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Whey Proteins Powders (Whey Concentrate and Whey Isolate)
Whey protein powders are a great protein source for the following reasons shown in a growing number of studies:
- It improves sports and fitness performance because it reduces stress and lowers cortisol levels.
- Improved immunity by increasing glutathione (GSH), which is a water soluble antioxidant found in the body.
- Improved liver function in some forms of hepatitis.
- Reduces blood pressure.
- Can help fight HIV.
- Helps reduce overtraining (which is linked also to low levels of GSH).
In addition to the above, we need to mention that whey protein powders are highly digestible and have a better amino acid profile even than egg whites. So in other words, whey protein has the highest biological value (value that measures how well the body can absorb and utilize a protein) of any protein.
Having said this, whey protein is not the steroid-like substance that many advertisers would like you to believe, but based on the research it is a valuable addition to one's dietand nutrition for the reasons outlined above.
Also, you need to understand that all whey protein is not created equal. The whey protein that will give you the benefits described above has to be micro-filtered. Otherwise, it is just the garbage left after pasteurizing milk.
Isolates & Concentrates
In addition, there are whey protein isolates and whey protein concentrates. Whey isolates are sub-fractions of whey protein that are absorbed much more rapidly into the system. This is a good thing for post workout nutrition as at this time the body is in dire need of amino acids.
However, whey protein isolate makes a poor choice for during the day supplementation as if the body does not have a need for all of the amino acids that are released into the bloodstream, then it will use them for energy production as opposed to muscle building.
Also, it is important to mention that whey protein isolate does not have many of the health enhancing properties that are described above, as the expensive process required to produce whey protein isolate destroys many of the health/immune system enhancing sub-fractions such as the lactoferrins, beta-lactoglobulins, and immuno-globulins.
Therefore, for during the day use, a product consisting mainly of whey protein concentrate is your best bet while for after the workout, a whey protein isolate product would be a better choice for nutrition.
Of all the proteins out there, whey protein powder is no doubt the best. Whey protein powder contains high quality proteins that come from milk. There are 2 main proteins in milk: casein and whey proteins. Whey protein is derived from the process where milk is turned into cheese - the liquid whey is separated from the casein protein.
Studies have found whey proteins contain just the right combination of amino acids at the right concentration for optimal performance and nutrition. Both hormonal and cellular responses are greatly enhanced with whey protein supplements.
Protein levels are depleted through workouts. Whey protein powders supply essential amino acids and are a precursor to building muscle. It builds muscles, enhances your endurance, and reduces muscle deterioration. Whey protein supplements supply a good amount of branched-chain amino acids that are important to body builders since they are metabolized directly into the muscle instead of the liver like other amino acids.
Egg Protein
Egg protein is a super bio-available protein second only to whey, as previously discussed. It is a slower released protein than whey, which makes it perfect for throughout the day use.
One thing that I like to do is mix some egg and whey protein for the most bio-available protein shake in the planet!
Milk Proteins (Calcium Casseinate/Miscellar Casein)
Milk proteins, just like egg proteins, are a highly bio-available protein source (slightly less BV than egg) that is slowly released into the blood stream.
Calcium Casseinate & Miscellar Casein
Calcium Casseinate is the regular protein that is found in regular milk and other dairy products.
Miscellar casein is the natural, undenatured form of casein found in milk. It is separated from milk by means of ultrafiltration, without the use of chemicals, which increases the amount of bioactive milk peptides that support immune function as well as enhance muscle growth.
A property of micellar casein is that it may have the ability to provide a steady release of amino acids into the blood stream, which makes it an excellent choice for a long lasting anti-catabolic (muscle protecting) protein.
Soy Proteins
Soy has been shown to exhibit positive health benefits for both men and women. Studies have shown they may reduce the risk of hormone-dependent cancers (breast, prostate, etc), and other cancers as well. Soy's primary health benefits include reducing high cholesterol and easing the symptoms of menopause (due to the fact that it contains estrogen like substances called phyto-estrogens).
Soy has also been shown to help with osteoporosis by building up bone mass. Because of this, I like to recommend 1 serving of soy protein per day for women but only for its health benefits.
However, in the muscle building department, I don't feel that soy is very useful, especially for men. First of all, its BV value is a distant 49, and second of all, since it has estrogen like substances, it could potentially reduce the utilization of testosterone through the binding of phyto-estrogens to the testosterone receptors.
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