What is whey protein?
Whey protein is produced during making cheese, which starts when certain enzymes are added to milk, causing it to separate into these constituent parts. One of the parts is called curds. The curds are used to make cheese, leaving behind whey protein in the liquid portion. This liquid whey is then pasteurized and dried into a powder for various uses.
Whey protein is one of two major proteins found in cow’s milk, with about 20 percent of the protein found in raw milk being whey protein and the rest 80% being casein.
Why Whey?
Whey protein formulations contain several different proteins and significant concentrations of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs: valine, leucine, isoleucine). According to research done at the University of California in 2005, amino acids play a vital role in body metabolism during exercise, not only as fuel sources but also as gluconeogenic precursors (produce glucose from noncarbohydrate sources).
During exercise, the body diverts energy away from most anabolic processes to support muscle activity. While carbohydrates serve as the main energy source during exercise, amino acids from muscle proteins can also be utilized as a fuel source via gluconeogenic and catabolic processes, particularly during prolonged or incredibly strenuous exercise. All of these processes reduce the availability of amino acids for protein synthesis during and after exercise. As a result, after an exercise bout, the body is in a state of negative nitrogen balance, meaning more protein has been broken down than has been synthesized. Studies have demonstrated that muscle protein breakdown can be elevated for up to 48 hours after intense resistance exercise.
When the body enters into the recovery mode and is in a primed state for synthesizing lost substrates, including protein, studies have shown that the rate of muscle protein synthesis increases after higher intensity resistance exercise and remains above basal to 48 hours post-exercise. However, without nutrient intake, breakdown continues to surpass synthesis, and the body remains in negative nitrogen balance. When an individual consumes protein, whether in a supplement such as whey or in food, the ingested amino acids are carried through the circulation and can be transported to the amino acid pool in skeletal muscle, where protein synthesis can proceed.
Conclusion:
The presented scientific studies indicate that the ingestion of amino acids through protein supplements augments muscle hypertrophy and retention of lean muscle mass, promoting positive nitrogen balance after resistance training.
“ According to research done at the University of California in 2005, amino acids play a vital role in body metabolism during exercise, not only as fuel sources but also as gluconeogenic precursors (produce glucose from noncarbohydrate sources). ”
“ The most catchy thing about these supplements is their marketing strategy, the labels will say "Scientifically enhanced formula for Xtreme muscle mass" or something similar, promoted by steroid filled models looking for sponsors for their own supplement needs.”
There are many Whey protein brands available in the market but the problem is all of them are blended whey proteins either a properietary blend (hidden contents) or heavily processed mixture of inferior quality whey with artificial sweetners like Aspartame, sucralose, fructose, etc, food additives like maltodextrin, thickners like Xanthan gum, flovouring agents, inferior grade cocoa powder. The most catchy thing about these supplements is their marketing strategy, the labels will say"Scientifically enhanced formula for Xtreme muscle mass" or something similar, promoted by steroid filled models looking for sponsors for their own supplement needs.
You see what is happening here...We end up paying or rather sponsoring their marketing ideas by paying a hefty price for which is anything but protein. Bottom line stay away from blended whey protein. The degree to which the whey protein is exposed to moisture and air during the mixing and processing I just described rips off its quality and amino acid potency leaving behind only the sweet taste of the artificial sugar and cocoa. No matter how bigger the brand is it is simply ineffective compared to plain whey protein. In fact, many of these sweetners one of them is Aspartame has dangerous side effects and i know at least a hundred people who have complained having digestion and flatulence problems they were all on blended whey proteins.
Which is the best protein then...Barbell Training's unflavoured Whey protein is by far the best protein in the market. It is purest form of Whey directly sourced from the manufacturer (Canada & USA)and comes from grass fed, hormone free cows.
Purest Whey, zero fillers, no sweetners, no flavoring agents and no thicking. The freshness of the Whey protein is intact and resulting in high amounts BCAAs and Glutamine. Because it is the purest form of Whey and it is light (with absolutely zero fillers) the economic value i.e., price/gram protein is highest.
I am shamelessly promoting Barbell Training's unflavored whey because I know there is no other protein in the market which is as effective as Barbell Training's unfalvoured Whey [WPC]. A 30 gms serving gives more than 24 gms of high quality protein plus it has the added advantage of providing the highest concentration of BCAAs and Glutamine.
The protein samples have been independently tested in well known Indian Food and Security approved authorised labs and the analysis results are shared with everyone. Such is our commitment to quality and standards!!!