Whey Protein Benefits Us All

What supplement has been shown to lower high blood pressure, lower triglycerides, lower total and LDL cholesterol, support the immune system, support healthy insulin levels, preserve your muscle strength, increase lean muscle mass and assist with fat loss? The answer is Whey Protein! Quite often, many people associate whey protein with benefits for bodybuilders, but recent studies have shown that whey protein can benefit just about everyone from young infants to seniors or even adolescent males to post-menopausal females. What is Whey Protein? So before we look at what the research says about Whey Protein, let's find out what exactly what whey protein is? Whey protein is a mixture of proteins from the whey that is the left-over after cheese is made. Whey protein is made up of various essential amino acids (proteins that our body needs to function properly) as well as non-essential amino acids and immunoglobulins (antibodies). There are two major types of Whey Protein: Concentrate and Isolate Whey Protein Concentrate Pros- * Higher amounts of Immunoglobulins for Immune Supportrn * Generally lower cost rnCons- * Higher in calories due to small levels of saturated fat and cholesterol * Contains carbohydrates, so not an ideal choice for those on the Atkins Diet * Small amounts of Lactose and therefore not ideal for those with lactose intolerance * Lower amounts of protein per scoop rnWhey Protein Isolate Pros – * Higher protein per scooprn * Ideal for individuals who are lactose intolerantrn * Little to no Carbohydrates- An ideal choice for those on Carbohydrate restricted diets Cons – * Cost (Although, when you figure in the higher protein servings per scoop per container, Whey Isolate can cost the same or even less the Whey Concentrate) rnBenefits of Whey ProteinrnWhat kind of credible human research has been conducted on whey protein? Whey protein has been linked to a variety of health benefits, including: Help for those with Type 2 DiabetesrnTaking Whey Protein with meals helps to stabilize your blood sugar levels following a meal. This is important, since research has shown that lowering your blood sugar levels after a meal is important in helping to maintain proper insulin regulation in those with Type 2 diabetes. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 82, No. 1, 69-75, July 2005 Reduce Risk Factors for Heart DiseasernA study published in September of 2010 in the Journal of Atherosclerosis showed that Whey Protein Isolate reduced triglyceride (fat in our blood) levels in over-weight, post-menopausal women and reduced risk factors of heart disease. Around the same time, the British Journal of Nutrition also showed that Whey Isolate lowered Total and LDL cholesterol and improved insulin stability in overweight and obese individuals, making Whey Protein Isolate ideal for those of us that are at risk for Heart Disease! Support for Healthy Blood Pressure LevelsrnI was happy to finds that taking 28 grams per day of Whey protein lowered high blood pressure in individuals with elevated blood pressure and improvements were seem in the first week! International Dairy Journal, 2010; 20 (11): 753 rnLose body Fat, Maintain Strength, Increase lean MusclernThen, there is the research of whey protein for helping us all stay trim, strong and lean. In the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism October 2006, Whey Isolate demonstrated significantly greater gains in lean muscle, decrease in fat mass, as well as improvements in strength. In September of 2010, The Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that Whey Isolate can also reduce the decline in strength, following resistance exercise. Taking 48 grams of whey protein, 90 minutes before a meal was shown to increase the feeling of being full and subsequently reduced the intake of calories, which could be a helpful tool for body-fat loss. -The British Journal of Nutrition 2003 Feb;89(2):239-48rn rnNutrition Journal of October 2009 found that taking whey protein with high glycemic carbohydrates (example- watermelon, white bread, mashed potatoes), reduces the blood sugar response, which in turn reduces the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes and it’s helpful in reducing obesity. Increase Your Body’s Most Powerful Antioxidant DefensernThe International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition in September of 2007 showed that taking 30-45 grams a day of Whey Protein Isolate elevates glutathione levels by up to 24% after just 2 weeks. Glutathione is the major antioxidant that a healthy body produces. Glutathione neutralizes free radicals, which can cause damage to our cells and it helps preserve our Vitamin C and Vitamin E antioxidants in our body. Glutathione also detoxifies many cancer causing compounds