What Are the Benefits of Taking Whey Protein?
If you’re new to bodybuilding, you will have probably thought about supplements at one point by now. There are so many kinds of supplements available that it can become quite overwhelming which one to choose. However, the most popular without question would have to be whey protein.
What Is Whey Protein?
Whey protein is a by-product during the production of cheese, and it has the highest known levels of branched chain amino acids of any natural food source.
When to Take Whey Protein / What Are the Benefits?
1. Fast Digestibility –
Since whey protein is in a powdered form, it is very useful when you need a quick fix of protein. You will often need protein quickly after your weight lifting workouts to encourage protein synthesis. It is recommended that people eat something high in protein 0-30 minutes after their workout.
The reason for eating so soon after your workout is to inhibit the production of a catabolic hormone known as cortisol. Cortisol is a stress hormone which shuts down muscle growth. It increases in our body after we have used up a lot of energy and in order to prevent a build up of it; you need to refuel your body with calories. The easiest way of doing this is to have a whey protein shake as it takes literally no preparation time whatsoever and will be digested quicker than solid food.
It is also useful to have in the mornings. Your muscles will be craving for some more food in the mornings since most of the time you won’t have eaten since dinner. Having a protein shake prior to or alongside breakfast will satisfy your muscles quickly and allow them to continue to rebuild.
2. Useful Snack –
Bodybuilders ideally need to be eating something nutritious every few hours so that they can keep feeding their muscles and allow them to grow. It is time-consuming and difficult to eat so many meals throughout the day. Whey protein allows you to have a high protein snack very quickly and can feel less filling than solid food.
3. Immune System –
Whey protein contains an antioxidant called glutathione which is required for a healthy immune system. Whey can help athletes maintain a strong immune system as glutathione levels may be reduced by exercise and resistance training.
4. Weight Loss –
Whey protein can also help those who are trying to lose weight. If you choose a protein shake which is low in carbohydrates, it can be a useful method of having a low-calorie/low carb snack in between your meals.
If used correctly, whey protein can help you with muscle gains or weight loss. However, you should remember that whey protein is just a supplement at the end of the day and is no substitute for a good diet. Having a good diet should be your priority, once you do that, whey protein on the side can be beneficial. Before you start supplementing with whey, I would highly recommend that you read these whey protein dangers.
 5. Diabetes –
More recent research indicates that whey protein may actually be advantageous for diabetes. Specifically, some studies have found that whey protein may have a blood glucose and/or insulin lowering effects (mediated by incretins). However, there’s no conclusive research that shows it has any effects on blood pressure, cholesterol levels or vascular health.
I am a huge supporter of protein powder. Countless studies have shown that when taken after a workout it will improve just about everyone’s results
Another really good article :) One thing you might want to add under “Fast Digestibility” is that the speed of obsortion varies a little depending on how you mix it as milk takes longer than water to be obsorbed into the body.
Another really good article :) One thing you might want to add under “Fast Digestibility” as the speed of obsortion varies a little depending on how you mix it as milk takes longer than water to be obsorbed into the body.
Protein powder can make a great meal replacement when you’re in a rush–certainly better than eating fast food or plain old junk food.
Dean, I would tend to agree with you. I drink a quick protein shake 2 times per day. Low fat and low calorie. Great for losing flab and maintaining muscle. Cheap too.
Thanks for sharing the nice benefits of whey protein. It’s great idea, Taking whey protein supplements is a great way to complement your workout routine. Whey protein help to Increases exercise capacity.
I am 73 and occasionally take whey protein having read leslie kentons book age power. i dont take it often and wonder if i should take it more regularly…. i am female and apart from some creaks and bit of memory problems am pretty good.
A very good article! True, we often don’t get as much protein as we need on a daily basis. I would advise to go for 50/50 whey / casein protein – to fuel you up after workout and to keep feeding your muscles during the day.Â
I love protein powder. It have lots benefits and it can help us for living healthy in so many different ways.I take it as a breakfast but i never thought what is actual time for taking it.Now i am very clear.Thanks
Great article! Really lays out the benefits of whey protein better than any other post i’ve seen. I used this in one of my health tip posts as a reference. Love the site :)
Nathan
if we want look like smart n healty so we should take protein n get good body but I am not a bodybuilder, but thanks for the great post on the advantages of whey protein, which is useful for all and not only for bodybuilders.
i think we should take suppliment becouse they give benefits our body
Great article thanks for sharing the info about using whey protein as a meal replacement for losing weight. I’ve long known that bodybuilders use protein powders good to know about the weight loss aspect.
If I were to start using creatine while I’m already using whey protein, bsn syntha 6 to be exact, what creatine would you recommend using? Is there a specific one that you prefer over others?
Not an athlete nor physically active person, but glad that I stumble upon your blog and learned the benefits of whey protein.
Didn’t know until now that glutathione can help maintain a strong immune system. All I know before is that, it is being used as an ingredient for whitening products. I guess, I’m totally wrong, thanks for your informative content.
Interesting tid-bit about the recommendation to eat something high in protein before 30 minutes after a workout. Makes sense. I’ve considered trying whew protein powder – although I may have a slight lactose intolerance which I wonder how that would be affected by the whey.
There are so many benefit of taking Protein supplement in regular diet.
What I can take in IBS.?
Please tell me
I am not a bodybuilder, but thanks for the great post on the advantages of whey protein, which is useful for all and not only for bodybuilders.
I never knew that it can help your immune system. Good tip. I have noticed that if i work out hard and dont have any protein after I feel weak and tired, and it is easier for me to get sick, I guess this is because of the immune system getting weakened?
Sam, Thanks for the great article on whey. I use both whey and casein, which is a slower absorbing protein. I like making a whey smoothie with blueberries and spinach, and with a touch of flax oil, too. It’s a great way to fuel up in the morning.
Wayne