Whey Protein! – Is It Right For You?
When it comes to protein supplementation, whey protein is probably the most popular and well-known choice of supplement. But what actually is whey protein? And can it help you with your fitness goals?
Keep reading as we explore the world of whey and take a look at how it can be a really handy supplement when accompanied with a healthy diet and effective training!
Why is Protein So Important?...And What Is Whey Protein?
As we’ve mentioned in previous blogs, protein is an essential nutrient for ensuring that our bodies are able to repair and regenerate cells. Ladies, protein is absolutely crucial for physical health and recovery, especially for those that train as training causes a breakdown of cells and tissue!
Even if you don’t’ train regularly, protein is still vital- it’s used by our bodies as a source of energy as well as for repairing muscles and bones. That’s right, protein really does a lot for us!...and if you happen to be someone who’s looking to build a more muscular or athletic physique, a sufficient protein intake is super important to ensure that your muscle fibers can be effectively repaired after strength training sessions- this is because strength training can cause significant breakage of muscle fibers and tissue.
Protein can be obtained from various sources, from whole foods to supplementation. Whole foods are and will always be the best and most wholesome source of natural protein…but for some of us, picking up some additional protein from other sources to supplement our already existing healthy diet can also be of great help. Supplementation can also come in really hand for those that live hectic and busy lifestyles and are therefore unable to consistently prepare meals that satisfy their nutritional needs.
There are all sorts of protein supplementation, the most commonly used is whey protein, a protein supplement that comes in powder form and is combined with water or milk to make a whey protein shake.
So, milk is made up of two types of protein, casein and whey. During cheese production, whey becomes separated as a by-product of the process. Whey protein is seen as a complete protein since it contains all 9 essential amino acids!
Whey protein can come in numerous supplementation forms, most commonly powders and protein bars! Now, if your fitness goals involve packing on muscle, your journey to goal fulfilment will involve effective training and a diet that’s rich in protein. If your existing diet already consists of a wholesome protein sources, then shakes or bars can be a smart addition to supplement what’s already there!
On the basis that your existing nutritional intake is healthy, balanced and mainly comes from whole foods, whey protein supplements can actually benefit almost all fitness goals!
All fitness goals involve exercise and a perk of protein supplementation such as whey protein powders is that they can actually be absorbed by the body a lot quicker than whole foods- this is because shakes can be digested and broken down quicker than food, meaning a quicker kickstart of the recovery process!
The Benefits Of Whey Protein Go Beyond Muscle Building
Many of us may associate protein shakes with those that’re looking to pack on muscle. Though this is understandable since muscle building and protein go hand in hand, protein and protein supplementation can help you with a lot more than just that!
Supports Recovery
Whether you’ve gone on a run, completed a solid strength training workout or finished a hardcore HIIT workout, whey protein shakes are a quick way to kick off the process of recovery and cell regeneration!
Can Support Weight Loss
Whey protein can help to boost your metabolism, and in doing so it can support you with burning more calories. Protein can also help to keep you fuller for longer…these are factors that contribute to weight loss.
Versatility
Getting our dose of protein throughout the day can be tricky to balance around work, family and just life commitments…but don’t fret! Protein supplementation can offer you a super quick fix of protein that can be consumed at any point in the day.
Blood Pressure
Whey protein contains ACE-inhibitors known as lactokinins. Scientific studies have suggested that there’s a link between lactokinins and a regulation of blood pressure. There’s also a link between dairy products and the reduction of blood pressure!
Supplements = Supplementing Your Existing Diet
So, whey protein can be pretty great and certainly a very handy too! However, it’s key to remember that supplementation without an existing healthy diet and lifestyle will not take you forward with your fitness journey.
To ensure that you make the most of the additional boost that supplementation has to offer, it’s absolutely key that your base diet is healthy, balanced and contains wholesome whole foods in abundance! When those factors are present in your life, adding supplementation to the mix can certainly give you a boost!