes this type of protein not recommended. Whey hydrolysates are the turbo form of whey protein, in which the complete protein is enzymatically pre-digested and is ultimately available as free amino acids or rather short peptide chains. The availability is given almost immediately after ingestion. This form is particularly suitable after training in order to supply the muscles with all essential amino acids and sufficient nitrogen as quickly as possible and thus counteract catabolic conditions. The biological value of hydrolyzates should be up to 157. There is only one disadvantage: whey protein hydrolyzate tastes quite bitter and is also the most expensive of all types of protein. Ultimately, however, whey protein is also available as whey isolate, which has been filtered similar to CFM-Whey and provides the pure protein. Whey protein isolate is practically free of fat, carbohydrates and lactose and is in a medium price range.

Which whey protein is recommended?

When it comes to whey protein, the athlete is spoiled for choice. There is hardly a supplement provider that does not offer whey protein in its range. Whey concentrates are most commonly available, higher quality concentrates are less common due to their higher price.