As mentioned, whey protein comes from an animal source and is a very bioavailable, soluble protein. As a result it will enter the blood stream faster then other proteins. Plus it has additional benefits including immune system influences and antioxidant properties. In addition, whey protein contains branched chain amino acids (BCAA), leucine, isoleucine, and valine. (Dunford, Sports, Cardiovascular & Group, 2006) The reason that this is such an important piece to the puzzle is that BCAA are shown to spur protein synthesis. It is these qualities that supplement companies use to market their whey protein products. However, the average American diet provides enough quality protein for even the increased needs of athletes (1.2-1.7 g/kg bodyweight), thus making protein supplements unnecessary and costly. (Dunford, Sports, Cardiovascular & Group, 2006) Yes, research shows that the BCAA leucine does increase protein synthesis, but 2.5 g of leucine, or 3.5 oz beef is all you need. A meal with 3 oz chicken, an 8 oz glass of milk, cup of brown rice, and a half cup asparagus provides about 3 grams leucine and over 30 grams protein. (Seyler & Layman, 2012) Basically, a well balanced meal with high quality proteins (animal protein) will provide enough protein. Even a vegetarian or vegan can attain adequate protein and leucine intake. Timing of the protein is just as important however. According to SCAN’s Pulse, 90 grams of dietary protein distributed between three meals will provide maximum protein synthesis. (Seyler & Layman, 2012) Furthermore, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Sports Nutrition: A Practice Manual for Professionals, protein supplements are no more affective than the proteins we get from our diet. In short, eat real food and use the money that you would have used on supplements to buy new running shoes or new tires for you bike. (Dunford, Sports, Cardiovascular & Group, 2006)

The Health Benefits of Whey

by Dr. David Williams

Filed Under: Diet

Last Reviewed 06/08/2015

The majority of the benefits of whey can be attributed to its dense content of high-quality protein components. In fact, it has been found to be one of the most complete and biologically active forms of protein available.

Whey is called a complete and balanced protein because it contains all the “essential” amino acids (as well as additional amino acids). Most of the isolated amino acids that are now being touted and sold in the health market are naturally contained in whey protein.

Antimicrobial and Antiviral Benefits of Whey

Several components of whey—including the immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, lactoferricin, sphingolipids, lactoperoxidase, and glycomacropeptides—can inhibit the growth of a wide range of bacteria, fungi, yeast, and protozoa. In particular, lactoferrin has been shown to stop the growth of two pathogens commonly associated with food poisoning: E. coli and Listeria monocytogenes.

Immune System Enhancement Benefits of Whey

The body’s level of glutathione is a pretty good indicator of overall health and the ability of your immune system to fight off disease and counter the effects of aging.

Whey has a very high content of sulfur-containing amino acids (such as cysteine) that are necessary for the biosynthesis of glutathione. And studies have shown that you can effectively raise your gluthathione levels through the consumption of whey protein.

Research has shown that several components in whey protein work together to improve immunity. A group of blood proteins called immunoglobulins are incorporated into milk and whey. They help pass on immunity to infants and adults as well. Colostrum, the first milk following birth, contains the greatest concentration of these compounds. And the lactoferrin I mentioned earlier actually stimulates the growth of new immune cells. The regular use of whey protein can help keep your body prepared to ward off everything from the flu to cancer.

Anti-Cancer Benefits of Whey

To date, most of the studies on whey protein and cancer have been performed using laboratory animals. These studies have found that a diet supplemented with whey protein provides protection against toxin-induced cancers of the esophagus, lung, bladder, colon, liver, and breast. And it appears that the earlier the whey protein is started, the greater the protective effects might be.

Moreover, in one human study whey protein was included with other nutritional factors in the treatment program of 20 patients with stage IV (end-stage) cancer (one patient with bladder cancer, five with breast, two prostate, two non–small cell lung, three colon, one ovarian, one gastric, one neuroblastoma, one mesothelioma, two lymphoma, and one osteocarcoma). After six months of therapy, 16 of the 20 patients were still alive—a much better result than expected without treatment. The survivors maintained higher glutathione levels than the other four.

Two other components of whey protein also contribute to its anti-cancer activity. Sphingomyelin has been shown to help prevent colon cancer and stop the spread and development of various other forms of cancer. CLA, which I’ve highly recommended in the past, has been shown to inhibit a number of types of human cancer cell lines and protect against chemically-induced cancers from environmental toxins.

Cardiovascular Benefits of Whey

When you discuss whey proteins and cardiovascular health, it starts to sound somewhat like the “polypill” (a combination of drugs that was supposed to be good for whatever might be ailing you) the pharmaceutical companies were trying to promote recently. The difference is that whey protein really does address many of the problems associated with cardiovascular disease—and it isn’t associated with any side effects common to heart medications.

Whey proteins inhibit the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). I’m sure you’ve heard of the class of blood pressure–lowering drugs called ACE inhibitors that do the same thing. Again, a combination of components in whey powder provides this blood pressure–lowering benefit and vascular relaxation without the side effects of drugs.

