Types of Protein
Whey protein, a derivative from milk, is one of the highest quality
proteins you can consume. A rich source of amino acids that are
absorbed quickly and efficiently, whey boasts a wealth of benefits,
including help with muscle growth and recovery, improved immune
functions and weight management. Choosing the best product for your
goals can be challenging given the variety of brands and mixes
available. Weigh the pros and cons of both whey protein isolate and
whey protein blends to determine which is best for you.
Function
The National Dairy Council confirms that whey protein consumed in combination with resistance exercise helps the body make lean muscle mass faster, thus improving body composition. It contains all the essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own and must obtain from outside sources. Whey is a low-calorie, low-fat form of protein, thus aiding people on high-protein diets avoid excessive saturated fat. Whey protein powders are easily mixed into juice, milk or water or added to smoothies, oatmeal, soups or casseroles to boost protein content.
Whey Isolate Features
Whey protein isolate is the most highly refined form of whey protein. Whey protein isolate contains between 90 and 98 percent protein per serving. Because of the processing involved, whey protein isolate is typically a more expensive product. The processing of isolate removes almost all the lactose, carbs and fat form the product, but also strips some of the immune-boosting properties of whey as well.
Whey Blend Features
Whey blends combine isolate with whey protein concentrate, which is a less-processed form of the protein. Concentrate, on average, contains about 75 percent protein per serving---although it can be as low as 30 percent. Lactose levels of concentrate are equivalent to that found in hard cheeses such as Swiss or cheddar---hovering around 4 percent. Fat grams per serving are also a bit higher in concentrate. Blends contain varying ratios of isolate to concentrate, so you must consult the ingredient list to see which falls first---if isolate is first, the blend has a higher percentage as the primary protein source. Blends tend to be less expensive than isolate.
Considerations If money is not a concern, choose isolate as it is the purest form available. Isolate contains virtually no fat and because each serving contains almost pure protein, it is most effective in muscle building and fat loss. Isolate typically contains less than 1 percent lactose, so it is the best choice for those with lactose intolerance. Blends offer many of the benefits of isolate at a lower cost. Mixing concentrate and isolate together reduces the overall fat and lactose content you would get in concentrate alone. Blends still provide a full amino acid profile and will assist you in your muscle building goals. Blends also retain more of the immunity benefits of whey protein.
Warning Shop for pure whey protein; many brands add fillers such as additional carbohydrates, artificial sweeteners and saturated fat. Watch out for blends that add additional supplements to supposedly help with muscle growth. Supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, so if you do choose a whey protein supplement mix, it is up to you to learn about any possible side effects and complications.
Function
The National Dairy Council confirms that whey protein consumed in combination with resistance exercise helps the body make lean muscle mass faster, thus improving body composition. It contains all the essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own and must obtain from outside sources. Whey is a low-calorie, low-fat form of protein, thus aiding people on high-protein diets avoid excessive saturated fat. Whey protein powders are easily mixed into juice, milk or water or added to smoothies, oatmeal, soups or casseroles to boost protein content.
Whey Isolate Features
Whey protein isolate is the most highly refined form of whey protein. Whey protein isolate contains between 90 and 98 percent protein per serving. Because of the processing involved, whey protein isolate is typically a more expensive product. The processing of isolate removes almost all the lactose, carbs and fat form the product, but also strips some of the immune-boosting properties of whey as well.
Whey Blend Features
Whey blends combine isolate with whey protein concentrate, which is a less-processed form of the protein. Concentrate, on average, contains about 75 percent protein per serving---although it can be as low as 30 percent. Lactose levels of concentrate are equivalent to that found in hard cheeses such as Swiss or cheddar---hovering around 4 percent. Fat grams per serving are also a bit higher in concentrate. Blends contain varying ratios of isolate to concentrate, so you must consult the ingredient list to see which falls first---if isolate is first, the blend has a higher percentage as the primary protein source. Blends tend to be less expensive than isolate.
Considerations If money is not a concern, choose isolate as it is the purest form available. Isolate contains virtually no fat and because each serving contains almost pure protein, it is most effective in muscle building and fat loss. Isolate typically contains less than 1 percent lactose, so it is the best choice for those with lactose intolerance. Blends offer many of the benefits of isolate at a lower cost. Mixing concentrate and isolate together reduces the overall fat and lactose content you would get in concentrate alone. Blends still provide a full amino acid profile and will assist you in your muscle building goals. Blends also retain more of the immunity benefits of whey protein.
