If you’ve been working out daily and still haven’t seen your desired goals, it might be because you’re not eating right. Your body needs the right amount of muscle-building nutrients to maximise the effects of your routine and help your muscles recover afterwards. While eating healthy and fresh foods for your balanced ‘diet’ should be your primary focus, fitness supplements should be your second.
One such product that can help you in your health and fitness routine is Whey Protein Isolate (WPI). There are various forms of protein, but whey proteins are the king of them all.
What is Whey Protein Isolate?
Whey is separated from one of the two protein components of milk, the other being casein. It can also be formed as a by-product of cheesemaking.
Low in lactose content, Whey protein isolate contains all the 9 types of essential amino acids that we need but our body can’t produce. The amino acids - glutamine, leucine, and cysteine - are necessary for muscle repair, such as tissue damage, maintaining muscle mass, and increasing endurance.
Benefits of Protein Powder Whey Isolate
Now, since whey protein isolate is a complete form of protein, it is expected to have a lot of health benefits. They are:
1. Lean Muscle Building with Protein Powder Whey Isolate
As mentioned earlier, whey isolates contain Branched-chain Amino Acids (BCAA), that can increase the rate of muscle protein synthesis and decrease the rate of protein degradation. BCAA leucine, valine and isoleucine help regulate the signalling pathways that connect physiological and metabolic roles and are responsible for several cellular processes such as protein synthesis, tissue regeneration, and metabolism.
When you work out, you expend BCAAs. So, it’s essential to replenish them and return them to balance to prevent muscle loss and get some muscle gain instead. You can improve your muscle synthesis by 50% just from BCAAs alone.
2. Whey Protein Isolate Helps Weight Loss
Whey protein isolate is low in carbohydrates, fat and sugar. So, you can use it in different recipes and shakes to provide your body with the nutrients that it needs without adding superficial calories. It will optimise your body nutrition and keep you satiated, which is perfect for weight loss goals. Studies have shown that supplementing with whey protein isolates can trigger abdominal fat loss without compromising your lean muscle mass.
3. May Lower Blood Pressure
Whey proteins isolate contains lactokinins, a type of angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor (ACE-inhibitors) present in dairy, that can lower your blood pressure when consumed. It is a type of bioactive peptide, and studies show that consuming 56 grams of whey protein caused a 3-point drop in systolic blood pressure and a 2-point drop in diastolic blood pressure. However, the results were only visible in people with elevated blood pressure.
4. Whey Protein Isolate is Highly Digestible
Due to its high absorption rate, protein powder whey isolates rich are processed quite fast. If you want to increase the absorption rate, consume it in liquid form. Fortunately, it’s great for regulating bowel movements. It’s also quite effective at moderating blood sugar levels if taken before or with high-carb meals.
5. Reduces Inflammation
High doses of whey protein isolate can reduce C-reactive protein (CRP) within the body. CRP is a key marker for inflammation and is highly present in people suffering from chronic inflammation pain.
There have also been cases of whey protein isolates helping treat Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis, in both rodents and humans. However, more evidence is needed for further studies.
6. Enhance the Body’s Antioxidant Defense
One of the most important antioxidants, glutathione, depends on the supply of several amino acids to be produced within the body. Oxidation creates unstable free radicals within the body, that steal electrons from other molecules and cause damage to the cell membrane and other structures. So, the body needs antioxidants from food to neutralise the free radicals and repair the damage.
Unlike other antioxidants, you cannot get glutathione from your diet. So, by consuming whey protein isolate, you can build your body’s defence against oxidation.
7. Whey Protein Isolate Helps Curb Hunger
A protein-rich diet is correlated with sustained satiety. Although protein is generally the most satiating macronutrient, whey protein isolate works even better than casein and soy. It curbs your hunger and increases the level of leucine, lysine, tryptophan, isoleucine, and threonine response, which keeps you feeling full longer.
Should You Consume Protein Powder Whey Isolate?
Nowadays, heavy gymgoers are just one of the demographics taking their shakers to the gym. Adults on the go who cannot meet their macro requirements just from their diets or are looking for a way to lose some weight can also try to replenish their bodies through protein supplements.
Side-Effects of Whey Protein Powder?
Nothing excessive can ever be good for you. And that’s true for whey protein isolate as well. Excessive consumption can lead to side effects, such as:
- nausea
- pain
- bloating
- cramping
- flatulence
- Diarrhea
Get Your Daily Dose of Whey Protein Isolate
If you want to improve your muscle growth and recovery, then choosing the right whey protein isolate is your way to go. Trust me, your body will thank you! Top Athlete also has a range of other fitness supplements to help you strive for greatness, be it in the gym, the ring, the track or the court, and get you at the top of your game.