Stress Reduction Benefits of Whey

In a study performed in the Netherlands, researchers gave 29 “stress-vulnerable” subjects the whey protein alpha-lactalbumin. The result was a reduction of cortisol, a hormone commonly associated with unresolved stress. Participants also experienced less depression and an improved ability to cope with their environment. The researchers reported that whey protein increased the availability of tryptophan in the brain, which, in turn, increases the brain’s synthesis of serotonin. The added serotonin promotes a calmer mood and an ability to handle stress.

The glycine content of whey protein also undoubtedly contributes to its ability to help repair tissue and heal wounds. With whey, you also get the added growth factors (IGF-1 and 2)—both of which have been shown to accelerate wound healing in the gut. Finally, glycine is also important in both memory and cognitive functions.

Although you wouldn’t get the high levels of glycine used for panic therapy from a typical whey protein drink, smaller regular doses with the many other components, such as from a daily whey drink, could help you deal with stress and improve sleep. For dosages as high as 3 grams, you would need to purchase a separate supplement.

Whey proteins have also been shown to protect the stomach and intestinal tract from stress-induced ulcers.

Osteoporosis and Bone Cell Growth Benefits of Whey

In addition to minerals necessary for bone growth, whey contains a protein called lactoferrin—which as you’ve just read is associated with a wide range of benefits including immune support, anti-inflammatory action, cancer prevention, infection fighting, and wound healing.

Research from New Zealand has now determined that lactoferrin is able to increase the production of new bone, which could have enormous impact on the treatment of osteoporosis and non-healing bone fractures. Additional animal research with rabbits found that lactoferrin also protects against bone breakdown.

Prebiotic Benefits of Whey

In a nutshell, prebiotics are foods or compounds that are fermented by bacteria in the colon after they’ve entered the system. You can either supply your colon with additional beneficial bacteria through the use of probiotics, or you can feed the beneficial bacteria already present with specific compounds to help them multiply in number and become more dominant.

When used in combination with a good probiotic, whey proteins and its other components act as a prebiotic to provide added assurance that your “second immune system” (your gut) is getting the help it needs. One of the benefits of adding whey to the diet is often the normalization and consistency of bowel movements, particularly in the elderly.

Antioxidant Benefits of Whey

The lactoferrin fraction of whey protein binds with iron. The combination provides a stable method of iron transport, and lessens the amount of free iron in the system that can trigger oxidative reactions. (Excess free iron has been a concern in the acceleration of heart disease and other problems.)

In an indirect way, whey protein helps reduce the overall need for antioxidants in your body. Various enzymes, immunoglobulins, and other factors reduce the oxidative burden by reducing inflammation and destroying pathogens (among other activities). In effect, the added protection provided by whey helps your immune system maintain higher “reserves” that can be called upon when necessary. New research has revealed that lowering the oxidative burden in your body may be one of the primary keys to remaining healthy and slowing the aging process.

Obesity, Appetite Suppression, and Weight Control Benefits of Whey

Whey protein is unique in that it can help the overweight lose excess fat and help the underweight gain pounds in the form of lean muscle.

When you drink a whey protein shake in the morning, it’s more than just the initial feeling of fullness that suppresses the urge to eat. Whey protein contains unique chains of 64 amino acids called glycomacropeptides that perform a wide variety of functions—just one of which is to help regulate appetite.

Glycomacropeptides are a very potent stimulator of the release of the hormone cholecystokinin (CCK), which has many functions. First, it stimulates both the pancreas and the gallbladder to improve digestion. Additionally, it regulates emptying of the stomach and movement of your bowels. However, the function of CCK that most research seems to focus on is appetite suppression.

Essentially, glycomacropeptides do naturally what every drug manufacturer in the world is trying to duplicate artificially: increase the release of CCK. The protein signals the brain that the body is full, which suppresses the appetite and results in a large reduction of food intake. It is generally agreed that protein is the most satisfying and quenching macronutrient, but research has shown that not all proteins are alike in this ability. Whey provides a very strong satiety response. One study reported that glycomacropeptides from whey increased the release of CCK by over 400 percent. To find a drug that would safely do the same without side effects would be a pharmaceutical company’s dream.

Whey fits the bill as an excellent low-fat, low-carb source of nutritional protein. As a protein powder, it can be included in a filling, satisfying meal replacement drink that is ideal for weight-loss and muscle enhancing programs. One of the best things about a daily whey powder shake is that you can make it an integral part of your daily regimen instead of trying some bizarre fad diet that is either unhealthy or impossible to stay on long-term.

If you talk about milk whey, there are many factors involved in this situation, one of them is the type of animals to whom it is addressed feed, if they are piglets, then whey will be decisive in the transition stage that is critical in this specie and whose feeding with dairy by-products phase in pre-estarter is recommended.

Thank you very much to you all

Whey protein is a high quality complete protein containing all of the essential amino acids required by the body for strength and muscle development. It is a great way of increasing protein intake without adding excessive carbohydrates and fat. Our Whey Protein Concentrate is unsweetened and simple — not like a lot of the protein powders you find on the market today. It dissolves instantly, so it's great for making protein shakes and smoothies