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Why Whey Is Way Better...

by Sportitude

Whether you are a self-proclaimed gym-junkie, shredding, looking to build muscle or looking to lose weight, chances are that protein powder has taken a prime position in your pantry. It’s a versatile supplement, which regularly makes its way into our smoothies, raw cakes and even pancakes. But how much do we know about the different types of proteins on the market?  If you are not a vegetarian, here are 4 compelling reasons why whey protein may be the better option for you that don’t include muscle growth and muscle repair... because these are a given really! 

It’s High Quality  

Whey protein is produced from the liquid that separates from milk after it has been curdled and strained, making it the co-product in the manufacturing of cheese. This makes it a high-quality source of a complete protein containing all the essential and non-essential amino acids your muscles and body requires for recovery. That’s more than 20 amino acids to be exact, making it one of the best dietary sources of protein available on the market.  

It Aids in Weight loss  

Now if you are planning on eating dinner and following it up with a chocolate protein fix, you can expect to expand your waistline. But if used as intended, whey protein could be the answer to your weight loss needs. Whey protein is highly filling, more so than casein, soy and other types of proteins. This means it will keep you feeling fuller for longer. Swapping your breakfast or lunch with a whey protein shake is shown to not only help suppress your appetite and cravings but will also work to boost your metabolism.  

It preserves muscle mass  

While whey protein has been shown to aid in weight loss, it does so while helping preserve muscle mass. A 12-week study conducted by researchers in Minnesota found that participants who reduced their calorie intake by 500 calories a day and consumed a whey protein shake every day reduced their body fat by as much as 6.1%. The results were significantly higher than those of participants who did not drink protein shakes. The results obtained showed that whey protein helped maintain muscle mass while allowing the body to tap into its fat reserves.  

It will improve your immune system   

Strenuous aerobic activity has been linked to lowering the body’s natural immunity levels if not addressed with adequate nutrients and supplements. A study carried out by the University of Alberta has found that male participants who exercised regularly experienced reduced glutathione levels, which impacted on participants nervous, gastrointestinal and immune systems. Incorporating whey protein into the participant’s diets was found to decrease the loss of glutathione levels and therefore help improve the immune system.