What is Whey Protein?

About Whey Protein

A lot of fitness sites are talking about the virtues of whey protein products for fitness buffs, and while many people have consumed it and have seen great results, they don’t know much about the origins of it.  Here are a few little facts about what whey protein is and where it originates from.

Whey protein, as the name suggests, consists of protein.  Most whey protein powders are high in essential amino acids, which makes whey protein ideal for strength building exercise.   It’s important to know that having enough high quality protein intake in your diet is vital to building muscle mass.

Bioactive Compounds

Whey protein contains certain bioactive compounds beneficial to the health of those who consume it (bioactive compounds are those chemicals which naturally cause the body to produce certain chemicals on its own).  Particularly, the protein’s chemicals encourage the natural bodily production of glutathione, which has been experimentally proven in lab rats to discourage cancer from occurring.

High-Bioavailability Protein

Whey protein is said to have a great amount of “bioavailability.”  Bioavailability is the ability of the protein to be absorbed into the body.  Many proteins on the markets may be broken down in the stomach before ever being absorbed and sent to the body’s muscles to help build mass, but about 90% of whey protein remains intact and arrives safely at the body’s muscle tissue to help build it after a workout.

Anti-Inflammatory

Research of laboratory rats also suggests that whey protein can act as an anti-inflammatory.  This means it achieves some of the same results as aspirin might, and is beneficial to people who work out because it helps prevent some soreness in their muscles by reducing inflammation.

An All-Natural Milk Product

So where exactly does whey protein come from?  Health buffs will be happy to know that it is derived from all-natural milk products.  Whey is a liquid byproduct of the production of cheese.  Whey protein products concentrate these liquids into a powder form to obtain the maximum protein out of them, and then package them.

Conclusion: What is Whey Protein

Whey protein is an important source of essential amino acids.  The bulk of it is actually used as protein by the body, rather than being thrown out like many other nutritional supplements on the market.  It’s also completely natural and has elements which help prevent the formation of cancer cells in the body, making it a no-brainer for anyone serious about their health.