The ‘whey’ to a great bodybuilding experience is certainly ‘whey protein’. It is the love of life of almost every bodybuilder and fitness enthusiast. The reason is simple- it’s the best form of protein known so far that helps in building great muscles.
Whey Protein is a favourite among fitness diehards because it is extremely rich in amino acids and is the fastest digesting protein. Let’s know more in detail why it is so popular. So, grab your shakers and get set to learn more about your favourite protein.
What is Whey Protein?
A super-protein derived from milk when making cheese. Along with casein, it is also obtained from milk and is rapidly digesting protein. But the whey that reaches you is a processed form of the whey obtained from the dairy. It is converted into a powdered form, which is often tasteless and then sold in the market, with or without added flavours, under various brand names. It is also used in protein bars, peanut butter, cereals, etc.
What is it made up of?
Well, your whey protein has many things in it which makes it a super-protein. It contains the following components:
- Beta-lactoglobulin
- Alpha- lactoglobulin
- Immunoglobulins
- Bovine serum albumin
- Other components like sodium, potassium, folic acid, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B12 & C)
Apart from these, whey is rich in all 9 essential amino acids- leucine, cysteine, isoleucine, histidine, tryptophan, valine, methionine, threonine, and phenylalanine. These essential amino acids are very crucial because your body cannot make them on its own. From all these, there is a group of 3 essential amino acids- leucine, valine, and isoleucine, which is known as BCAA (Branched Chain Amino Acids). These are crucial for muscle recovery and boosting protein synthesis in muscles. They also help in relieving any muscle soreness due to exercise and help in better muscle growth.
Benefits of Whey Protein
- Enhance the outcome of resistance training
Whey protein supplementation along with resistance training helps in improving muscle mass and strength when compared with resistance training alone. When compared with other proteins like casein, soy, pea, hemp, etc., whey protein is extremely helpful in improving muscle size and strength. Whey protein isolate is great for gaining a lean body mass and cutting down body fat.
- Helps with weight loss
There is no denying the fact that protein helps in losing weight and also maintaining a healthy weight. This is because it is a highly satiating component that helps in keeping you full for long periods of time and suppress your hunger. This keeps you away from unhealthy munching and cravings. Whey protein helps in losing weight when taken with a calorie-deficit diet. Keep going on with your resistance training and have whey protein.
- Helps with building great muscles
Whey protein is rich in various components that help in building sturdy muscles. It also helps in boosting muscle recovery as it has BCAA. it gets absorbed quickly and thus offers you maximum benefit.
- As a pre-workout or post-workout aid
A good supplement offers you around 25-30g protein per scoop. You can consume a shake made out of whey protein either 1-2 hours prior to your workout or immediately after you have enjoyed an intense session at the gym.
It is not necessary that you consume the shake within 30-40 minutes of workout, you can consume it within 1-2 hours as well. If you delay having your whey then it might affect your muscle growth, repair, and recovery.
Now that you have learned quite a few things about your favourite protein, we’ll be telling you 5 best whey protein supplements that can help you achieve your goal faster and get maximum results.
5 Best Whey Protein Powders
- MuscleBlaze Biozyme Whey: This supplement by MuscleBlaze is special as it is India’s first clinically-tested protein that gives you 50% more absorption of protein with 60% higher BCAA absorption. Thanks to its revolutionary Enhanced Absorption Formula. It reduces stomach discomfort and offers 25g protein per serving. It is also labdoor-certified for purity and accuracy.
- Pro JYM protein powder: This product by Pro JYM is a combination of premium quality dairy and animal protein- whey, casein, and eggs. This helps in fueling you with energy and also boosts muscle recovery. It releases protein quickly and also with time which maintains the amino acid availability to improve muscle growth.it is available in various delicious flavours.
- MuscleTech Nitro-Tech: This is a pure protein powder that contains whey protein peptides and whey isolate. It offers 24g protein per serving to fuel your muscle-building along with 100mg calcium and 150mg sodium.
- MuscleBlaze Whey Gold: This MuscleBlaze Whey Protein is a great product that offers 25g protein and 5.5g BCAA to improve your bodybuilding and muscle recovery. It is also a protein lab-certified product that establishes its premium quality.
- ON Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein: This product offers 24g protein with each serving with all the amino acids to boost muscle recovery and growth. It is available in 18 delicious flavours to suit everyone’s taste preferences.
Winding-up:
If you want to increase lean muscle mass, lose weight, suppress your hunger, or boost muscle growth, strength, and recovery, whey is made for you. Do not think of replacing it with whole foods and a proper diet, but it should be consumed in combination with a healthy diet and proper training to yield the best results.