Warning Shop for pure whey protein; many brands add fillers such as additional carbohydrates, artificial sweeteners and saturated fat. Watch out for blends that add additional supplements to supposedly help with muscle growth. Supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, so if you do choose a whey protein supplement mix, it is up to you to learn about any possible side effects and complications.
Whey protein is often used by bodybuilders to enhance muscle synthesis, but it can be a healthy addition to anyone's diet. Manufacturers market many different brands and flavors of whey protein powder. Whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate may sound similar, but they differ in price and features.
Features To make powdered whey protein, manufacturers take a derivative of milk leftover from the cheese-making process and filter and process it into a powder form. Available natural or in flavors like chocolate, berry and vanilla, whey protein may be added to smoothies, soups and baked goods to enhance their protein content. For quick consumption--whey protein may be mixed into fruit juice, milk or even water. Rich in naturally occurring branched-chain amino acids luecine, isoleucine and valine, whey protein helps stimulate muscle growth and repair. Whey protein can also help improve immunity and positively affects cardiovascular health.
Isolate Whey protein isolate is a very pure form of whey protein, containing less than 1 percent lactose. Isolate contains anywhere from 90 to 98 percent protein in each scoop. Because isolate is highly filtered, it loses some of the immunity-boosting properties. The high filtering process also increases isolate's price tag.
Concentrate whey supplements contain whey protein concentrate because it is easier and cheaper to produce. Concentrate retains more lactose per serving--about 4 percent at the very most--and more of the immunity enhancing effects of whey. The actual protein per serving can be considerably less than in isolate--ranging from 29 to 89 percent per serving.
Considerations Whey protein--whether it be concentrate or isolate--will support muscle synthesis when combined with resistance exercise. Those with severe lactose intolerance should chose isolate because it is least likely to cause symptoms. If cost is an issue, choose a less-expensive brand offering whey protein concentrate. Some companies offer a mix of the two types of whey in the same product. The mixes help increase the overall protein content of the product, while maintaining a lower lactose level. Combining the two types also makes the product more affordable and provides you with more of the immune benefits.
Warning When shopping for either isolate or concentrate, go for 100 percent whey protein whenever possible. Many companies combine whey protein in weight gain drinks which include extra carbohydrates and supplements. As supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, it is wise to fully research them before including any in your diet. Some whey products also include artificial sweeteners and coloring agents, so scan your ingredient lists to be sure you know what you are getting.
Features To make powdered whey protein, manufacturers take a derivative of milk leftover from the cheese-making process and filter and process it into a powder form. Available natural or in flavors like chocolate, berry and vanilla, whey protein may be added to smoothies, soups and baked goods to enhance their protein content. For quick consumption--whey protein may be mixed into fruit juice, milk or even water. Rich in naturally occurring branched-chain amino acids luecine, isoleucine and valine, whey protein helps stimulate muscle growth and repair. Whey protein can also help improve immunity and positively affects cardiovascular health.
Isolate Whey protein isolate is a very pure form of whey protein, containing less than 1 percent lactose. Isolate contains anywhere from 90 to 98 percent protein in each scoop. Because isolate is highly filtered, it loses some of the immunity-boosting properties. The high filtering process also increases isolate's price tag.
Concentrate whey supplements contain whey protein concentrate because it is easier and cheaper to produce. Concentrate retains more lactose per serving--about 4 percent at the very most--and more of the immunity enhancing effects of whey. The actual protein per serving can be considerably less than in isolate--ranging from 29 to 89 percent per serving.
Considerations Whey protein--whether it be concentrate or isolate--will support muscle synthesis when combined with resistance exercise. Those with severe lactose intolerance should chose isolate because it is least likely to cause symptoms. If cost is an issue, choose a less-expensive brand offering whey protein concentrate. Some companies offer a mix of the two types of whey in the same product. The mixes help increase the overall protein content of the product, while maintaining a lower lactose level. Combining the two types also makes the product more affordable and provides you with more of the immune benefits.
Warning When shopping for either isolate or concentrate, go for 100 percent whey protein whenever possible. Many companies combine whey protein in weight gain drinks which include extra carbohydrates and supplements. As supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, it is wise to fully research them before including any in your diet. Some whey products also include artificial sweeteners and coloring agents, so scan your ingredient lists to be sure you know what you are getting.