Whey Protein – The Protein with it all!
Building muscle, recovering faster!
What makes a perfect protein? Great taste, easy to mix, bioavailability? Yes to all three and more!
While other protein sources may rank high in one of these categories, whey protein has it all. Virtually every bodybuilder who uses whey protein reports that it stands head and shoulders above the rest for building muscle and boosting recovery.
Why Whey?
Whey protein is considered the standard by which all other protein sources are measured. It is now the protein of choice for hard training athletes for boosting recovery and developing a strong and muscular physique. Despite the few hold-outs, it’s now generally accepted that athletes require more protein than sedentary (inactive) individuals for building muscle. The protein they choose does make a difference and the following are some of the reasons why whey protein is a preferred choice for bodybuilders and other athletes.
Ø Whey protein is a complete protein. This means that it contains all of the essential amino acids required by the body. It has the perfect combination of amino acids to boost muscle building and recovery and to enhance athletic performance.
Ø Whey protein is a high source of branched chain amino acids (BCAAs). BCAAs are vital for athletes as unlike other essential amino acids, they are converted directly into new muscle tissue and are the first ones used during intense exercise and weight training. Whey protein provides the body with BCAAs to restore depleted levels and to help the body begin building muscle tissue.
Ø Whey protein is also an excellent source of the essential amino acid, leucine. Leucine plays an important role in promoting protein synthesis leading to enhanced muscle growth and boosting recovery. Studies have shown that those who exercise and eat diets high in leucine, have more lean muscle tissue and lower body fat percentages than individuals whose diet contains low levels of leucine. Whey protein isolate has approximately 50% more leucine than such other protein sources as soy protein isolate.
Ø Whey protein is very soluble and easy to mix. This makes it easy to digest and be efficiently absorbed into the body. For this reason many nutritionists refer to whey as a "fast" protein, given its ability to quickly provide nourishment to recovery muscles.
Ø Whey protein boosts the immune system by increasing the levels of glutathione in the body. Glutathione is known as an anti-oxidant, and is required for a healthy immune system. Stress including intense training may reduce glutathione levels. Whey protein helps keep athletes healthy and strong by boosting glutathione levels, enabling them to endure rigorous training.
