Whey supplements significantly reduce BP Whey supplements ???significantly reduce bp??? (Thinkstock photos/Getty Images) A Washington State University study has found that beverages supplemented by whey-based protein can significantly reduce elevated blood pressure, reducing the risk of stroke and heart disease. Research led by nutritional biochemist Susan Fluegel found that daily doses of commonly available whey [...]
Read More...
That's funny, I was just reading an article on whey. There's a lot more to whey than I knew about.
Whey is one of the two proteins found in milk and milk products and it is obtained as a by-product while making cheese. Whey protein is a fusion of globular proteins that can be separated from whey. Whey Protein is known to be a very rich source of amino acids and it contains minimal fats and cholesterol. Initially, whey protein was considered a waste product obtained while making
cheese, until its nutritional properties were discovered. It was a common myth that whey protein is beneficial only for the athletes, bodybuilders and sportsmen. Today, whey protein is gaining popularity among people of all ages due to its varied nutritional and health benefits. Lets have a look at some of the health benefits of whey protein.
Nutritional Benefits
Whey protein contains high levels of amino acids like essential amino acids (EAAs), branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) like leucine and cysteine. EAAs and BCCAs in whey protein help in the maintenance of muscle tissues and protein synthesis by the body. Leucine plays an important role in the protein synthesis and muscle growth. It is hence considered to be very essential for the athletes and bodybuilders. Cysteine is essential for the production of glutathione in the body. Glutathione is an anti-oxidant that is known to have anti-cancer properties and it also boosts the immune system. Whey protein provides quick nourishment to the muscles and is therefore referred to as 'fast protein'.
Health Benefits
Whey protein is known to play an important role in
weight loss and weight management, maintaining cardiovascular health, providing nourishment to cancer patients, improving memory, infant nourishment and aging healthily.
Weight Loss and Weight Management: Whey protein contains minimal fat and cholesterol and is consumed as a pre-exercise meal. Studies have proved that the amino acids present in whey protein help improvise the body composition while promoting loss of fat from the body. It has bioactive components that reduce appetite and burn down fats.
Nourishment for Cancer Patients: Whey protein provides the essential nourishment that cancer patients require, but are not able to gain due to loss of appetite and side effects of cancer treatments. It is soluble, easily digested and easily absorbed by the body, which proves to be very beneficial to cancer patients. It is also said to prevent the growth of cancerous tumors and boost the
immune systems of cancer patients.
Memory Improvement: Studies show that whey protein improves memory, cognitive performance and performance under stress.
Cardiovascular Health: Inclusion of whey protein in daily diet is known to have reduced risk of developing
cardiovascular disorders. It also helps combat
high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, thereby preventing many kinds of cardiovascular disorders.
Diabetes: Whey protein helps combat
Type 2 diabetes, as it is high in biological value. People suffering from type 2 diabetes can include whey protein in their diets to control blood sugar levels.
Infant Nourishment: Whey protein is being included in infant food formulas, as it is essential for their healthy growth and development. It provides them with the adequate nourishment, as it contains similar components that are found in the breast milk. It is also necessary for pregnant women, as it provides them with the increased amount of protein that their body demands.
Healthy Aging: Whey protein helps combat sarcopenia that is associated with old age and the consequent weakening of muscles. It reduces loss of
protein and promotes protein synthesis in the body.
Whey protein also helps in the rapid healing of wounds, improves the functioning of the immune system, combats food allergies and body detoxification. It is available as a dietary supplement in the form powders, drinks, concentrate, etc. The various health benefits of whey protein make its addition to our diets a must.
By
Dhanya Joy
