When And Why We Should Have Whey Protein?

The Liquid Gold For Vegetarians : Whey Protein

There is always a problem for vegetarians in fulfilling their daily protein needs as they cannot have animal protein. Whey protein is like liquid gold for them. Not only vegan, but non vegetarians also take benefit of this dairy protein. It is staple for bodybuilders. Indian way of eating usually lacks protein and thus, whey can be 

quite helpful.

What is whey protein?

Whey is a liquid made of globular proteins left over when cheese is made from milk. Cow’s milk has 20% whey and 80% casein whereas mother’s milk has 40% whey and 60% casein.

Types of whey protein:

There are many types of whey available in the market for consumption. Some of them are:

1. Hydrolysate:

    

This whey has its long chains of protein broken into smaller chains known as peptides which is easily metabolized and very light on stomach. Usually this process known as pre digestion is very expensive and everyone cannot afford this kind.

2. Native Whey:

This kind of whey is pretty much untouched and does not go through many processes. This is the purest form of whey protein.

    3.   Concentrate:

This kind of whey has low amounts of fats and cholesterol but has high amounts of carbohydrates compared to other kinds if whey which is around 80% to 90% of its weight.

    4.   Isolate:

This is the best kind of whey as it has low or no fats and trace amounts of carbohydrates and 90% of protein by its weight.

When to have whey protein?

Whey works best when taken as a post workout meal or shake specially the hydrolysed and isolate kind. As it is light, easy to digest and high in protein content. It also has BCAAs(Branched Chain Amino Acids) which prevents muscle breakdown in our body and increases lean muscle tissue.

We can also have it as a bridge meal that is between our lunch and dinner or breakfast and dinner.It is very flexible and can be used in numerous ways such as shakes, bridge liquids etc.

 

Can people with lactate allergies have whey protein?

Yes, people with lactate allergies can have whey as the allergen portion is casein which is in very minute quantities and is safe for consumption. If some reactions are observed, just after one use, stop using it from that particular instance and contact a doctor or a physician.

Why should we supplement with whey protein?

Whey can be a game changer for vegetarians. Here are some facts to convince us:

    1.   BCAA(Branched Chain Amino Acids):

Whey has BCAAs which prevents the breakdown of our muscle tissue and helps us to keep our muscle safe while losing fat at the same time. This is like a pizza with cheese two great things happening together. These amino acids help you train with intensity in the gym.

    2.   Leucine:

Leucine is a very important amino acid. Studies have shown people ingesting leucine have great muscle and strength gains.

   

    3.   Post workout shake:

As whey is light and quick digesting protein it is a great post-workout meal which gives your muscles a surplus of protein and leucine.

Nutritional Value

The  photo posted below tells us about the nutritional values of a common whey protein supplement.

 

Thus, whey is a great supplement specially for vegetarians and athletes in common and requires the attention on your supplements shopping list.

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