NutraPlanet 4 Year Anniversary SALE! 4
Team NP would like to thank all of our loyal customers and friends for another successful year at NutraPlanet! In honor of our 4 year anniversary, we would like to extend some BIG SAVINGS on your favorite brands!
Protein 101 Part 1: Whey Protein
Most people are very confused when it comes to picking the protein that is right for them, and the differences between the various types of protein. The purpose of this article is to “de-mystify” this popular question. To put it simply, your body will use all protein in the same way; physiology wise—it will use it to build muscle. Now some proteins DO have added benefits beyond the cosmetic that any fitness enthusiast should want to know.
What is Protein?
A protein is a long chain or strand of amino acids linked together. Amino acids are the building blocks of organic matter. There are twenty amino acids found in our body, but a vast number is found in nature. Nine of these amino acids can be made by the body while the other eleven (essential amino acids) must come from the diet. Your body cannot make these essential amino acids. Amino acids combine into literally thousands of complex proteins and amino acid chains, and are also part of the process of making enzymes in our body. The 9 essential amino acids are:
- Histidine
- Isoleucine
- Leucine
- Lysine
- Methionine
- Phenylalanine
- Threonine
- Tryptophan
- Valine
The ones your body can make, or non essential ones are:
- Alanine
- Arginine
- Asparagine
- Aspartic acid
- Cysteine
- Glutamic acid
- Glutamine
- Glycine
- Proline
- Serine
- Tyrosine
What is Whey Protein?
Remember that old nursery rhyme Little Miss Muffet? “Little Miss Muffet, sat on her tuffet, eating her curds and whey”, well just as that nursery rhyme alludes to, whey protein comes from the cheese making process. Whey protein typically comes in three forms, concentrate, hydrolysates or hydrolyzed, and isolate (Whey Protein Isolate).
- Isolates are processed to remove lactose and fat, but are usually lower in bioactive compounds as well. They are about 90% or more protein by weight and usually tastes pretty good with flavoring.
- Concentrates contain a low level of fat and cholesterol but in general, have higher levels of bioactive compounds such as carbohydrates in the form of lactose (not good if you are lactose intolerant), and is about 29%-89% protein by weight.
- Hydrolysates or hydrolyzed proteins are predigested, partially hydrolyzed whey proteins that are easily absorbed. This processing method tends to have a somewhat bitter taste some do not like.
Now lets get down to the nitty gritty as to why whey is so good for muscle growth and health.
Why Whey is the King of Proteins!
Whey is chock full of natural goodness than you can shake a stick at! Whey is full of natural “growth factors” which is mostly how it imparts it’s magic on muscles. Some of these are immunoglobulins, alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin, and colostrums. These are also some of the nutrients that are in the very popular protein Muscle Milk, and part of why it works so well. What do these growth factors do? Read on!
Immunoglobulins
Immunoglobulins are your body’s first line of defense against disease and infection, also known as antibodies. These are made by your immune system whenever your body is under attack. There are specific immunoglobulins for each type of disease or foreign substance that is attacking our body. Guess what these antibodies are made of…PROTEINS!
Immunoglobulins attach to the invading virus, bacteria, or substance and neutralizes them (this is also called antigen binding). One thing that makes whey so good is that it has high amounts of immunoglobulins in it. This is one reason why studies have shown whey can help boost your immune system. The stronger your immune system, the less likely you will get sick and the faster you recover from sickness. Many athletes and fitness enthusiasts do not realize that working out may slightly depresses your immune system. So if you were able to halt or minimize the effects of that wouldn’t you?
Alpha-lactalbumin
Alpha-lactalbumin, also known as alpha-protein, is a form of whey protein found in the milk of all mammals. Human milk is about 60% whey vs. 40% casein, and Alpha-lactalbumin is the major protein present in the whey fraction of the milk, accounting for 30-35% of whey’s total protein content. This is a vital part of most baby formulas because of the ease of assimilating, and excellent amino acid profile.
Protein Timing
Another area of confusion for most consumers is when to take their protein supplement. The general consensus is to take protein on an empty stomach. The reason for this is because protein is made up of many complex amino acids and to receive it’s full benefit, it is best to take it on an empty stomach (30 minutes to an hour before or after a meal) for maximum absorption.
For athletes, it is best to take your protein within an hour after your workout. After intense training, the body enters into a catabolic or muscle wasting state. The body is ravaging itself to provide the necessary energy it needs for survival. Taking your protein right after training halts this catabolic state and the amino acids are utilized for muscle repair. For best results, consume moderate carbohydrates with your protein; post workout. We recommend Kwik Karb by NutraPlanet.
In Conclusion
As you can see, whey protein is a superior choice for those who are interested in maximizing athletic recovery and performance, as well as those who are interested in the health benefits of consuming more protein. NutraPlanet carries an extensive selection of whey protein at amazing prices, so be sure to checkout the variety of flavors and brands of whey protein at NutraPlanet!