and plays an important role in immune support. We also need glutathione to synthesize and repair DNA, thus making supplementation with Whey Protein Isolate important for the protection of our body. So now that you know what whey protein does and how beneficial it is, let’s take a look at what to look for in order to find a quality Whey Isolate Protein. Top 8 Things to Look for When Buying Whey Protein About Time Chocolate Whey Protein Isolate #1. Look for (rBGH) Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormones-Free Whey ProteinrnDoes your whey protein come from cows treated with recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone? If so, look for another source. The European Union, Japan, Australia and Canada have all banned the use of rBGH due to animal and human health concerns. Monsanto, the company that produces the bovine growth hormone, conducted their own study using 30 rats to establish the safety of this synthetic hormone additive. Human studies have also had different results when duplicating the studies with rat and other animals. Sounds like a conflict of interest to have the company who designed the hormone, conduct their own study. #2. Cold ProcessedrnLook for whey protein that is “Cold Processed” since heat destroys many of the important health factors, stated above, that are found in whey protein. #3. No Artificial SweetenersrnSucralose (Splenda) or chlorinated sugar, is one of the most common artificial sweeteners used in whey protein. Sucralose may destroy beneficial flora (probiotics) in the body. When we don't have enough beneficial flora, pathogenic or bad bacteria can get out of control. Aspartame (also known as NutraSweet) will eventually break-down into formaldehyde, also a toxin, which can then accumulate in our cells and result in severe health consequences. The EPA has determined that formaldehyde causes cancer in humans. Specifically, it is known to increase your risk of breast or prostate cancer. If you suffer from PKU (the inability to break down the amino acid phenylalanine), the phenylalanine accumulation from Aspartame can actually lead to mental retardation, brain damage and/or seizures. -rnJournal of Inherited Metabolic Disease Volume 33, Number 1, 1-7 rnI suggest using natural sweeteners such as Stevia, Xylitol, and lo han guo fruit. #4. Easy To Mix or "Instantized"rnThere is nothing more frustrating than using a cheap protein that won’t mix because it hasn’t been “instantized”. #5. Great TasternThe real taste-test is to take a whey protein supplement with water instead of milk. If it tastes great in water, you know you have an overall quality protein. Many companies employ cheap processing method, such as Ion Exchange Processing, which uses Acids and chemicals to separate the whey from fat. This can destroy the Immune supporting properties of whey and also gives it a sour after-taste. Instead, look for non-acidic methods such as Cross-Filtered or Microfiltered Whey Isolates. #6. Easy to DigestrnMany whey proteins are hard to digest and contain higher amounts of lactose that are difficult for individuals who don’t produce sufficient lactase enzymes. Some whey proteins also contain other fillers, preservatives and/or binders that may lead to stomach upset and indigestion. If you’re lactose intolerant, have had bariatric surgery or commonly suffer from indigestion, then choose a clean Whey Isolate Protein and your problem is solved! #7. Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS)rnThis is a method of evaluating the protein quality based on both the amino acid requirements of humans and their ability to digest it. Whey Protein has a perfect score of 1 or 100%, making it an ideal choice for the protein needs of our body. #8. Free of Toxic Levels of Heavy Metalsrn Lately, lab analysis has shown that many brands of whey proteins are contaminated with toxic levels of Heavy Metals such as Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium and Mercury. Make sure the protein you buy has been thoroughly analyzed by an independent lab that proves the protein is free from such toxic Heavy Metal contaminants. For a look at the brands that Consumer Reports found to be contaminated with heavy metals, you can find them here - Consumer Report Whey Protein Heavy Metal Testing If you’re looking for the cleanest and best tasting Whey Protein Isolate, then I would highly suggest “About Time 100% Whey Isolate” from SDC Nutrition. After reviewing the laboratory analysis, studying their formula and tasting their flavors, I can easily say that this is the cleanest, best tasting and one of the best overall Whey Isolate Protein products out there! For more information or to purchase About Time 100% Whey Protein Isolate, visit - http://www.kidsvitaminshop.com/cart.php?m=product_vendor_list&v=7