Whey protein is the most popular bodybuilding supplement and for good reason. It is digested quickly, making it a perfect pre and post workout protein source. More on that in a bit. Read on.
What’s Whey Protein?
Whey is a constituent of cow’s milk, and makes up for approximately 20% of its protein content. Most whey is produced as a byproduct of the production of cheese manufacturing.
Whey is considered a fast digesting protein causes a rapid increase in amino acids in the blood stream. Studies have shown that blood amino acid levels peak approximately 60-90 minutes after ingestion (1). This peak is short lived and is not sustained for than a few hours. The graph below depicts the difference in amino acid absorption rates between whey and casein (the other protein contained with cow’s milk).
The rapid increase in blood amino acids level caused by whey protein is what makes whey the best choice for your post workout shake. Just like the best testosterone boosters in the market, protein from whey will help you and support you in your diet and workout, hence, you can easily achieve your fitness goal. Make sure to consider only reliable products to ensure successful results.
Types of Whey Protein
The are different forms of whey protein available. Here is a short description on the popular types.
Whey Protein Concentrate
Whey protein concentrate (WPC) is the least processed form available. Because of the this, less pure protein is separated out and typical WPC powders contain 70-85% protein by weight. The remaining components of WPC include fats and carbohydrates particularly lactose. So for those that are lactose intolerant, WPC probably is not your best choice.
Whey Protein Isolate
Whey proetin also comes in the form of a more purified isolate created through the processes of ion exchange or membrane filtration. These processes produce a whey protein isolate (WPI) powder that is at least 90% protein by weight. Unlike WPC, WPI has much less fat and carbohydrates, typically accounting for 1% by weight. Due to the advanced technology used to manufacture WPI, it usually costs more than WPC. WPI is also easier to flavor, so if flavor is high on the totem poll, consider whey protein isolate based powders.
Whey Protein Hydrolysate
Whey protein hydolysate (WPH) is an isolated whey protein that has been partially predigested. With some of the amino acid bonds broken apart, the protein will contain smaller peptides. In this case, smaller is better. The smaller peptides means its easier to digest and is absorbed into the blood stream faster than both WPC and WPI. The constituents of WPH is similar to that of WPI, containing approximately 90% protein by weight. WPH is usually the most expensive form of whey protein and only added in small amounts to powders because of its bitter taste.
What’s the Best Protein Powder?
I believe that Optimum Nutritions %100 Whey Protein is your best choice. 100% Whey is top quality and comes in over 10 flavors, Mocha Cappuccino being my favorite. I have been taking this supplement for almost 5 years now and have never had a bad experience with it or any other of Optimum Nutrition’s products.
100% Whey contains all the protein forms described above:
Microfiltered Whey Protein Isolates
Ion-Exchange Whey Protein Isolates
Ultrafiltered Whey Protein Concentrate
HydroWhey Hydrolyzed Whey Peptides
Another factor to consider when choosing a protein supplement is the price and Optimum Nutrition does not disappoint. For the quality, you will not get better value for the price.
