Whey Protein
Whey protein is a high-quality, complete protein that is naturally found in dairy. The protein in whey is very efficient at helping you build and maintain muscle. It is also great for training and regular consumption, with multiple benefits including weight maintenance.
Overview
Whey protein is a mixture of globular proteins isolated from whey, the liquid material created as a by-product of cheese production.
| Protein SourceSource: Renner, 1983 | BV | PER | NPU | PDCAAS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whey Protein Concentrate | 104 | 3.2 | 92 | 1.15 |
| Whole egg | 100 | 3.8 | 94 | 1.18 |
| Cow's milk | 91 | 3.1 | 82 | 1.21 |
| Beef | 80 | 2.9 | 73 | .92 |
| Casein | 77 | 2.5 | 76 | 1.23 |
| Soy protein | 74 | 2.1 | 61 | .91 |
Complete Protein
Whey contains all the essential amino acids, which are vital to your metabolism, and to making your body function properly for good health.
Branch Chain Amino Acids
Whey also boasts the highest concentrations of branched chain amino acids (BCAA’s) found in nature. Branched chain amino acids are an important source of energy during exercise and play a key role in protein synthesis.
| BCAA Content of Food | Leucine | Isoleucine | Valine |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 scoop (36g) whey protein isolate | 3.2g | 1.8g | 1.7g |
| 1 scoop (36g) soy protein isolate | 2.4g | 1.5g | 1.5g |
| 4oz sirloin steak | 2.0g | 1.1g | 1.3g |
| 1 cup low-fat yogurt | 1.1g | 0.6g | 0.9g |
| 1 egg | 0.5g | 0.3g | 0.4g |
Benefits
Whey protein is an excellent source of protein for individuals of all ages who value the role of a healthy lifestyle.