"We are born to be fit, strong, and healthy." Robb Wolf

January 11, 2011

Whey Protein

Ounce for ounce, whey protein has the most natural occurring branch chain amino acids than any other food. So a little goes a long way.

Whey protein comes in two different forms. Whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate. The main difference between the 2 is that the isolate form is more pure. Isolate contains 90-98% protein whereas concentrate is 70-85% protein. Most companies combine the two forms. Whey concentrates tend to be higher in fat and lactose content. So if you have a sensitivity/intolerance to lactose, you're better off finding a whey protein isolate or avoiding it all together. Finding a whey protein isolate with less that 0.1g of lactose per tablespoon has been found to be quite tolerable for these individuals.

Whey protein is a by-product of cheese and it is one of the two proteins that is extracted from cow's milk. The other being casein. It is available in a powdered form. Whey is easily absorbed into the body and contains all of the essential amino acids required for muscle repair and general metabolic processes.

Is whey protein Paleo? No.

Is whey protein Primal? Debatable.

Is whey protein a whole food? No.

So why bother consuming it? Convenience. It is a quick and easy solution to getting your protein requirements. You don't have to worry about cooking up any chicken, turkey, etc. if in a rush or something comes up last second and you are not prepared. People find it difficult eating something after a workout. The appetite isn't there. Some experts believe that by eating a solid food after a workout diverts crucial blood away from muscles to the gut in order to help the assimilation of digested foods. Ultimately, it helps with the rehydration process of the body since you have to add some form of liquid to the whey protein. Well... You don't have to but it is more palatable that way.

After working out, there is up to a 90-minute "window of opportunity" where the muscles are more sensitive to insulin. By consuming a protein source that contains the complete branch chain amino acids, you are relying on the insulin response in the body to drive the amino acids into the muscles to start repair. Now, if there is no insulin and/or no nutrients in the bloodstream, the insulin response does not exist. This is why it's important to consume some type of high-glycemic carbohydrate (yam, sweet potato, squash) to initiate this insulin response.

If you miss the 90-minute "window of opportunity", muscles return to a state where they are no longer sensitive to insulin. This means that the only tissue that is sensitive to insulin is adipose tissue (fat tissue). So it is very important not to miss this window.

2 comments:

lorna vanderhaeghe said...

Whey protein is really good for body building. The amount of protein it contains is enough to build your muscles. Thanks for that review.

Anonymous said...

It is a great information about the Whey Protein....