The Ultimate Guide to Whey Protein Powder Supplements

Whey is more than just a protein; it helps you lose a significant amount of fat, increases your strength, promotes muscle growth, lowers your blood pressure, treats type-2 diabetes, reduces inflammation, enhances your body’s antioxidant defences and what not! As such, the benefits of buying supplements like whey protein powder from Elite Supps or other such reputed dealers are countless. And if you are thinking of incorporating them into your diet but are unsure, luckily, you have landed at the right place. This article is here to give you detailed information about this fantastic protein supplement. So, read on and get all your questions answered!

What Is Whey Protein?

Milk contains two types of protein; casein and whey in ratio 8:2, respectively. And during the production of cheese from milk, a mixture of protein gets isolated from whey (the liquid part of the milk), and this protein mixture is called whey protein. Meanwhile, earlier, the cheesemakers discarded this residual part (whey), but not anymore after its nutritional values were recognised. However, whey goes through various processing steps before it becomes what you call whey protein.

Types of Whey Protein Supplements

  • Concentrate: Whey protein concentrate contains 70-80% protein and a significant amount of lactose and fat. 
  • Isolate: Whey protein isolate contains at least 90 per cent protein. And it has no (or less) fat and lactose content plus lesser beneficial nutrients than found in any other form of whey protein.
  • Hydrolysate: Whey protein hydrolysate is a “predigested” form of whey protein. Hence, it gets absorbed faster than any other form of whey protein as it has already gone through partial hydrolysis.

So, if you are starting with the whey protein, go for its concentrate form because it retains the most amount of its naturally occurring nutrients and is cheaper. However, if you are conscious about the fats and carbs you consume, hydrolysate or isolate form would be better. In addition to this, the hydrolysate form of whey protein is easy to digest and hence can be used for the medically ill and infantile. 

When Is a Good Time to Take Whey Protein in a Day?

Remember, replacing whole meals with protein shakes is not a good habit. And if you think of incorporating protein powder into your daily diet, make sure you do it thoughtfully. So, here are the two tried and tested scenarios in which whey protein is considered ideal.

#1 When You Can’t Have Your Whole Foods But Need a Specific Amount of Protein

It can be the morning time while you are in a hurry to the office or after a midday workout when you have some daily activities pending but don’t have time to prepare an entire meal for yourself. As such, when consuming a significant amount of protein powder, these are the instances that will help you meet your daily protein intake targets. After all, dropping one or two scoops of protein powder into a bottle is, of course, easier than preparing a meal.

#2 To Control the Hunger Between Meals

When your stomach starts growling after you have had lunch, but it’s not dinner time yet, how do you manage the rest of the afternoon? People often take tea breaks and snacks. But instead of this, you can consume a protein shake, and this will help tide you over until your next meal and control your calorie intake. 

Is Whey Protein Good for You?

Whey protein is safe for all, as it is also found in cow’s milk and breast milk. Hence it is often safe for young children also. However, when buying protein powder from Elite Supps or other trusted suppliers, make sure you choose age-appropriate supplements. So make your selection with caution.