Popularized as a very efficient post-workout, the benefits of whey protein go far beyond recovery and gaining muscle mass. A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition highlights whey protein as a precursor to glutathione, the mother of all antioxidants, indispensable in detoxifying the body. Besides, whey is also identified as a “supreme nutritional substance” by research from the University of Cambridge due to its high biological value - how much the body can use in its metabolism - the quality of its amino acids and its action as a precursor of antioxidants and detoxifiers.

Protein extracted from whey, whey protein is generated during the cheese-making process. It can be concentrated (WPC), isolated (WPI), hydrolyzed (WPH) or non-hydrolyzed, which indicates the concentration of proteins and their absorption capacity by the body. The more filtered it is, the greater its biological value. And the smaller the particle, the better and faster the absorption and use by the body.

Cow's milk has 3% to 4% protein, of which 80% is casein. If you take 100ml of milk, you will be ingesting only 3 to 4 grams of protein, less than 20% whey protein. The whey protein supplement in isolation, for example, which is considered the purest, contains 90% to 99% pure protein.

Actions beyond muscle mass gain

In the last two decades, the use of whey as part of an integrated treatment has been gaining ground in scientific research. In several conditions, its supplementation was concluded to be therapeutically beneficial.

Strengthens immunity and controls blood pressure: the two main proteins present in whey - alpha-lactalbumin and beta-lactalbumin - improve innate immunity by increasing the function of defense cells (macrophages) and are also able to block enzyme conversion angiotensin, a mechanism used by drugs to control blood pressure;

Helps in diets: whey stimulates the production of cholecystokinin (CCK) and GLP-1, hormones related to digestion and satiety. It also inhibits the release of ghrelin, known as the hunger hormone;

Controls diabetes: recent studies indicate that whey can reduce the increase in blood sugar levels after meals (postmeal plasma glucose), increasing insulin sensitivity;

Adjuvant in cancer treatment: according to a study published by the Journal of Food Science and Engineering, especially in treatments with radio and chemotherapy, whey helps in the recovery of muscle mass and also demonstrates a preventive effect for cancer (especially tumors intestinal) through its detoxifying and immunostimulating actions;

Infant formulas: in the impossibility of breastfeeding, parents can resort to infant formulas with whey protein in their composition in cases of allergy or intolerance to cow's milk. This is because, in its hydrolyzed form, because it is more easily digested, whey can prevent cramps and the incidence of atopic dermatitis;

Postoperative use: surgeries require extra effort from the body for recovery and healing. Because it is a protein-rich in amino acids that stimulate anabolism, its use is indicated for recovery in the postoperative period and burns;

Sarcopenia: the progressive loss of muscle strength and lean mass from the age of 30 (sarcopenia) can be reversed and even prevented with the supplementation of whey protein. The scientific journal Geriatrics & Gerontology International published a study carried out with elderly women in which whey protein supplementation was shown to be effective in combating sarcopenia.

Scientists at Reading University also pointed out the reduced risk of heart disease and stroke with frequent intake of protein supplements such as whey.

The information is from the 3 Talheres website. Source: Portal MilkPoint