Whey is a liquid that separates from milk during cheese production. The protein part of whey is called whey protein. It is a complete, high-quality protein that contains all the essential amino acids and is highly digestible, being rapidly absorbed in the intestine compared to other types of proteins. Nutrition experts suggest that you limit the amount of processed foods you eat, and that includes some whey products and whey isolates.
Whey protein isolate contains less lactose than whey protein concentrate, making it a great choice for those looking for a complete, fast-absorbing protein that helps build and repair muscles quickly. In fact, whey proteins are called complete proteins since they contain all nine essential amino acids, the building blocks of proteins that the body cannot produce on its own. Both whey and plant-based proteins can help you lose fat, increase muscle mass, control weight and improve strength. However, many whey protein shakes also include artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, and preservatives that can make unhealthy and often calorific additions to the diet. In addition, whey protein shakes are generally easier for the body to digest and faster to absorb than proteins that come from whole meats. Gastric irritation and digestive problems can be a common side effect of whey protein, and this type of protein is particularly problematic for people with dairy or lactose intolerance.
Supplementing your diet with quality protein powder, whether whey or plant-based, can increase muscle performance, boost recovery after training, promote healthy metabolism, help you lose weight and also help tone and define the body. And when it comes to weight management, some studies have also shown that whey protein may have a more significant effect on satiety compared to meat and fish protein sources such as turkey and tuna. If you're looking for a clean, all-natural protein powder then plant-based proteins are probably a better option. This shouldn't be a problem if you choose a vegetable protein powder that uses a combination of plant sources to provide all the bases, but it's something you should consider if you're thinking of a single source of protein powder. Depending on your needs, you may prefer to use animal-based whey protein powder or plant-based powder.
